Born in Madison County, Indiana. A resident of Centerville, Appanoose County, Iowa when he enlisted in the 17th Iowa Infantry on 4 Mar 1862. Mustered in as a Private in Company F on 10 Apr 1862. Discharged on 8 Dec 1862. A resident of Appanoose County, Iowa when he enlisted in the 47th Iowa Infantry (100 days). Mustered in as 1st Corporal of Company B on 4 Jun 1864. Mustered out at Davenport, Scott County, Iowa. A member of Custer Post No. 6 of Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington. Died in Tacoma, Washington. Some of his military records identify him as "Charles A. Cheesman". Cemetery records show only Lot 3, Block 92, but no row or grave number.