Dr. William Archer Cheatham: Tennessee’s First Mental Health Professional

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Dr. William Archer Cheatham’s contributions to the field of mental health have long been obscured by the greater notoriety of his second wife, Adelicia Acklen. This book tells his story.

Cheatham worked as the Superintendent of the Tennessee Hospital for the Insane from 1852-1862 and during that time helped establish the state’s mental health delivery system. This book explores his origins and early years, his tenure as superintendent, the negative impact the Civil War had on his personal life and professional career, and the postwar period when he married Adelicia. Dr. Cheatham’s involvement with the mentally ill would continue until his death in 1900.