This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/UeB.2ACI/3948 Message Board Post: After searching many years, I finally decided that Major General John Bates b. 1778, SC., was not a member of the Virginia Families. I believe that the William Bates, the Tory, fits perfectly--not that I'm proud of the fact. Bates was captured, was in jail in 1781, Greenville, SC., Motley's crew entered the jail and hung him. I believe his wife may have been Isabelle Rhea Paxton, who married James McCleskey after Bates was killed. Isabelle was in Abbeville, SC, head of household in 1790 with three children the proper ages for the Bates children. In 1850 census of Hall Co GA, David G. Bates states that he was 60 years of age, giving him a birthdate of 1790--was Isabele carrying McCleskey's child when the census was taken--I believe so. Isabell McCleskey and Julius Bates bought land togewther in Jackson County, GA 1814, with John Bates as a witness, and David C. McCleskey a witness. Isabell deeded her interest in the land to Julius in1816. (Later this area was made into Hall County GA) A pension record of Mr. Bearden, Bedford Co TN in 1814 tell the story of Wm., Harvey and Isaac Bates with their father was in a battle between Greer and Gowensville SC during the Revolution. I believe these three Bates may have been the sons of William Bates who was an Indian Trader in 1750 in SC. Can anyone tell me where William Bates, Indian Trader, came from?? Is he the connection to English Family referred to in BFOOV DNA Project where a descedant of Julius Bates is proven to match DNA of a current English resident?? I'll share info, answer all correspondence and be eternally grateful for help. I've worked on this family for 25 years and have Virginia Families info running out my ears. Louise