This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: OATES Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/pR.2ADE/773.2.1.1.2 Message Board Post: My line is through the Ephriam OATES son of Stephen and Elizabeth SHIPP OATES. Stephen was the son of James and Mary Ann WYATT OATES. Please contact me I would like to exchange what information I have. Stephen was the first cousin of William OATES who settled in Pike County in 1833. William had a number of siblings that settled in Henry County, and also Autauga County. Wyatt OATS was a brother who settled in Autauga County. Carraway OATS settled in Henry and later Polk County Texas. It seems that William's branch of the family dropped the e from the spelling of the name.