he also engaged in agricultural pursuits until being elected mayor of manchester in 1871. he was governor of new hampshire from 1875 to 1877. cheney was appointed as a republican to the united states senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of austin f. pike, and served from november 24, 1886, to june 14, 1887, when a successor was elected and qualified. he was not a candidate for election to fill the vacancy, and resumed his former manufacturing pursuits.