He was born in Funchal, Madeira Island, Portugal where his father, James Leander Cathcart was the United States Consul; he travelled to Spain with his parents, attended private schools, and returned to the United States in 1819 and went to sea.
Born in Funchal, Madeira Island, Portugal, where his father, James Leander Cathcart, held an official position; he journeyed to Spain with his parents, attended private schools, and returned to the United States in 1819 before embarking on a maritime career.