Pate Cupp was the son of James Monroe Cupp (1831-1915) and Nancy Elizabeth Smith (1841-1915).

Alternative birthdate is May 30, 1857, but given that Ellie Richardson-Cupp wrote his birthdate as April 21, 1855 on the marriage page of her bible (when detailing her and her new husband's vital stats), and on the Bible's death page, she wrote:

"W.P. Cupp died October 2, 1912, Age 57 years April 21", I accept the April birthdate as the correct one.

He first appears in the 1860 Census in Jas M. Cupp's household:

Jas M. Cupp age 23, Nancy E. Cupp age 22, James (Marion) Cupp age 4, Nancy (Alabama) Cupp age 3, and (William) Peyton Cupp, age 2.

By 1870 Census, he and his brother James are living with William Michael Cupp & Hanna Sayers-Cupp household. W. M. and Hannah had married in 1857, and had 4 children of their own.

In 1880, Pate is an adult, and is boarding with Darling Stewart's family in Magnolia, Columbia, Arkansas.

In 16 Nov 1884, Pate married Nancy Jane Deason [dau of Jeremiah Deason (1829-1863) and Frances Charlotte McFarlin Johnson-Deason] in Lincoln Parish, Louisiana.

In 1900 Census the Cupps were in Woods, Panola County, TX: William P Cupps, age 43, was living with his wife, Nannie J (Nancy Jane) age 37, in Dwelling #36, Family #37, with their children: Robert E age 14, Blench(Blanche) 11, Fannie M age 6, Onnie D age 3, & Mertie M age 5 months.

By 1910 Census, the family had settled in JPct 3, Milam County, TX, Dwelling #160, Family #160. Pate Cupp age 52, Nannie age 46, Blanch 20, Ona (Onie) age 14, and Ellis age 6.

Pate and Nancy had at least 7 children:

1. Robert Edgar Cupp (1885-1964),

2. Blanchie Cleora Cupp-Luce (1889-1976),

3. Mary "Fannie" Frances Cupp-Nicar-Miller-Puckett (1892- 1954)

4. Onie Douglas Cupp (1895-1993),

5. Mertice "Martie" Cupp (1899- before 1910)

6. Ellis Eugene Cupp (1902-1959)

7. Elva/Alva Cupp (1910-?)--found in 1930 census living with his brother, Onie & Ellis

Family Lore says he is buried in Gause Cemetery near "Grandma Cupp" i.e. Nancy Jane Deason Cupp, his wife but no obituary has been located with further details.