When Charles moved to Ohio, Ward returned to South Manchester and found several brothers raising a Chinese mulberry, Morus multicaulis.
The materials they produced were considered equal to the best made in Europe, and found a special demand for use in sewing machines on account of their strength, uniformity of twist, and fine finish.
[2] On their father's farm, the brothers established the model manufacturing village of South Manchester, with cottage homes, and a spacious and architecturally elegant hall and theatre where dramatic and other entertainments were given gratis, and religious exercises were held on Sundays.
Ralph Cheney (13 January 1806 - 16 September 1869) As well as joining his brothers in the silk enterprise, he was fond of agricultural pursuits and devoted most of his life to farming.
[4] Frank Cheney (born 5 July 1817) A natural mechanic, he joined with his brother Rush in the invention and construction of machinery which made the family business successful.
The Confederates were beginning the invasion of Maryland that ended in repulse at Antietam, and all available troops were hurried forward to meet them irrespective of experience as soldiers.
On 12 September, Frank Cheney led his regiment of recruits in a skirmish that proved preliminary to the battle of Antietam, in which engagement he was severely wounded, late in the afternoon, while endeavoring to rally his men, who, never having had a battalion drill, had been thrown into disorder by the enemy's fire.
[5] Frank traveled in Europe, China, and Japan, studying the silk industries of those countries, and joined Cheney Brothers as its treasurer.