Henry Plummer Cheatham collection

1912-1941

Henry Plummer Cheatham (1892-1940) was born in Henderson, North Carolina to ex-Congressman (1889-1890) and superintendent of the Colored Orphanage at Oxford, North Carolina, Henry P. Cheatham and his wife Louise Cherry. The younger Cheatham was educated in the public schools of Washington, D.C. and later graduated from Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina and Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1925) where he received a law degree with honors. Prior to attending Temple University, Cheatham enlisted in the United States Army (c. 1912).

Cheatham served with the 24th infantry in the Philippines Island for almost the entirety of his enlisted years and earned the rank of Regimental Sergeant Major. After serving in the Philippines he resided in New York at which time he enlisted in the 15th New York City Infantry. When the United States entered World War I, the 15th was taken over by the War Department and became the 369th United States Infantry. Cheatham served with the 369th in France, later, he was transferred to the 370th Infantry.

Cheatham graduated with honors from Temple University Law School, class of 1925. After he was admitted to the Bar, he opened offices in Philadelphia where he practiced law until a few months prior to his death.