M. C. Cheyne

M. C. CHEYNE, a leading business man at Melrose, who does a large business as a general merchant and as a dealer in drugs and oils, was born in Tazewell County, Illinois, not far from Morton, February 22, 1860, and is a son of William and Christiana (Duncan) Cheyne.

The father of Mr. Cheyne was born in Aberdeen County, Scotland, and now resides at Weeping Water, Nebraska. He came to the United States with his wife, who was a daughter of Alexander Duncan, of Aberdeen, County, and she died at Morton, Illinois, when the subject of this sketch was two years old. They had six children, the three survivors being: William, of Council Bluffs, Iowa; John S., cashier of the Miami Bank, at Miami, Indian Terirtory[sic]; and M. C.

M. C. Cheyne remained on the home farm in Illinois, until he was 21 years of age. Then he came to Kansas, and has been a resident of this State ever since. He had but a small capital and began working by the day, but subsequently entered into the sheep business, with Richard Barber. They bought sheep in Arkansas which they sold in Missouri, and the business proved fairly profitable. Later, Mr. Cheyne sold his interest to his partner, and removed to Melrose, Kansas, and then to Galena, where he worked two years for the Excelsior crushing works. He then returned to Neosho township, secured land in the rich bottoms, and was engaged in farming for 20 years. After disposing of his farm to Samuel Reynolds, he bought out the established notion store of C. S. Bingham, putting in a stock of merchandise. Soon he was appointed postmaster by President Cleveland. He conducted the store and post office in conjunction for 11 years, to the entire satisfaction of the community. He has added drugs and oils and does a large business.

On October 7, 1896, Mr. Cheyne was married to Olivia Mims, who was born in Texas. They have two children,--Hobart L. and Mary C.

Politically, Mr. Cheyne is a Republican, and he has served for one year as township clerk. He is a well known citizen, one who is held in very high esteem in Melrose and Neosho townships, both on account of his business qualifications and honest dealing, and for his sterling traits of character.

History of Cherokee County Kansas and its representative citizens, ed. & comp. by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, 1904, transcribed by Carolyn Ward, instructor from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Baxter Springs, Kansas, 3/11/97.