Dear Coates List, Thanks to Charlotte, Suzy, Linda and Joe for their messages on this one, I too would be careful to check if the author of a document was sloppy at crossing t's. I am very lucky to have my early research concentrated in very small communities and therefore would be aware of any similar looking names. One forgets how much more difficult this is in a larger more diverse community. Thanks also to a. howard for leads on Coates of Trumbull County. It seems several of my ancestors left home at various times and went to the U.S.A, whereas your Coates ancestors did it the other way around. BTW Charlotte, Selby is where I live, Caroline is my name>>g Regards CFH Selby, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom Researching: COATES and CHAPMAN of Palmyra, Wayne County, New York State. 1848 to present. Francis COATES of Trumbull, Ohio 1829 to present. COATES of Hawnby, Helmsley, Brawby, Salton, Escrick, Deighton, Huttons Ambo etc, Yorkshire. U.K.