ANDREW J. CATES, grain merchant, farmer and stock raiser, Teheran; was born near Hillsboro, Coffee Co., Tenn., Sept. 28, 1833; came to Jefferson Co., Ill., with his parents, in 1834; they moved to Greene Co., Mo., the same year, remaining two years, then moved Hamilton Co., Ill., where his parents remained.  His father, James I., was born in Alabama Aug. 14, 1809, and married Nancy Shelton Jan. 7, 1831; she was born in Virginia Jan. 9, 1808. He died Aug. 10, 1846; she, Oct. 3, 1876. A. J. Cates, the subject of this sketch, came to Mason Co. Oct. 16, 1854, but spent the next winter in Fulton Co.; the next fall, commenced farming, and has followed the business ever since; he bought land in Pennsylvania Township, where he now resides, in 1858, near Teheran. In 1874, was elected Justice of the Peace; still officiates. August 24, 1855, he married Emily 0. Scovil, daughter of Pulaski Scovil, of Salt Creek Township; she was born in Havana, Mason Co., Nov. 26, 1838. They have had twelve children: Clara I., born Sept. 9, 1856; Anna A., Nov. 6, 1858; Mary E., Nov. 24,1860; Lillie E., Nov. 14, 1862; William S., Feb. 10, 1865, died Nov. 21, 1866; Joseph A., born Feb. 8, 1867; Charles I., Feb. 17, 1869; Walter J., Feb. 13, 1871; Effie May, April 19, 1873; Olive A., April 3, 1875; Ada J.. May 3, 1877, and Jessie M., Jan. 20, 1879. He owns 249 acres of land, and a floe home and outbuildings in Teheran. In politics, he is a Republican.



Maintained by Mason County Coordinator Donna Mayer