Sometime around 1818, David's father, John, sent his two eldest sons, David Acheson and John R. Acheson, a year ahead of the family to set up a homestead in Ohio. The boys would have been in their early 20s. Their uncle, David Acheson, already had a homestead near Bloomfield at this time.

David Acheson married Betsey Law on 26 November 1822 in Muskingum County, Ohio.

According to the "Ohio River Survey & United States Military Survey on Congressional Lands in Muskingum County, Ohio" D. R. Acheson bought 80 acres (Range 5, Township 3, Section 11, E 1/2 SE 1/4) on 29 Aug 1824.

The family were members of the Seceder Church (Associate Presbyterian).

David R. Achison (53 Pennsylvania) is found in the 1850 United States Census (10 October 1850) for Knox Township, Guernsey County, Ohio (dwelling 1385, family 1378) along with his wife, Elizabeth Achison (43 Pennsylvania) and children: John Achison (23 Ohio), James R. Achison (21 Ohio), Eliza Achison (18 Ohio), Wm. Achison (16 Ohio), Esther J. Achison (14 Ohio), D. Anderson Achison (10 Ohio), Robert J. Achison (7 Ohio), and Saml. M. Achison (2 Ohio). David was a farmer with land valued at $1500.

In 1853, David and Elizabeth with their family came to Iowa by covered wagon from Ohio, crossing the Mississippi River at Muscatine, Iowa. They arrived in Muscatine in the fall and lived with or near David's brother, Humphrey, who had come to the area two years earlier.

On Saturday, 22 July 1854, David R. and his brother, Humphrey "sickened and died" in a cholera epidemic that hit Muscatine. David was 57. On Sunday morning, 23 July 1854, Mrs. Humphrey Acheson "also died of the disease". Elizabeth Acheson "who was the first one attacked" was dangerously ill but recovered. Two of David and Elizabeth's children, William Glover Acheson and Margaret Ann Acheson also died in the epidemic. Margaret "who was taken sick Monday morning but appeared to be recovering, took a relapse and died Wednesday" 26 July 1854.
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"FATAL SICKNESS - Several sudden deaths have occurred in this place since Saturday morning from a disease resembling cholera. On the above mentioned day, David R. and Humphrey Atchison (brothers) sickened and died. The former was aged 57 and the later about 50. Both were heads of families. One of them came to this place from Ohio about two years ago, and the other came last fall.

Sunday morning, the wife of Humphrey Atchison also died of the disease. The wife of David R. Atchison, who was the first one attacked, is now convalescent.

Of a family named Ruford, the father, mother, and small girl have died. The father died Friday, about 20 miles in the country in the direction of Davenport, where he had one to harvest; the girl died yesterday morning, and the mother last night. Four little boys, ranging from about eight to two years of age, remain, the three younger of whom are sick but getting better. This family lived in a damp basement ___ry.

Yesterday, Mr. Smith, a teamster, died of the disease; also Mrs. Allen, mother-in-law of Mr. Beedle. These we believe are all that have died. Several other cases have been reported, but none, we believe have terminated fatally.

It is somewhat remarkable that six of these deaths occurred on one of the highest ridges in the back part of the city where there is nothing to engender the disease. The seventh occurred on an adjoining ridge, but a short distance from the others. The cholera is certainly an anomalous disease.

We think a correct and unvarnished statement of the matter is the best means to allay undue apprehension and prevent exaggerated reports from going abroad. This we have done." Source: Tri-Weekly Journal (Muscatine, Iowa), Monday, 24 July 1854.

THE CHOLERA - As far as we can ascertain, but one case of cholera has occurred since our last issue - that of Mr. Beedle, who was taken with the disease, night before last. Yesterday very little hope was entertained of Mr.'s recovery, but this morning, we learn, he is much better.

The cool and bracing north wind which prevailed yesterday, will no doubt prevent the further progress if the disease. - Source: Tri-Weekly Journal (Muscatine, Iowa), Wednesday, 26 July 1854.

HEALTH - One of our physicians authorizes us to say that there is now no cholera in Muscatine. The last case was that of Mr. Beedle, who is slowing recovering. Another member of one of the Atchison families, who was taken sick Monday morning but appeared to be recovering, took a relapse and died Wednesday. The total number of deaths from cholera since its appearance, have been, as near as we can ascertain, nine - seven adults and two children. One of the above number of adults died in the country, but was a resident of this place and had been absent from the city but a few hours.

P.S. Richard Beedle died of the disease yesterday (Friday) forenoon, at his residence about two miles from this city." Source: Tri-Weekly Journal (Muscatine, Iowa), Friday, 28 July 1854.

The Muscatine County Graves Registration says David Atchison (57) and his brother, Humphrey Atchison (50) were war veterans. They both died in Muscatine. Place of burial - Unknown.