In response to my inquiry, Andrea Crowell wrote: Can you tell me more about your likely immigrant ancestor? Do you mean Elder Edward Bates of Weymouth, b. around 1605 in England and d. 3-25-1686? If this is the immigrant you mean, I may be able to help you because I have collected information about him published by The Bates Assn. over the years and I have some of his descendants. I'm descended from him via Bates who moved to Vermont also. Let me know and hopefully I can help-- ****** Hi Andrea, Hope you can help. Yes, Elder Edward Bates is the immigrant ancestor of Oliver Bates who ended up at Henderson, Jefferson Co NY. He had an uncle Samuel, although I'm not positive this Samuel is the one who lived "next door" to my 4th GGparents Thomas Shaff and Almira Bates in Houndsfield, Jefferson Co NY in the 1820 census. I have nothing to connect Almira Bates to either Oliver or Samuel, but the coincidences are great. I'm not so much looking for the 1600 vintage Bates history yet, ... I know that is available. I'd just like to make sure I'm barking up the right tree before I proceed! Thanks Wayne Olsen Bonney Lake, WA