Was born in Elbert, co. Georgia on Sept. 4th, 1841. Moved with his parents to Alaba when three years old, Thence to Texas in 1851, and settled in Smith Co. about 5 miles north of present site of Lindale. After attending the common schools of Smith and Rusk Co. until he was nineteen years of age, was sent by his father to his native state (Ga.) and entered the office of
Dr's Tate and Griggs at West Point, Ga. to study medicine. Remained with them until the late spring of 1860. Where he entered the medical collage of Atlanta. Going from there to New Orleans, La. the same fall continuing his medical studies in the school of medicine of that city. He returned home in the spring of 1861 and in June of the same year was married to Miss Mary E.
Terry.  Soon after his marriage, with Capt, James P. Douglas and about one hundred othe young men of Smith, Co. volunteered to go to the capture of Fort Arbuckle in the then Indian Nation. The Southern States having seceded, and a condition of war resulting, when in about one days march of our destination learned of the surrender of the fort to the Confederate Stated forced of Arkansas and returned home and disbanded.   Later in same year was one of a Party of about ten men, commanded by Capt. Dave Hill, to act as escort and guard to convoy of teams loaded with winter supply of clothing for Smith Co. first volunteers.  Then in the field near Carthage, TX.  Capt. Gaines Co. of cavalry and Capt. J. P. Douglas Battery.  On arrival at Carthage, finding a most fearful epidemic of typhoid fever raging in Genl. Prices army, with scant  medical assistance volunteered his services which were accepted, remained with Texas friends until the armies retreat southward into Arkansas where he returned home and joined Capt. William Hamiltons Co. and was mustered into service in Jan.1862, for one year. After joining the regiment (Col. Bates) at ( name unreadable)  Texas was made orderly sergant and later promoted to the position of sergant major on staff of Col. Bates (acting Brig. Genl) having  an opportunity soon thereafter to join the cavalry arm of the service.  Did so and become a member of Co. E. Bronsons Battalion of cavalry with which he served until May 1865.  Was never in a regular engagement with the enemyand was only under fire three times. And then only by boats blockading squadron on the gulf coast.  Comrade Tate has constantly resided in the same community from which he enlisted having finished his medical education.  Soon after the close of war and engaged in the practice of medicine until his health giving way he retired a few years ago.  He has twice served his CO. in the lower house of the state legislature and has always been stanch supporter of all measures calculated to build up and sustain the moral and educational forces of his county and state.  His father Zimri Tate, now dead, was a native of Georgia, his mother, Miss Rebecca  ?     , was a native of Albaville Dist. South Carolina. His paternal and maternal ancestry as far back as he has knowledge was of the share holding south and outside of this hot blood and high tempers were an ancestry of which any man could proud. Died  Feb. 26, 1929.

     This information came from a journal that was compiled for a Confederate Veterans Camp here
     in Lindale during the early part of the 20th century.