In answer to Oatman16@aol.com Hi Have you heard of the group "Old Virginia Bates Association"? They have a web site at http://members.aol.com/Lramrtn/batesva.html They deal with Va. ancestry of the Bates. There is also the Bates Association, that answer queries if you are a member. contact SBates1011@aol.com Sincerely Sandy Bates