Background
He was born in Washington, District of Columbia
He was born in Washington, District of Columbia
Cheever was appointed as second lieutenant of the 6th Cavalry Regiment in August 1876, and was promoted to first lieutenant in December 1881. He was promoted to Captain in March 1893, and served as an inspector general of United States Volunteers during the Spanish-American War, serving in the Philippines. In September 1902, he was promoted to major in the 8th Cavalry Regiment, but returned to his old regiment half a year later, and continued serving until his retirement with the rank of lieutenant colonel in 1910.
He was later advanced to colonel on the retired list Cheever died in Ventnor City, New Jersey and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.