Richard, would you tell me where this list of the children of Francis Cato comes from, and
also the maiden name of "Horne" for his wife Elsey? Did any of the possible
children of Francis Cato live 'till the 1880 census, and give a birthplace for their
father and mother?
In my files I have the Bible record of Joseph Mott, showing his wife as Penelope Cato born
1808. You probably have that. And Penelope's death and burial info/tombstone.
Francis Cato census record 1820 Washington County GA:
1 male over 45
1 male 26-45
1 female 26-45
2 males 16-26
1 male 16-18
2 females 10-16
2 females under 10
Elsey Cato is appointed executor of the estate of Francis Cato, 1829-1830, Washington
County GA. I don't know if there are further records pertaining to this estate? Or
perhaps there is a record of Elsey's estate? I do not find her in 1830, which seems
strange.
In 1830 there is a James Cato who might be a son, and his census record in 1850 shows
family with very similar names to the ones you list as children of Francis Cato. (Cullen,
Reuben, etc) . I notice that in 1830, a James Cato and Joseph Mott are on the same page
of the Washington County GA census, both aged 20-30.
I have noted in my file that this family seems to be associated with the Amison/Ameson
family. But I have not pursued that connection.
It has been speculated that this Francis is a son of a Stephen Cato/Cater of NC, but I
have seen nothing to prove or disprove this. If this is so, I find it strange that the
name "Stephen" doesn't seem to appear in the family. But that doesn't
prove anything.
Georgia CATO research notes compiled by Bonnie Baker Palmer show Francis Cato as
administrator (along with Mary Bryant) of the estate of Benjamin Bryant, decd. 1816
Hancock County GA. And also show a Cullen and Francis Cato as buyers in the estate sale
of Benjamin Bryant, 1810. Francis Cato is listed as residing in Washington County GA
when he drew land in the GA land lottery of 1807 (land in Baldwin County Ga). And
Bonnie's notes state that Francis Cato died in Washington County GA in 1829, that
Elsey Cato was appointed executrix, "but the will was apparently lost in a courthouse
fire". I would check that out if I were you, the will might be there somewhere or
there might be some further record. I hope you will let us know, and I will keep
looking!
Best,
Cynthia