This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: k_courts Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.britisles.england.yks.general/14752/mb.ashx Message Board Post: My ancestor, John Coates, who immigrated to Charles County, Maryland was baptized at Otley Parish Register in Yorkshire and he returned to Yorkshire to marry Margaret Robinson, who was the daughter of Anthony Robinson, and John and Margaret were married at Otley Register in Yorkshire. John Coates was the son of Francis Coates of Sproxton, England, and Francis Coates must have attended Otley Parish Register. After immigrating to Maryland, John Coates changed the spelling of his surname from Coates to Courtis and laster the "is" was dropped and now the surname is spelled Courts. Any information would be greatly appreciated, thank you very much. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.