I have a direct Bates connection from Rutherford Co. but very little info. I am very interested in getting in on any Bates research so I will list my info below and help in any way I can. John Bates & Elizabeth Williams (m. Rutherford Co. 18 Nov 1785). Cynthia Bates b. 27 Oct 1789 (From Callahan Bible Record); d. aft 1860. Married Robert Sidney Callahan in Rutherford Co. NC on 8 Nov 1811. [Have extensive info this family].