- Creator
- Cheatham, Henry Plummer, 1892-1940
- Call number
- Sc MG 660
- Physical description
- 0.03 linear feet (3 folders)
- Language
- English
- Preferred Citation
- [Item], Henry Plummer Cheatham collection, Sc MG 660, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division, The New York Public Library
- Repository
- Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division
- Access to materials
- Request an in-person research appointment.
This collection contains personal correspondence to Cheatham's siblings (Mamie and Charles), describing his military experience while serving in the Philippine Islands, as well as correspondence relating to military regulations during World War I. Also included in the collection is correspondence pertaining to funeral arrangements for Cheatham addressed to his brother Charles Cheatham. There are also programs, an obituary for Cheatham, a speech (possibly by former Congressman Cheatham), and announcements and flyers for an appearance by the congressman.
Biographical/historical information
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 (ca. 1912).
Cheatham served with the 24th infantry in the Philippines 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, and later, he was transferred to the 370th Infantry.
After he was admitted to the Bar, Cheatham opened offices in Philadelphia where he practiced law until a few months prior to his death.
Administrative information
Source of acquisition
Gift of Helen Armstead-Johnson, June 1999.
Revision History
Finding aid updated by Lauren Stark. (2022 February 4)
Processing information
Accessioned by L. J. Sewell, July 1999.
Separated material
Transferred to the Photographs and Prints Division: photographs.
Using the collection
Location
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division515 Malcolm X Boulevard, New York, NY 10037-1801
Second Floor