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Below is a family biography included in The History of Maury County, Tennessee published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1887.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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OWEN P. CHEEK, one of Maury County’s most enterprising citizens, was born May 7, 1831, son of John L. and Elizabeth Cheek. The father was born in North Carolina, October, 1801, and came to Tennessee with his parents when quite young. He began business for himself at the age of twenty-one as a farmer, and by this occupation he accumulated considerable means. He was married and became the father of a large family. His death occurred in 1873. The mother was born in Maury County March, 1815, and is an exemplary Christian, she is still living at the old homestead. Our subject received a limited education, although enough for all practical purposes. August 17, 1854, he wedded Susan Huey, a native of Maury County, Tenn., born February 17, 1838, and the daughter of William G. and Susan (Bradley) Huey. By this marriage our subject became the father of ten children; Eliza J., Susan E., William L., Calvin B., James M., Ida L., John T., Joseph E. J., Lises E. and one who died unnamed. The mother of these children is a worthy member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and has many warm friends. In 1861 our subject enlisted in Company H, Forty-eighth Regiment Tennessee Infantry, and was sworn in at Nashville. He was captured at Fort Henry and taken to Chicago where he was imprisoned for seven months. He was then exchanged and sent to his command at Vicksburg. He was all through the war and was a brave and gallant soldier. He is a Democrat and is justly recognized as an upright, honest citizen.

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This family biography is one of the numerous biographies included in The History of Maury County, Tennessee published in 1887 by Goodspeed.  The History of Maury County was included within The History of Maury, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, Bedford & Marshall Counties of Tennessee. For the complete description, click here: History of Maury, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, Beford and Marshall Counties of Tennessee

View additional Maury County, Tennessee family biographies here

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