21 Facts About Alfred Cate

Alfred Madison Cate was an American politician, soldier and farmer who served two terms in the Tennessee Senate from 1865 to 1869.

Alfred Cate served as chairman of the Republican State Central Committee in the late 1860s.

Alfred Cate was a delegate to the pro-Union East Tennessee Convention in 1861, and was a key organizer of the East Tennessee bridge burnings later that year.

Alfred Cate fought for the Union Army during the war, eventually rising to the rank of captain.

Alfred Cate's family was very divided over the issue, however.

Carter recruited Alfred Cate to burn the four bridges in the Chattanooga vicinity, namely the bridge over the Hiwassee River near Charleston, two bridges over Chickamauga Creek outside Chattanooga, and the bridge over the Tennessee River near Bridgeport, Alabama.

Alfred Cate was aided by Thomas L Cate, Jesse Cleveland and Adam Thomas.

Under threat of arrest, Alfred Cate left home for Kentucky on November 14,1861.

Alfred Cate briefly linked up with a group headed by fellow Hamilton County Unionist William J Clift, but with more than a thousand Confederate troops in pursuit, this group disbanded.

In September 1862, Alfred Cate was promoted to captain and placed in charge of the brigade's commissary.

Alfred Cate accompanied the 1st Tennessee on its invasion of Middle Tennessee in late 1862, and was present at the Battle of Stones River.

Alfred Cate later took part several battles in the Chattanooga vicinity, including Marietta, Lost Mountain, and Kennesaw Mountain.

In June 1864, Cate was appointed captain of Company G of the 6th Regiment Tennessee Volunteer Infantry, commanded by General Joseph A Cooper.

Alfred Cate resigned his commission just two months later, however.

Alfred Cate attended this meeting as a member of the Hamilton County delegation.

In July 1866, Alfred Cate was one of fourteen state senators who voted to ratify the Fourteenth Amendment, which extended civil rights to African Americans.

Alfred Cate was elected chairman of the Republican State Central Committee, which coordinated party strategy and nominated candidates for elections.

Alfred Cate and Stokes were assailed for this move in subsequent months.

In May 1869, Alfred Cate chaired a chaotic meeting of the Republican state committee in Nashville.

When Senter's supporters tried to have Knoxville minister Thomas H Pearne installed as chairman, Cate used a parliamentary maneuver to block the motion, sparking an angry debate that lasted throughout the day.

Alfred Cate died of "congestive chills" at his home on the night of September 13,1871.