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.

Source: History of Tennessee: From the Earliest Time to the Present; Together with an Historical and a Biographical Sketch of Maury, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, Bedford and Marshall Counties. Nashville, Tenn: Goodspeed Pub. Co, 1886.