J. C. Pate resides in the Fourth District of Dyer County, and is a farmer. He was born in Decatur County in 1832, and was one of five children, whose parents were William and Ona (Esra) Pate. His father was born in Tennessee in 1807; moved to Dyer County in 1834; was among the early settlers, and located nine miles north of Dyersburg; later he removed to the western boundary of Dyer County, on the Mississippi River. He died in 1886, and during his life engaged in farming. Our subject's mother was born in Decatur County about two years later than her husband and now lives at the home place. Mr. Pate was raised at home, and educated in the schools near there. November 1, 1854, he married Nancy, daughter of Wilson and Elizabeth Wynne. Mrs. Pate was born in Gibson County in 1835. They had two children: Henry Clay (deceased) and George Washington. In 1860 Mr. Pate located at his present residence. He has at the home place 100 acres of rich land, containing good improvements, four miles west of Dyersburg. In 1862 he enlisted in Company A, Twelfth Tennessee Infantry (known as the "Newbern Blues"). The captain was William Harrel. He was in the battles of Belmont and Shiloh, besides other minor engagements. At Shiloh he had a brother killed, and two other brothers - C. H. and M. D. L. - in the war. Mr. Pate returned from the army late in 1863. He is a Democrat, and his first presidential vote was cast for James Buchanan. He has been successful in business, a popular man, and gives generously to all laudable enterprises.