JOSEPH H. CATES, son of John S. and Elizabeth (Himes) CATES, was born March 22, 1827. His father was born in 1808, near Knoxville, Tenn., and was given a limited education in the country schools. He chose farming for his occupation. He was also a stone-mason and worked at this trade for a number or years in Bedford County. He was the father of eleven children, viz.: Mary A., John R., Martha J., Daniel E., Joseph H., James P., Giles P., Phenettie F., Sadie R., Jestinie E. and Caldonia C. James and Giles P. are dead. The father, John S. CATES, died June 1, 1880. He was a consistent member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and was highly respected by the community, being a man of high integrity.
Our subject grew to manhood on the farm, was education in the country schools and is a farmer and stone-mason. In 1879 he was married to Miss Levina OAKLEY, and two children blessed the union: John S. and William P., both living. Mr. CATES and wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The family are well respected in the county.
Transcribed by Kathryn Hopkins
Goodspeed Publishing Co. History of Tennessee from the Earliest Time to the Present: Together with an Historical and a Biographical Sketch of Maury, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, Bedford & Marshall Counties, Besides a Valuable Fund of Notes, Reminescences [Sic], Observations, Etc., Etc. Easley, S.C.: Southern Historical Press, 1988.