Merchant.

Educated mostly in England. From 1769 to 1775, he was a partner in the Bristol merchant firm of Stevenson, Randolph, and Cheston, but resided in Maryland. Sailed for France aboard the brig Nesbitt (August 1779). Sought a passport for England, where he wished to settle his affairs and gather his effects before returning to his wife and three children in Maryland. On November 19, 1780, Franklin witnessed his oath of allegiance.

Son of the Maryland merchant, shipowner, and sheriff, Daniel Cheston (iii, 166-7), who corresponded with Franklin in 1747.

Possibly the James Cheston (b. 1747) who was a lawyer on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.