Perhaps someone on the Bates list might have an idea on the following: I have an ancestor with the name of Zadock Bates Holmes, born in Greenwich CT 1812. His father's name was Bates Holmes, who died in Greenwich CT in 1859. Zadock married Harriet Young in New York. Bates married Mary Banks and her sister Elizabeth (not at the same time) I have no further info on the line before abt 1800. I have always believed the use of the name Bates indicated the family name of Bates' mother or grandmother but have found no connection. Does anyone have any Holmes of Greenwich CT in their database ? Bill Staples, WE (Worker Emeritus) Genealogy Home Page at: http://www.familytreemaker.com/users/s/t/a/William-C-Staples "Unless you'r the lead dog, the view never changes" Researching Family History of HOLMES (NY/CT), DEHART (STATEN ISLAND) STAPLES(NY/NJ/CT), ELMS(NY), BANKS(CT) , WYGANT(NY)