Hi Everyone! I'm new to your list and am hoping that this will help. I have hit a brick wall! My lineage is as follows: Edgar Alfred Bates b. 11/6/1921 Elyria, OH d. 10/24/1986 Oakland, CA > Harold Sage Bates b. 5/20/1897 Elyria, OH d. 1/19/1972 Lorain, OH > Alfred Merton Bates b. Avon Twp., OH d. 4/17/1944 Elyria, OH > Alfred Bates b. 4/7/1829 Bennington, NY d. 6/6/1914 Elyria, OH > Daniel Staples Bates b. 6/30/1804 Bennington, VT d. 4/1/1896 Elyria, OH. This is were I hit the brick wall. I cannot find Daniel's birth record. I have checked Bennington Co. Town Hall and the historical society as well as the birth records in Montpelier, VT. I do believe that Daniel's parents were Thomas Bates and Zilpha Staples. I have a copy of their marriage record from Shaftsbury, VT. The reason I believe they are his parents is because I have a copy of Daniel's brother's marriage certificate listed them as his parents. Based on a story written by Daniel, his father (unnamed in the story), died when he was 8 yrs. old, which makes his date of death abt. 1812. However, to date, I have been unable to find anything regarding Thomas' death. Can anyone help or provide direction for me. Thank you. Terri