Approximately thirty members of APTA, family, and friends gathered at the Alexander-Ready-Cates Farm at Porterfield on Sunday,
October 18th, for the unveiling of the APTA (Association for the Preservation for Tennessee Antiquities) marker. The marker was covered with a woven blanket belonging to the home’s builders, Mary Annis Alexander and Christopher Columbus Ready, and the official removal was done by Ashley, David, and Benjamin Cates, current residents of the home. The home, located on a 175 acre farm, also on the National Register of Historic Places and a Tennessee Century Farm, is owned by Mrs. Mary Dee Ready Cates, of the Cripple Creek Community. She was born there on May 20, 1913. The farm where she resides near Readyville is also recognized by an APTA marker and listed as a Tennessee Century Farm and on the National Register.
Following the unveiling and viewing of family pictures and memorabilia assembled by Steve Cates for the occasion, David, Ashley , and Benjamin opened their home for touring, visiting and refreshments. Food was served in the only original room of the 1870 home built by Chris and Mary A. Ready, first used as the kitchen and now used as the dining room.
Above photo L-R: front row – Bryan Jakes, Joseph Jakes, Benjamin Cates, Ashley Cates, Paula New Hughes, and Hailey Hughes; back row – Janet Duggin Barnes Harry Barnes, Shannon Cates Jakes, Ben Cates, Andy Jakes, Steve Cates, and David Cates.
Above: David Cates, right, greets Mr. and Mrs. Joe Wilson at the reception following the marking of the home which David and his wife, Ashley, and son , Benjamin, currently occupy in the Porterfield Community of Cannon County. Owned by David’s grandmother, Mrs. Mary Dee Ready Cates, it was built in 1870 by his great-great grandparents, Christopher Columbus and Mary Annis Alexander Ready. Refreshments were served in the dining room of the home, first used as the kitchen and the only original part of the home still standing.
Above photo L-R: front row – Bryan Jakes, Joseph Jakes, Benjamin Cates, Ashley Cates, Paula New Hughes, and Hailey Hughes; back row – Janet Duggin Barnes Harry Barnes, Shannon Cates Jakes, Ben Above L-R: Steve Cates, David Cates, Benjamin Cates, Ashley Cates, and Shirley Jones stand before the marker placed at the Porterfield farm occupied by David, Ashely, and Benjamin on Sunday, October 18. Steve is Vice-President of the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities and Shirley is the Vice President for the Middle Tennessee Region. The home is on a farm occupied in 1844 by Abner Alexander, great-grandfather of Mrs. Mary Dee Ready Cates, who currently is the owner. She is the grandmother of David Cates. Benjamin is the 8th generation of his family to live there.
Preserve and Promote OUR local history! The Rutherford County Historical Society has been preserving and promoting OUR local history since 1971. Perhaps you are researching your family, your property, or perhaps just plain, old fun facts - the RCHS is an exceptional resource. The RCHS hosts 'Coffee & Conversation' each Saturday morning from 9 AM-noon at the Ransom School House Museum, 717 North Academy Street, Murfreesboro, TN. VERY informal, VERY fun, and VERY informative. Our funding comes from membership dues, grants, a trust fund, and donations. We have no paid staff - we are all volunteers thus every penny of your membership dues or donations goes to preserving and promoting our local history.
Preserve and Promote OUR local history! The Rutherford County Historical Society has been preserving and promoting OUR local history since 1971. Perhaps you are researching your family, your property, or perhaps just plain, old fun facts - the RCHS is an exceptional resource. The RCHS hosts 'Coffee & Conversation' each Saturday morning from 9 AM-noon at the Ransom School House Museum, 717 North Academy Street, Murfreesboro, TN. VERY informal, VERY fun, and VERY informative. Our funding comes from membership dues, grants, a trust fund, and donations. We have no paid staff - we are all volunteers thus every penny of your membership dues or donations goes to preserving and promoting our local history.
