Hello, my name is Martin A. Bates II, and this is my attempt at documenting the history of my family. I descend from the line of Bates originating in Benenden, Kent County, England. The American side of my line originated with Samuel and Sarah Maria Campbell Bates of Peasmarsh, East Sussex. They traveled to the United States with Children William F., Charles H. and Samuel I. The travel to America as well as the first 10 years or so remains a mystery however they eventually landed in Cape Vincent, Jefferson County, New York around 1839 to 1841 with a healthy family of seven:

William F. b. Dec 22, 1822
Charles H., b. Mar 12, 1825
Samuel I., b. Jun 19, 1829
Sarah M. C., b. May 27, 1832
Nathan R., b. Oct 14, 1835
Margaret R., b. Dec 25 1837 and
James Jefferson, b. Oct 28 1839

Would you like to see a map of the area of Kent that is considered the ancestoral homeland of the Bates Family?

Visit the Bates Family Database at Rootsweb: