Macoupin County
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Biography - ELBRIDGE BENEDICT TATE

There is no doubt that persistent application is at the foundation of success in all lines of activity. Especially is this true when it is backed by sound judgment. The two, combined, are irresistible and it is largely through the important elements here named that Elbridge B. Tate gained the position he now holds as one of the prosperous farmers of Girard township. He is a native of Erie county, Pennsylvania, born October 28, 1856, a son of James and Martha (Kennedy) Tate, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania and the latter in Ireland.

In the common schools of the Keystone state, Elbridge B. Tate received a limited education, his attendance being only for a few years, as he began applying himself to farming at the age of twelve. He continued in his native state until 1877, when he came to Illinois and spent ten years in Polk township, Macoupin county. In 1887, having acquired the necessary capital he purchased a farm in Girard township, east of Girard, where he has since made his home. Applying himself diligently, he has in the course of twenty-four years very largely improved his place. He has erected buildings and fences and added many modern accessories, including machinery for facilitating the labors of the farm. His industry and thoughtful attention to details have met with deserved reward and the fields yield abundant harvests.

On the 24th of January, 1884, Mr. Tate was married in Erie county, Pennsylvania, to Miss Mary Hill, a daughter of Arthur and Mary (Hale) Hill, the former of whom was born in New Hampshire and the latter in New York state. The family on the paternal side has long been known in America, the name having been prominent in the Colonies before the Revolutionary war. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Tate: Chester Arthur, Florence Lola and Everett Truman, all of whom are living at home.

In politics, Mr. Tate is in hearty sympathy with the republican party but not through any desire for the emoluments of office. He served as a member of the school board for twenty years and it is greatly to his credit that the school in his district was awarded the first diploma in the county as a standard district school. He is a member of Girard Council, Mutual Protective League. Having acquired a competency for himself and family, he now enjoys the fruits of his labors and also the respect of his neighbors and acquaintances. A public-spirited and progressive man, he is ever willing to give his support to any enterprise that he believes will advance the general welfare.


Extracted 17 Nov 2018 by Norma Hass from History of Macoupin County, Illinois: Biographical and Pictorial, by Charles A. Walker, published in 1911, Volume 2, pages 527-528.


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