Hi All! I'm new to your list and desperate for help. A Michigan census states that Thomas' (the son of Thomas and Zilpha) father was from RI, which brings me to you. We have been researching the following family for about 30 years. THOMAS BATES was born Bet. 1774 - 1784, and died Bet. 1809 - 1810 in VT. He married ZILPHA STAPLES September 13, 1799 in Shaftsbury, VT, daughter of JACOB STAPLES and THANKFUL GOODWIN. She was born April 10, 1778 in Brooklyn, Windham Co., CT. Children of THOMAS BATES and ZILPHA STAPLES are: JACOB BATES, b. 1800; m. NANCY. FRANCIS BATES, b. 1801, Bennington Co. VT; d. March 14, 1883, Pinckney, Livingston, MI. DANIEL STAPLES BATES, b. June 30, 1804, Bennington, VT; d. April 1, 1896, Elyria, Lorain Co., OH. SARAH BATES, b. 1805. THOMAS J. BATES, b. 1806, Bennington Co. VT; d. January 14, 1890, Mason, Ingham, MI. WILLIAM BATES, b. 1809, Bennington Co. VT; d. 1846, Clarendon, Orleans, NY6; m. MELISSA PLATT Very little of this has been documented since the birth and death records for this family do not seem to exist in the state of Vermont during this time period. What I am hoping to do is find Thomas' family from this angle since doing it the other way does not seem to be possible. If anyone can be of any help in any way, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Terri