Born near New Haven, Hamilton County, Ohio, Sater entered Miami University in 1871, then transferred to and received an Artium Baccalaureus degree from Marietta College in 1875 and an Artium Magister degree from the same institution in 1878.

He received Legum Doctor degrees from Marietta College in 1910 and from Miami University in 1911.

He was the chief clerk of the Office of State Commissioner of Common Schools from 1881 to 1884, and a member of the Board of Education in Columbus, Ohio from 1885 to 1890, serving as its President from 1888 to 1889.

[1] Sater received a recess appointment from President Theodore Roosevelt on March 18, 1907, to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, to a new seat authorized by 34 Stat.

His service terminated on May 30, 1908, after his nomination was not confirmed by the United States Senate, which never held a vote.