Elon H. Tate (deceased) was born in Grundy County, Tenn., October, 15, 1817, and was engaged in cultivating the soil in Warren and Grundy Counties, until his removal to Decatur County, August 12, 1870, He located at Decaturville where he remained until his death December 10, 1879. Mr. Tate was a life-long Democrat and a most worthy citizen. His wife, Jane (Turner) Tate, died May 8, 1865. Their family consisted of five children, two of whom died in infancy, and George was killed at Decaturville November 30, 1877. John L. and James H., the two remaining children, were brought up on a farm and accustomed to hard manual labor from boyhood. John L. secured a good common school education at Philadelphia, Warren County, and James H. at Decaturville. John L. was born December 7,1849, in Warren County, Tenn., and enlisted in Forrest's Confederate cavalry in 1864. He participated in several skirmishes and was on duty until the close of the war. He returned to Warren County, and followed farming until 1869, when he came to Oak Grove, Decatur County, and the following year came to Decaturville, where he followed merchandising. September 20, 1871, Miss Martha J. Welch, daughter of Henry Welch, became his wife. To them have been born seven children: Mary and Maggie the two oldest, and John Elmer and Grover Cleveland, the two youngest, are deceased. These three are at home: William H., Carrie B. and Anna Jane. Mr. Tate commenced his mercantile business at Decaturville in 1870, and by liberality and close application to business has succeeded in building up a large trade. He is prominently connected with the Masonic order, Lodge No. 218, and is also connected with the K. of H. James H. engaged in the mercantile business, in partnership with John L. In 1884 he went to Perryville and engaged in business there until May 6, 1885, when he lost a large part of his property by fire. He then returned to Decaturville and has been dealing extensively in cotton. He was born in DeKalb County, September 30, 1855, and married December 21, 1875, to Miss Emma Jones, daugbter of Dr. T. W. Jones of Decaturvllle. She has borne him five children, one of whom, Emma Myrtle, is deceased. The others are Jesse, Allie, Lewis L. and James P. John L. and James H. are known throughout the county as good substantial business men, who have made their own way in life, James H. is also a member of the Masonic order and K. of H.

Goodspeeds History of Tennessee