Dr. Henry and all,
Here is what I have re: the life of Vincent Cato.
Vincent was born between 1755 and 1765.
(Source: Lancaster County SC Census records of 1800 and 1810. He was over
45 in 1810, and between 26 and 45 in 1800)
I have not found Vincent on a 1790 SC Census. He would have been between
25 and 35 years of age. I have also not found Henry Cato on a 1790 Census.
1800 SC, Lancaster Co, Camden District, Census, p 8
Vinson Catto
1 male 26-45 (Vinson) (He is between 35 and 45 years old, see 1810 Census)
1 female 16-26 (wife of Vinson)
1 male under 10
1 male under 10
also on p 8, 1800 Census, Lancaster Co SC
Henry Catto
1 m over 45
1 f over 45
1 f 16-26
1 f 16-26
1 m 10-16
1 f 10-16
1 f under 10
1810 SC, Lancaster Co, Camden District, Census, p 5
Vincent Katoe
1 male over 45 (Vincent)
1 female 26-45 (Sophia, wife of Vincent)
1 male under 10 (Jesse)
1 male under 10 (Riley)
1 male under 10 (William H.)
Riley was born Feb 1, 1801 (Source: tombstone)
We need to check the exact date the census was taken in 1800, to see if it
is possible that Riley was one of the boys listed as under 10 in 1800.
He is listed on the 1850 Census as being 50 years old.
Dr. Henry writes that Jesse is also listed as 50 years old on the 1850
Census.
**It is possible that Vincent was married twice, and his first wife died
along with the two boys under 10 on the 1800 Census. It is also possible
that Jesse and Riley were twins, and are the two boys listed on the 1800
Census. Or it is possible that Jesse is the only one of the two children
listed in 1800 who survived. It does seem unusual that only 1 more child
of Vincent would be born betw 1800 and 1810, assuming both boys from 1800
lived. We will probably never know the answer to this. ****
*****Does anyone have an exact birthdate for Jesse Cato, son of Vincent?
Where is Jesse buried?*****************
1820 SC Census: No Vincent Cato found
Vincent likely died before 1820, definitely before Sept 25, 1822.
Sophia married 2nd. Moab Stevens, sometime before Sept 25, 1822.
(Source: Lancaster Co Office of Clerk of Court: Writ in Partition: dated
Sept 25, 1822:
Moab Stevens, his wife, et al vs William Cato et al.
Estate of Vincent Cato, deceased.
Wm. R. Horton, Wm Horton, Michael Horton, Wm Baskins, and Needham Cato are
appointed to divide the property ie 450 acres on the waters of Lynches
Creek the real estate of Vincent Cato decd between Moab Stevens and Sophia
his wife, widow of said Vincent decd, and the heirs of said Vincent-- to
wit:
to Moab Stevens and wife 1/3 (4/12) of said tract;
to each of the children 1/12 (total 8/12) of said tract as follows:
Jesse Cato, of age in 1822, born 1801or before
Riley Cato, of age in 1822, born Feb 1, 1801
William H. Cato, b after 1801
Matilda Cato, b after 1801
Marella Cato, b after 1801
Mariah Cato, b after 1801
Elizabeth Cato, b after 1801
Milly Vincent Cato, b after 1801
Wm Ransom Horton was appointed guardian for the minor heirs namely Marella,
Matilda, Matilda, William, Mariah, Elizabeth, and Milly Vincent Cato, the
infant defendants.
**We have been trying to find out what happened to these children. Their
mother Sophia died before 15 Nov 1823*****
(Source: Lancaster County Deed Book M p 492.
Deed * dated * 15 Nov 1823. *Recorded Aug 21, 1833.*
I, Moab Stevens, for $50 to me pd by Wm Cato in the state and district
aforesaid sell, grant, etc to sd Wm Cato, all my rights to an undivided
share of my late deceased wife's third of a parcel of land...on Little
Lynches Creek...containing 154 acres, bounded NE on Riley Cato's land, SW
by Caston, S by Wm R. Horton, NE by Wm Horton. signed Moab Stevens.
Witnesses: Jesse Cato and Riley Cato (both signed)
Sworn to 25 Nov 1823 by Riley Cato, who swears that he saw Moab Stevens
sign seal and deliver the above instrument to Wm Cato and also saw Jesse
Cato sign.
Wm R. Horton, JP)
Riley and William H. Cato sell their claim to Sophia Cato's third interest
in this land.
(Source: Lanc Co Deed Book M p 493:
dated 9 Dec 1831. Recorded 21 Aug 1833.
Riley Cato and Wm H. Cato for $150 to Wm H. Roberts. Our claim in the
third of a certain tract of land formerly belonging to the widow Sophia
Cato deceased. 150 acres on Lynches Creek...bounded NE by Riley Cato, SE
by estate of Samuel Caston, S by Wm R. Horton, E by Wm Horton.
signed Riley Cato and Wm H. Cato
Wit: John Roberts, Andrew H. Johnson
Sworn to by John Roberts who say Riley Cato and Wm H. Cato deliver to Wm H.
Roberts the above, 7 Jan 1832.
Aug 19, 1833: I have examined within deed of conveyance and am satisfied
that in the suit of Wm H. Roberts vs heirs of Sophia Stevens writ in
Partition to sell or divide real estate- said Wm H. Roberts represents
those persons in the within deed. James Witherspoon, Ordinary.
7 Oct 1833. (Deed Book M p 494). Whereas the order from James Witherspoon
Ordinary directed summons of partition in the case of Wm H. Cato vs heirs
of Sophia Cato. 154 acres on Lynches Creek. adjacent prop owners estate
of Samuel Caston, E. Blackman, Washington Hinson, John Roberts. Duly
advertised 7 Oct 1833. Sold by public outcry to Wm H. Roberts for $411.
Wit: Michael Horton.
I will post anything more as I find it; my files are in horrible shape!
Cynthia
PS. It seems to me that Vincent must have inherited some of Henry's land
in SC, because I only have one deed showing Vincent buying land (100 acres
from Henry and Tabitha). We have not been able to find a record of a land
grant for Vincent, though I have seen it referenced in other places. How
does he end up with 450 acres?