My g-g-grandfather Norman Francis Bates (1839-1915) was born in Derby Center, Vermont, to Sylvester Bates (1811-1889) and Eliza A. (maiden name unknown) Bates. He lived in Iowa, South Dakota, and eventually California. His father Sylvester was born in Hartland, Vermont, to Sylvanus Bates (1778-1860) and Sophia Cady. Sylvanus was born in Middleboro, Massachusetts, but lived in Hartland, Vermont, and was buried in Derby Center, Vermont; he was a descendant of Edward Bates of Weymouth, Mass. Sylvanus and Sophia had children who remained in Vermont. I'd like to hear from anyone else interested in these Bates families in Vermont, and would appreciate any information I can get on them! Andrea Crowell, [email protected]