Hi List I have just recently discovered that one of my Coates ancestors emigrated to Iowa in the 1870's. They may have emigrated earlier, I don't know but they certainly came with John's sons. I have found Isabella Coates on the 1880 census; she is a widowed grandmother living with her family in Table Mound, Dubuque. John Coates, her husband, was a blacksmith and his son, Thomas,also followed the trade, while George was a farmer. John Coates was my 3rd great grandfather. His first wife was Sarah Hugill but she died in 1850 in Swaledale. In 1851 John married again to Isabella Smithson, although she was born a Metcalfe in Muker in England. John and Isabella may have emigrated soon after they married, or may have gone a bit later, I haven't been able to find this out. What I would like to know is, how do I find out where John and Isabella are buried? When did John die? What happened to the families - my cousins, I suppose. It's a bit far for me to look at your excellent records as I live in Derbyshire, England, but I am hoping that someone on this List may know where to point me in the right direction and who to ask. Thanking you in anticipation Best wishes for the New Year and may all your brick walls tumble in 2005 Malise McGuire Derby, England transcribing for FreeBMD