My Genealogy Hound

Obed C. Cate, farmer, stock raiser, and trader, was born in Jefferson County, Tenn., September 15, 1831, and is the son of Charles and Rachel (Thornburg) Cate. The father was born in Jefferson County, Tenn., September 9, 1805, and the mother in the same county January 21, 1808. They lived in their native State until 1847, when they moved to Washington County, Ark., and purchased the property where their son, Obed C., is now living. Here they passed their last days, the father dying December 3, 1869, and the mother February 14, 1863. The father was a thrifty farmer, was a Whig before the war, and during that eventful period he was a Union man. Both were members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Their family consisted of seven children, three sons and four daughters. Obed C. Cate and his sister Jane were twins. He was educated to a limited extent in the old subscription schools, and after working for his father until twenty-one years of age, be began as an independent farmer. October 9, 1853, be married Miss Mary Miller, who was born in Washington County, and who bore him ten children, Sidney M., Lafayette, William A., Annie J., Charles E., Laura A., John O., Aimy, Carrie and Mary A. In 1862 Mr. Cate was conscripted in the Confederate army, but succeeded in getting out after four months’ service. After marriage he settled upon the farm where he now lives, and which consists of 300 acres. Mr. Cate is a Republican in his political views, and is a member of the I. O. O. F. He has lived in this county for forty-one years, and is accounted one of the most successful farmers in his community.