In a message dated 97-08-15 14:56:07 EDT, you write: << Was there a will, or does anyone have a copy of the will of James BATES who married Susanna WITT?? >> I've found no record of will for the James Bates that married Susannah Witt in Halifax CoVA. I've a couple books covering Wilkes Co., Georgia, such as "Early Georgia Wills and Settlements of Estates - Wilkes CoGA by Sarah Quinn Smith Perhaps you have this entry from Wilkes Co., Ga records? Evans, David, dec.. "Arden Evans adm. Jan. 9, 1821. Paid Distribution; John Bates: JAMES BATES, Jesse Evans, Anderson Bates, Elizabeth Evans, William Evans, Peter Lunsford, who married Susannah Evans, JOHN W. BATES, who married RHODA EVANS, Returns 1819 - 26, page 133." It is suggested that the above JAMES BATES was the one that married SUSANNAH WITT in Halifax County VA, and the above JOHN W. BATES was JOHN "WITT" BATES Sr. their son. Wayne Witt Bates, Editor The Bates Booster Newsletter