Ship's Crew
John P. Cheever
Rank(s): Able Seaman
Dates of Service: 5/9/1812 - 12/29/1812
Birth Date: 8/9/1789
Death Date: 12/29/1812
Early Life
John Cheever was born on August 9, 1789 in Marblehead, Massachusetts, son of Mary Calley and John Cheever. He had a sister and two brothers, one of whom, Joseph Pope Cheever, also served abroad Constitution.
Early Experience
Cheevers enlisted as an able seaman on May 6, 1812. In 1809, he was 5 feet, 5 inches tall with a dark complexion.
Cheevers joined Constitution ’s crew as an able seaman on May 9, 1812. In 1812, he was assigned to gun no. 9, 2nd sponger as a part of gun deck, second division.
Battles and Engagements
He participated in battle with HMS Guerriere and received $42.62 ½ in prize money. Cheevers was killed in the engagement with HMS Java on December 29, 1812.
Cheevers died from his wounds on December 29 1812, after the battle had ended. His brother, Joseph, was also injured in the battle and died on January 24, 1813. Both were buried at sea. Their mother, Mary Cheever, was already a widow at the time and was left destitute by the boys’ deaths. Congress awarded her a “gratuity” of $25.00 quarterly. This was not a death benefit or pension, but an acknowledgement of the loss she had suffered.
Crew ID
2943
