Isaiah Elson Workman

Isaiah married Ellen Norwood on 20 Nov 1865 in Maury County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Alternate birth: Tennessee
• Alternate birth: Abt 1805, North Carolina
• Alternate birth: Abt 1810, North Carolina

John married Dorothy Alan Cates in 1835. Dorothy was born in 1800 in North Carolina; died before 1859. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Alternate death: 1858, Henry, Henry, Tennessee

Other Events and Attributes:

• Alternate death: 6 May 1845, Weakley County, Tennessee

Richard married Cathrine Ann Williams in 1796 in North Carolina. Cathrine was born in 1784 in Bertie County, North Carolina; died in 1868 in Weakley County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Or perhaps Anna Kathrine Williams.

Notes:

Many online claims notwithstanding, he was not a son of Jacob Workman (sometimes called, based on no evidence of which we're aware, John Jacob Workman) of Somerset County, New Jersey; Allegany County, Maryland; and Bourbon County, Kentucky; and his wife Elizabeth Wyckoff. That couple had a son named John Workman who was born 8 April 1789 in Maryland and died 21 April 1855 in Salt Lake City, having joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

It's worth noting, however, that this Jacob Workman was a son of Abraham Woertman and Annetje Smith, and that PNH's great aunt Neville Workman (1904-1986), interviewed by PNH's mother in the early 1970s, said very firmly that her Workmans were originally Woertmans; according to the pencilled transcript of the conversation, she was at pains to specify the spelling of Woertman.

From the Workman compilation by Allan Baumbach from Dr. Banks's Cates files:

1776 Election of delegates from Orange County to the fourth Provincial Congress. JOHN WORKMAN voted as a landowner. [PNH: Obviously not our John Workman, but possibly his father.]

From Article on the Antioch Baptist Church, by Dr. Banks R. Cates, Jr. "William Lindsey Durham, as well as his sons Isaac, William Junior and John Durham were active in the Haw River Mountain Baptist Church. Also active were Richard Cate-5, son of Richard of Haw river, and Thomas Workman, son of Cane Creek Baptist Trustee JOHN WORKMAN & HIS WIFE SYLVIA CATE. Thomas Workmans' wife was Mary, daughter of Richard Cate of Haw River."

14 Dec 1778 land entry for JOHN WORKMAN, 190 acres on the waters of Little Cain Creek adjoining Burnett Cate & Mary Sikes. (Orange Co. Land Entries)

1779 Orange County Tax List: No listing for JOHN WORKMAN.

13 Aug 1779 - Land entry for Barnett Cate, 350 acres on little Cain creek, a branch of Haw River, adjoining Thomas Cate & John Cate, and including his own improvement; and including a 100 acre claim purchased from JOHN WORKMAN. entry Taker: John Butler. (Ibid)

1781 Orange County Tax list, Caswell District: JOHN WORKEMAN, 540 pds, no land listed, 1 horse, 9 cattle.

1782 Orange County Tax List, Caswell District: JOHN WORKMAN, 190 acres, 2 horses, 4 cattle.

1783 Orange County Tax List, Caswell District: JOHN WORKMAN, 190 acres, no slaves, 3 horses, 7 cattle.

1785 Orange County Tax List, Caswell District: JOHN WORKMAN, 190 acres, 1 free pole, no black poll.

15 Oct 1786 - Entry for Thomas Cate, 225 acres on Cain Creek, adjoining Jno. Cates, JNO. WORKMAN, Fred K. William, and his own land.(North Carolina Land Grants)

1787 Orange County Tax List, Caswell District: JOHN WORKMAN, 190 acres, 1 free poll, no black poll.

1787 Orange County Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions: Wm. Riley was appointed Overseer of Road from the old trading Road by Abner Tapp's to Woody's road at or near JNO. WORKMAN'S, and the following persons were to work under him: JNO. WORKMAN, Frederick Williams, Joseph Weeks, Phillip Austin, Joshua Witty, Abner Tapp, James Watson, James Riley, Jun., and Thomas Bailiff.

1788 Orange County Tax List, Caswell District: JOHN WORKMAN, 190 acres, 1 free poll, no black poll.

20 Aug 1789 - Thomas Durham of Orange Co. deeded to Thomas Cate,preacher, Thomas Cate, Robert Cate, John Strother, Richard Cate, JOHN WORKMAN, Barnard Cate, Joseph Cate, Mary Christmas jointly trustees of Orange co. for twenty shillings, one acre, for use of building a meeting house to hold public meetings & Thanksgivings for the Meanes & Blessing of Almighty God, on the old path joining, John Strouther's line wit: Thomas Basket & Mark Cooper. S/ Thomas Durham.

1790 Orange County Tax List, Caswell District: JOHN WORKMAN, 1 white poll, 100 acres.

7 Jan 1791 - Thomas Cate & Elizabeth Cate deeded to Thomas Basket 28 acres on John Basket"s line, on Robett Cate's Spring Branch. Wit: John Fawcet, Robert Cate & JOHN WORKMAN.

1791 Orange County Tax List, Caswell District: JOHN WORKMAN, 100 acres, 1 free poll, no black poll.

1792 Orange County Tax List, Caswell District: JOHN WORKMAN, 100 acres, 1 free poll, no black poll.

24 Dec 1793 - Joseph Cate signed his will in Orange County. He named as legatees his wife Ann; his sons Stephen, Charles and Solomon; his daughters Elizabeth and Sale. His land was on Cane Creek, John Cate's line, at mouth of Hogg Branch, down to below mouth of Turkey Hill Creek, adjacent James Kirk, Thomas Basket, Thomas Durham. Exec: brother Thomas Cate, wife Ann Cate. Wit: John Cate, Elizabeth Cate & JOHN WORKMAN. (Orange Co. Wills)

1794 Orange County Tax List, Caswell District: JOHN WORKMAN, 100 acres, 1 free poll, no black poll.

23 Dec 1794 - Survey for Barnard Cate, 25 acres on the waters of Little Cane Creek adjacent Thomas Lindley & JOHN WORKMAN. S.C.B:Robert Moore & Moses Austin. Surveyor: Charles Christmas, D.S.

14 Mar 1795 - Thomas Lindly signed a bond in Orange County for marriage to Marian Laws. Bondsman: JOHN WORKMAN.

22 May 1795 - Joseph Weeks and wife of Orange County deeded to JOHN WORKMAN of same 100 acres on little Cain Creek adjacent Widdow Parker(now Chamber's line) and Luis Thomas (now Thomas Linnly) Wit: Thomas Cate & Isaiah Cate. (Orange Co. NC Deeds)

1796 Orange County Tax List, Caswell District: JOHN WORKMAN, 350 acres, 1 free poll, no black poll.

1797 Orange County Tax List, Caswell District: JOHN WORKMAN, 325 acres, 1 free poll, no black poll.

16 June 1798 - Barnard Cate made oath before Archibald Campbell, Justice of the Peace for Orange County, that he had entered a claim with John Butler, Entry Taker, for 250 acres, had paid the purchase money and had purchased a claim from JOHN WORKMAN for 100 acres.

31 May 1799 - Thomas Cate, Newberry Co. South Carolina, deeded to John Cate of Orange Co. NC 320 acres on both sides of Bear Creek, adjoining Thomas Baskett, Robert Cate, John Cate, Johnston, Frederick Williams & JOHN WORKMAN; "only I accept to myself three rod square concluding the grave yard." Wit: Elisha Cate, Charles Cate & Thomas Baskett.(Ibid)

27 Aug 1799 - Barnard Cate deeded to JOHN WORKMAN 130 acres on the bank of Cain Creek, on John Cates' line. Wit: Charles Christmas & John Crutchfield. (Ibid)

28 Feb 1800 - Robert Cate & Sarah Cate deeded to JOHN WORKMAN 220 acres in Orange Co. adjoining Sackfield Brewer, Thomas Baskett, Robert Cate's Spring branch, Bear Creek to John Cate's land, along Thomas Cate's line, "a tract that I purchased of Thomas Cate dated 1790 and a tract that I surveyed 17 Nov 1790" Wit: Elisha Cate & David Williams.(Ibid)

1800 Orange Co. NC Census, M32-34, Pg. 606 John Workman, 45 & over,2 males 10-16, 2 males 0-10, 1 female 26-45, 2 females 16-26, 1 female 10-16, 3 & females 0-10.

1800 Orange County Tax List, Caswell District: JOHN WORKMAN not listed. Rich'd Workman listed.

1801 Orange County Tax List, Caswell District: JOHN WORKMAN, 550 acres, 1 free poll, no black poll.

26 Oct 1801 - JOHN WORKMAN deeded to David Williams 220 acres on Sackfield Brewers corner, Thomas Baskets line, Robert Cates Spring branch, up Bare Creek, adjoining John Cates land, Thomas Cates line. Wit: Charles Wortham & Timothy Woods. (Orange co. Deeds)

9 Mar 1803 - William F. Strudwick of Orange County deeded to JOHN WORKMAN of same 30 acres on Hog branch of Cain Creek. Witness: Samuel Benton.

1806 State of North Carolina deeded to JOHN WORKMAN 100 acres on Cain Creek adjoining John Crutchfield, Benjamin Crutchfield & James Chambers.

23 Feb 1806 - Bernard Cate, Junior, deeded to JOHN WORKMAN 39 acres in Orange County on Cain creek adjacent Barnard Cate, Senior, Charles Cate, William Wood John Sykes. Witnesses: Peter Williams & Barnard Cate.

Oct 1807 - Cane Creek Meeting House was represented at the annual meeting of the Sandy Creek Baptist association at Unity meeting House in Randolph County by Thomas Cate & JOHN WORKMAN. (History of Sandy Creek Bapt. Church)

1810 Orange Co. Census: JOHN WORKMAN, 45, 1 male 16-26; 1 male 10-16;2 females 10-16; 2 males 0-10; 1 female 0-10. (No FEMALE over 45 listed.)

28 Oct 1815 - Cane Creek Meeting House was represented at the annual meeting of the Sandy Creek Baptist Assoc. at Rock Spring Meeting House in Chatham County by Charles Cate & JOHN WORKMAN.

1816 Federal Direct Tax for Orange County: JOHN WORKMAN, Cain Creek; 573 acres; $1,280.

5 Mar 1818 - JOHN WORKMAN deeded to Samuel Holaday Jun of Chatham County 160 acres on the south side of Haw River on the side of the river. Witnesses: Jos Holaday & Thomas Workman.

Oct 1816 - The Cain Creek Meeting House was represented at the annual meeting of the Sandy Creek Baptist Association, at Brush Creek Meetinghouse in Randolph County, by JOHN WORKMAN, Aaron Durham, Elisha Kirk &R. Mabry.

5 Mar 1818 - JOHN WORKMAN deeded to Samuel Holaday Jun of Chatham County 160 acres on the south side of Haw river on the side of the river. Witnesses: Jos Holaday & Thomas Workman.

1820 Orange County Census: JOHN WORKMAN, male over 45; FEMALE over 45; 1 female 16-45; 1 male 18-26; 1 male 10-16; 1 female 10-16; 1 male 0-10; 2 females 0-10.

28 Jun 1823 - Joseph Allison deeded to JOHN WORKMAN 164 3/4 acres on Cane Creek on the old Strudwick line. witnesses: Thomas Tinnen & John Armstrong.

3 Mar 1824 - Barnard Cate signed his will in Orange co. Exec. John Sykes, Robert Hastings & William Thompson Wit: JOHN WORKMAN, William Workman & W. Thompson. (Orange co. Wills)

9 Jun 1824 - JOHN WORKMAN deeded to Bartley Wolden 81 acres & 24 poles on the south side of Haw river adjacent Samuel Woody, Thomas Workmans line, Samuel Holladays corner. Witnesses: Nathaniel Newlin & Jacob Newlin.

Nov 1826 - The will of Barnard Cate was probated, Orange County Court,by oath of JOHN WORKMAN & William Workman. Robert Hastings qualified as executor.

May 1829 - Minutes of the Cane Creek Baptist Church: Saturday before the 4th Sunday in May AD 1829. Complaint brought against Brother Robert Cheek for fighting. Appointed Brother JOHN WORKMAN to sight him to next meeting.

Jun 1830 - Minutes of Cane Creek Baptist Church: Bro JOHN WORKMAN to invite Azariah Reaves to attend next meeting.

Nov Term 1831 - John Cate, Thomas Cate, Richard Cate, Mary wife of Burke Walker, Nancy wife of William Holt(Mountain), and Martha Cate requested the Court of Pleas & quarter Sessions of Orange Co. to appoint 5 commissioners to divide the tract of land that had belonged to John Cate, who died in 1828. This consisted of 447 1/2 acres on Cain Creek Adjacent JOHN WORKMAN, John Sykes & John Crutchfield. The jacket of the document listed the names of Thomas Brewer, Joel Parish,Wm. Thompson, Jno. Caruthers & David Roach as Commissioners.(Inventories of Estates & Wills Orange Co. NC)

Dec 1831 - Minutes of Cain creek Baptist Church: Brethren Oldham, JOHN WORKMAN, & Robert Watson were appointed to visit with Susan Sykes &know her reason for not coming to church meeting.

14 Jan 1832 - Thos. Brewer, Joel Parish & J. Caruthers, Commissioners,filed their report on parititioning of the land of John Cate, Senr.,Decd. A survey by Hugh Mulholland, Survr. divided the land into two tracts. Tract A, 469 acres "wheron he lived at his death" was bounded by Bear Creek, Cain creek, Hog branch, Barnard Cate, John Crutchfield,John Sykes, JOHN WORKMAN & Elisha Cate.

17 Nov 1837 - JOHN WORKMAN, SEN., deeded to James Workman 50 acres on Cain Creek adjacent John Crutchfield & Thomas Cate. witnesses: Thomas Cate & Wiatt Cate.

25 Dec 1837 - Keziah Cates deeded to James Cates 8 acres on Cain Creek adjacent Burke Walker, JOHN WORKMAN & William Thompson. Wit: Wiatt Cate & Huldah Cate. (Orange Co. NC Deeds)

1840 Orange County Census: JOHN WORKMAN, 80-90; FEMALE 80-90; 2 females 20-30; 2 females 15-20.

1840 "names of female members of Cane Creek Church" for May the 31st 1829 lists SILVIA WORKMAN, with the notation that she died in 1840.

Aug 1840 Minutes of the Cane Creek Baptist Church: Church met in conference opened the way for reception of members JOHN WORKMAN Cynthy Crutchfield Elizabeth Howard Nancy Howard Waddy O Daniel Milly Sykes William Thomas John C. Workman Susana Cheek William Cheek Mary Ann Cate Nash Cheek Sally Howard Elvis Bishop came foreward & were received for Baptism.

10 Oct 1842 - JOHN WORKMAN of Orange County deeded to Thomas Workman of Chatham County 110 acres in Orange County on North side of Cain Creek adjacent John Cates & James Workman. Witnesses: Thomas Workman &Sarah Workman.

DEATH: 5 Jun 1847 Orange Co. NC (Source: Sharon Workman Straight)

Aug 1847 - Weatt Cato Adm of William Walker decd. vs. Jesse Workman & other heirs at Law of John Workman decd. Whereas a justice executions has been returned to this Court levied on John Workman's interest in a tract of land lying on Cain creek in Orange County adjoining the lands of Hannah Walker, Weatt Cato, Thomas D. Cato & others & containing one hundred acres more or less at the insistance of Weatt Cato adm of William Walker decd for the sum of one dollar & five cents with interest from the 19th of July 1845 & cost. And whereas the said John Workman has died since the levying of the above execution but before Notice was served on him according to law. You are therefore hereby commissioned to make known to Jesse Workman, David Williams, Jesse Pickard, David Cato, Rhoda Workman, Sarah O'Daniel, Thomas Workman, Richard Workman, William Workman, Green Workman, Jonathan Workman, Charles Austin & Moses Carroll heirs at law of John Workman decd that they be & appear at the next term of our court of pleas and Quarter session to be held for the county of Orange at the Court House in Hillsboro on the fourth Monday of November next. To November Term 1847 made know to Jesse Workman, David Williams, Jesse Pickard & Rhoda Workman. The others not to be found. -- Turrentine Sheriff.

30 Mar 1848 - Sheriff sold to Thomas S. Cate 144 acres adjacent JNO. WORKMAN, Jno Crutchfield & the Great Road the land where widow Hannah Walker now lives on Cain Creek adjacent Wyat Cate & Frederick Reever: and 50 acres adjacent Allen Petty, Thos Cate & Jno Crutchfield. The Sheriff had a judgement against Sidney W. Walker, Julia Ann Walker & George W. Walker, heirs of William Walker, decd, by James Webb, Jr. & Long Webb. Thomas S. Cate was the highest bidder. (Orange Co. NC Deeds)

1850 "Names of Male Members of Cane Creek Church" of May the 31st 1829 lists JOHN WORKMAN, with the notation that he died about 1849. Undated roster of around 1843-1854 states that JOHN WORKMAN was baptised 1840, died 1850.

28 Nov 1850 - Sheriff sold to Thomas J. Cate 100 acres on Cain Creek adjacent Hannah Walker, Wyat Cate, Thomas B. Cate and others. The sheriff had a judgement against the heirs of JOHN WORKMAN, DECD, with interest since 3 April 1847, discovered by Thomas Workman. Thomas J. Cate was the highest bidder.

John married Sylvia Cate about 1775 in Orange County, North Carolina. Sylvia (daughter of Thomas Cate and Rebecca Sykes) was born about 1758 in Orange County, North Carolina; died in 1840 in Orange County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Alternate death: Abt 1770, Alamance County, North Carolina

Notes:

SOURCE: Dr. Banks R. Cates, Charlotte, NC. (d. 2007)

Thomas was born in Henrico or Prince George Co., Virginia.

26 Apr 1741 - James, son of Richard Bird and wife Sarah, born 27 Feb 1741, christened 26 Apr 1741; godparents Thomas Cate, Wm. Jones, Eliza Peebles, registered in Albemarle Parish of Surry & Sussex Counties VA. (Albemarle Parish Register of Surry & Sussex Co. VA 1739-1788, pg. 41, by Gertrude Richards, Nat. Soc. of Colonial Dames of America 1958.)

No other records of Thomas Cate can be found in the scant Prince George Co. VA records that exist. (Dr. Banks Cates)

1755 - Thomas moved to Cane Creek Orange County North Carolina near Robert Cate Jr.

Thomas is referred to as Thomas Cate Sr. in order to distinguish him from his nephew, Thomas.

Mar 1754 Orange Co. Court of Pleas & qtr Sessions - THOMAS CATE was appointed constable in the room of John Williams.

5 Aug 1754 - Orange Co. Ct. of Pleas & Qtr Sessions: THOMAS CATE, SR. was appointed overseer from the Camp Branch to the Western Path in Robert Cate's Dist. Joseph Cate, Richard Cate, John Hastings & others were named to work on the same road.

28 Aug 1754 - Warrant to Thomas Cate Jr. for 640 acres on both sides of Cain Creek includes Robert Cate & THOS. CATE SR. improvements about a mile below where the new road crosses Cain creek. entered 23 Jul 1754.

March 1755 Court- Orange Co. Pleas & Qtr Sessions: Henry Hastings was appointed Constable in the room of THOMAS CATE.

1755 First Orange Co. Tax List: THOMAS CATE, SENR., 2 white polls, no black polls.

10 Sep 1755 - Orange Co. Pleas & Qtr Sessions: Richard Knight vs. THOMAS CATE, SR. Debt.

24 Sep 1755 - THOS. CATE SR & Joseph Cate were sworn chain carriers for the survey for Thomas Cate for 456 acres in Orange Co. in the Parish of St. Matthew on the fork of Cain Creek on the north side of Haw river. surveyed 24 Sep 1755. signed by the grantee Thomas Cate. Wit: by W. Churton, Willm Reed. Granted 7 Mar 1759.

Dec 1756 Court Orange Co. Pleas & Qtr Sessions: Josiah Hadley appointed overseer from the Court House to Mary Williams' Fording over Haw river. The following Tythables to work on the said road - John Hadley, John Marshall, William Johnson, Charles Johnson, John Johnson,Mathew Woods, Thomas Cate Jr. THOMAS CATE, SR., Robert Cate, Jr. Capt. Robert Cate, Joseph Cate, Robert Wiley, William Roseberry, Edward Davis.

March 1757 Court Orange Co.: THOMAS CATE was appointed Constable in the rooms of James Dickey.

12 Oct 1757 - THOS. CATE SENR & Joseph Cate were sworn chain carriers for the survey for John Cate of 478 acres on the north side of Haw river, on both sides of Cane creek, joins Mebane & Lindley.

13 Mar 1759 - Orange Co. Ct. Of Pleas & Qtr Sessions: Deed from Thomas Cate, Jr. to THOMAS CATE, SR., of 177 acres was proved by Richard Cate.

May 1762 Orange Co. Ct of Pleas & Qtr Sessions: THOMAS CATE WAS defendant in suit brought by Robert Lytle.

Feb 1764 Orange Co. Ct. of Pleas & Qtr Sessions: THOMAS CATE was named to a jury to open a road from Isaac Lowe's mill to Alexander Mebane's mill, and from thence to Woody's Ferry on Haw river, along with Robert Cate, Thomas Cate, Jr., and Others.

Aug 1764 Orange Co. Ct - THOMAS CATE SR., was named defendant in a petition brought by John Dowell.

Aug 1764 - THOMAS CATE was appointed overseer of the road in room of James Tinning.

Nov 1764 - THOMAS CATE SR. was named defendant in a petition by by Crocker & Co.

1765 - Orange co. Ct. Sackfield brewer was appointed overseer of the road in the room of Thomas Cate. James Ball was appointed overseer of the road in the room of THOMAS CATE, SR.

11 Nov 1767 - Orange Co. Ct.: Deed of THOMAS CATO, sr. to John Cato of 177 acres proved by Richard Cato.

21 Jan 1769 - Orange Co. Deeds, Pg. 515, AGLL microfilm V156-59,Charles Cate (son of Robert Jr.) to Thomas Cate 138 acres on the southside of Haw river. "Charles Cate has Indefeasible Estate of Inheiritance in and to the said premises." S/Charles Cate. Proved by Bernard Cate 1769 Court. (RBP)

(Robert Cate, Sr's deed to Charles Cate for this 138 acres was acknowledged by Thomas Cate on 13 May 1766. This was apparently Thomas Cate, the son of Capt. Robert Cate, Senior; and this same Thomas Cate deeded his like 138 acres on the south side of Haw river, on the banks of the river, to Caleb Lindsey on 10 Jan 1769, with the deed stating"Thomas Cate hath Indefeasable Estate of inheiritance to the premises." Elizabeth Cate, wife of said Thomas, signed this deed. Dr. Banks Cates.)

No will or other record of Thomas has been found. SOURCE: Dr. Banks R. Cates, Charlotte, NC. (d. 2007)

Thomas married Rebecca Sykes about 1730 in Orange County, North Carolina. Rebecca (daughter of Bernard Sykes) was born about 1715 in Prince George County, Virginia. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Alternate death: Bef 18 Feb 1729, Surry County, Virginia

Notes:

[Possibly the Robert Cates baptized 21 Aug 1667 at St. Andrews, Colyton, Devon, son of William or Cates Cates of Colyton, Devon by his wife Margaret. Some sources give him as "Robert Ezra Cates", son of "William Abraham Cates". We'll believe in these seventeenth-century middle names when we see them in seventeenth-century records. --PNH]

From Economic History of Virginia in the Seventeenth Century, Volume II, by Philip Alexander Bruce (New York: Macmillan, 1896):

The leading planters were in the habit of importing shoemakers from England for the same reasons that moved them to bring representatives of other trades. [William] Fitzhugh, writing to John Cooper, one of his London correspondents, in 1692, requests him to send over to Virginia several shoemakers, with lasts, awls, and knives, together with half a hundred shoemaker threads, some twenty or thirty gallons of train oil and proper colorings for leather. He had set up a tan-house and wished to convert the product into shoes on his own plantation. The need of importing shoemakers was probably greater in the Northern Neck, in which part of the Colony Fitzhugh resided, than in the older communities, where the representatives of trade was more numerous and more skillful.

The county records of that period contained many indentures between planters and shoemakers. Of these, a fair example was the contract of Robert Cate and Peter Wyke of Henrico in 1679. Cate entered into bonds to serve Wyke for a term of four years. He was to be exempted from task of planting and tending tobacco, but he was required to perform all other agricultural work; he was to receive by way of remunerations, food, drink, apparel, washing,and lodging, and when his agreement expired, a good suit and three barrels of Indian corn were to given him. It will be observed that while Cate was engaged principally for his knowledge of the shoemaker's trade, he was also expected to make himself useful in other branches of industry. This was probably the case with all classes of machanics who earned a livelihood in employment of landowners in the seventeenth century.

From Dr. Banks R. Cates Jr., Charlotte, NC:

Robert was a Quaker shoemaker from Henrico County Virginia in the James River area.

Robert Cate entered into bond to serve Peter Wyke of Henrico County in September 1689 for a term of 4 years. Recorded October 1689.

"Peter Wyke having made an agreem:t for service wh Rob:t Kate his bought serv't for a longer time, and both partyes desireing this Court's approbacon therof & concurrences therein according as ye law requires; the same is by ye Court thought to be for ye benefitt of ye sd serv:t (if ye word Apparell were interlined in ye Condicon, wch was pr ye sd Wyke consented to & done in open Court) & therefore order'd to be enter'd on Record." (Magazine of Virginia Genealogy, v. 32, no. 1, p. 25)

Robert Cate was imported from England to Virginia. That is to say, his passage was paid by someone else, in return for which that person received a right to 50 acres of land in Virginia per head imported. Such a headright, for the importation of 28 persons, including Robert Cate, was claimed by John Pleasants, the younger of Henrico County, Virginia, in 1713. Nell Nugent's Cavaliers and Pioneers: Abstracts of Virginia Land Patents and Grants [3:133].

1 Aug 1695 Henrico County Virginia deed mentions plantation lately in the tenure of Robert Kate.

1701 Robert Cate's name appeared first time on a certificate of marriage held at Curles Meeting House, Henrico co. VA, 1701, 8, 9 Quaker date. (Henrico Monthly Meeting, Pg. 162.)

1704 Robert moved south across the James river to Prince George County, VA where in the quit rent rolls of 1704 he owned 100 acres as Robert Catte.

1723 Account of the estate of Timothy Bridges in Minutes of the Prince George County Court mentioned both Robert Cate and his neighbor Robert Hunnicutt.

1722, 1723 & 1724 Robert Cate attended the Burleigh Meeting House, Prince George Co. VA and signed marriage certificates for ceremonies held there. 1722/23, 12,7 Quaker date.

1725 Martins Brandon Parish, Prince George County Edward Wyatt Sr. Will named daughters Elizabeth & Sarah Wyatt, Son Francis & son Edward to whom "he left the plantation where Robert Cate lives". 1720 Edward's father Nicholas' Will was witnessed by Robert Cate Jr. & Richard Cate.

9 Apr 1728 - Accts of Estate of Capt Edward Wyatt mentions: Jane Bilbro, Capt. Frances Epess, Col. Harrison, Edward Prince, James Bell,Frances, Edward & Elizabeth Wyatt, Robert CATE, Jacob Benheart. Dated 8 Apr 1728 presented in Court by Robert Hall & James Bell Exec. Recorded 9 Apr 1728. "Prince George Co. VA Wills & Deeds 1713-1728" pg. 145 (p. 1084), by Benjamin Weisiger III, 1973.

18 Feb 1729 Inventory & appraisement of estate Robert Kate Decd valued at 30-10-6 included cattle, hogs, saddle etc & 2 parcels shoemaker tools & last & 2 pcls land leather. Signed Ann (A) Kate, Surry County Court. Will Bk 8, Pg. 7. Recorded 15 April 1730, Surry Co. Court,Virginia. (Copy of the inventory from Kay Craft, Arkansas)

Dr. Banks Cate stated he has no information on the daughters of Robert Cate but has reason to believe the sons named are his.

Robert married Ann about 1692 in Henrico, Virginia. Ann was born about 1672 in England; died after Feb 1729. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

His wife is sometimes said to have been a Frances Wyatt. There are certainly Sykes family connections with Wyatts in 17th- and 18th-century Virginia. This Bernard Sykes's daughter Rebecca's father-in-law Robert Cate was a witness to the will of Nicholas Wyatt of Prince George County in 1720. A Frances Wyatt, daughter of John Wyatt (d. <1721) (Anthony³, Nicholas², Anthony¹), married a John Sykes.

From Dr. Banks R. Cates, Charlotte, NC:

Sep 1718 - Prince George County Court: BERNARD SYKES, son of Bernard Sykes, dec'd made oath that his father died without a will and was appt. adm. with Richard Cureton his security. William Harrison, James Harrison, Gilbert Hay and James Jones to appr. his est. (Prince George County, VA, Miscellany, 1711-1814, Pg. 23, by Benjamin B. Weisiger, Jr.)

[The above passage can also be found in Weisiger, citation details below. --PNH]

9 Sep 1718 - Prince George County Court: Richard Sykes, one of the orphans of Bernard Sykes, dec'd chose Thomas Simmons, Jr., as his gdn. John Sykes, one of the orphans of Bernard, chose Richard Cureton as his gdn. (Ibid., pg. 23)

5 Aug 1718 - Prince George County Court: Inventory and Appraisal of Bernard Sykes' estate Aug. 5, 1718. Value £39/10/4 presented by BERNARD SYKES, adm'r. Recorded 12 Aug 1718. (Prince George County, VA Wills & Deeds, Pg. 31, by Benjamin B. Weisiger, Jr.)

9 Dec 1718 - Prince George County Court: Appraisal of the remainder of Bernard Sykes' estate £2/10/0 by Gib. Hay, James Harrison, William Harrison. Presented in court by BERNARD SYKES, Adm'r. (Ibid., pg. 34)

13 Jan 1719 - Prince George County Court; Accounts of Bernard Sykes' estate for 1718. Mentions Richard Cureton, Joseph Clarke. (Ibid., pg.35)

8 Apr 1723 - William Hardyman of Martins Brandon Parish, Prince George Co. deeded to William Cureton of same, for L15, 372 acres on north side of Blackwater Swamp, in same county and parish bounded on east by Benjamin Foster, north by William Epes, west by said William Cureton. Sd. land was conveyed by John Hardyman to said William Hardyman by Deed Nov. 13 last past. Witnesses: Thomas Simmons, Thomas Semple and BERNARD SYKES. (Ibid., pg.77)

8 Jul 1723 - John Hardyman of Prince George County and Henrietta Maria his wife to John Sykes of same, 271 acres on north side of Blackwater Swamp in Prince George County in Martins Brandon Parish, part of a tract granted to Robert Lucy, dec'd by patent Nov. 3, 1673, bounded by Cattail Swamp and the Blackwater. Wit: BERNARD SYKES, John Bonner, John Cheves. (Ibid., pg. 78)

14 Jun 1725 - John Sykes and Frances his wife of Prince George County, to BERNARD SYKES of same, 100 acres on north side of Blackwater Swamp in Martins Brandon Parish, part of a tract granted to Robert Lucy by patent Nov. 3, 1673, bounded by Cattail Swamp, William Harris and John Sykes. Wit: Geo. Hamilton, Jr., Richard Sykes, Eliza. Simmons. (Ibid., pg. 108)

4 Apr 1728 Abraham Odium deeded to BERNARD SYKES of Prince George Co.for L21, 100 acres in Martins Brandon Parish on west side of old Town Run, bounded on north by land of Phillip Jane, decd, east by land of Edward Hill, decd., and south by the main woods and land of Richard Pace. Wit: William Binford, Timothy Rives & Richard Flewelling. (Ibid., pg. 146)

Members of the Pace family lived near BARNARD SYKES (see above entries), William Gary witnessed the deed of John Sykes to Nathaniel Harrison in 1722, and William Gary and BARNARD SYKES were involved with the inventory of Thos. Gary in 1759. John Hardyman sold land to John Sykes in 1723. Old Town Run was the site of BARNARD SYKES's land adjacent Richard Pace in 1728. And Thomas Simmons and Richard Cureton had their own close relationships to the Sykes family as noted above. Edward Goodrich's land was sold to Abraham Odium in 1721 and by Odium to BARNARD SYKES in 1728. (Dr. Banks Cates)

So, if Richard Bird did not move after 1717 and if BARNARD SYKES did not move after 1728, then they lived smack-dab next to each other in 1741. By this time John Sykes had moved from Prince George County to Edgecomb County, NC; and Richard Sykes was living on his 371 acres at Jones Hole Swamp in Prince George County. (Dr. Banks Cates)

This suggests that Thomas Cate, Senior of Orange County, who was married to Rebecca Sykes and was father of Barnard Cate (who married Jane Sykes), had married a daughter of BARNARD SYKES, and that Sarah Sykes at the Bird christening was daughter of BARNARD. It also suggests the the John Sykes-4 of Orange County father of Allen-5 and John-5, was also son of BARNARD SYKES, because of John's sons' close relationship with Preacher Thomas Cate, son of Thomas Cate, Senior. (Dr. Banks Cates)

No other records of Thomas Cate can be found in the scant Prince George records that exist. (Dr. Cates)

18 Apr 1733 - Thomas Simmons of Lyons (Lawns) Creek Parish in the County of Surry, in good health, signed his will. He left to son Thomas Simmons the upper part of the land lying on Powells Creek, adjacent Thos. Booth. He left to son Edward Simmons the lower part. He left to son Edward Simmons one feather bed and furniture, etc. All else was to be divided equally between wife Sarah and daughter Elizabeth Simmons. Executor: son Joseph. Wit: BERNARD SYKES, Edward Prince, and Edward Prince Junr. 15 Feb 1726. Probated 18 Apr 1733 by BERNARD SYKES and Edward Prince.

It is presumed that Sarah Simmons, wife of Thomas Simmons, was a sister of Barnard Sykes2, and that Elizabeth Simmons was a first cousin of BARNARD, John & Richard SYKES. (Dr. Banks Cates.)

1739 Prince George County Court: Will of John Simmons, exhibited by Lucy Simmons, relict and exectrx, and by Joseph Simmons and BERNARD SYKES. (Prince George Co. VA Miscellany 1711-1814, pg. 61, by Benjamin B. Weisiger, Jr. 1985)

10 Jul 1759 - Joseph Halsey deeded to John Gramer land adjoining John Bonner's line. Line that was made by Thomas Eldridge, John Lovesay and Francis Pace to John Bonner's line. Wit: Richard (X) Cate, BERNARD SYKES & Catherine Short. (Abstracts of Prince George Co. Record book 1759-1760, Pg. 406, by Benjamin B. Weisiger, Jr.)

1759 - Inventory of the Estate of Thos. Gary, deceased. "To Dr. Abraham By water's bond." Wm. Gary, executor. WIT: BERNARD SYKES, Richard Kirkland & David good game. (Ibid., pg. 407)