Jerilyn, There are Puffenbargers in Lewis Co. The best advice I can offer is for you to contact the Hackers Creek Pioneers Descendants (HCPD) at Horner, WV. They have a website at www.usgenweb.org. Click to state list, then West Virginia, then Lewis Co., then to HCPD link. This organization has a wealth of information for the central WV area and are very helpful. They may be able to help on the marriage record and or adoption record. I am no longer a member so I do not know what they charge non-members for information. But it is worth a try. Also, there are Puffenbargers in Highland Co. VA. Highland at one time was part of Pendleton Co. The ladies that work at the courthouse in Monterey are very nice. If you write a request to the clerk of the circuit court, they will look for the information and bill you if they find anything. 50 cents per page. It may take a week or so but worth the wait. Many families from Bath Co and Highland Co VA migrated to the Lewis, Upshur, Braxton, and Gilmer Co areas in West Virginia. One other thought. Have you considered the name might be Oakes instead of Oates. Hope this helps, Myrt