My gr3rd grandfather was Michael/Mikel Gates, born 1811 in KY. He married Catherine Ann Cline in Sumner Co TN in 1830. By 1840 they were living in IN (perhaps Vandeburgh Co) where son Simpson Franklin was born. By 1850 the family is in Wayne Co IL By 1860 the family is on the census in Mt Pleasant, Lawrence Co MO. When the civil war broke out, Michaels sons, nephews, cousins, etc all joined the 6th MO Cavalry Co H. Under the service of Maj. Coffee. I believe that Michael also fought in the war. It is quite possible that Michael is the "Old Patriarch, Mr Gates" referred to in the book "Shelby and His Men". The rest of the family with the exception of a few resided in Randolph Co AR until recently. Michael and Catherine seem to disappear, I can not locate them after 1860. There are no death records, no land records , no headstones, no probate records, etc (they had owned land in Lawrence Co MO). Sons, nephews, etc have been found in Randolph Co AR. But what has happened to Michael and Catherine? Could they have gone to Texas, back to IL....? If anyone has a clue I would love to hear from you. Thank you. Gena Gates Lally