In a message dated 2/11/2004 9:03:50 AM Pacific Standard Time, Jespane@cs.com writes: This could be an error appearing in the Descendants of Comstock. Possibly the error has been continuing? I would go by the Bellingham records that claiim she is maiden name unidentified. Jes I've been following this discussion and I would tend to agree with this. The vital records are more likely to be correct than a published genealogy. Unless you can find a birth record showing her to be a daughter of Laban Bates, it would be best to list her as surname unknown for now. Have you checked Arnold's RI Vital Records for her? Sue Susan M. Hillier Roe Seal Beach, CA SueMHR@aol.com "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead, 1901-1978