Captain William S. Bates, farmer and joiner, P. O., Miami. Son of William S. and Huldah B. Bates, (nee Parrish), was born in Goochland county, Virginia, September 16, 1817, and at the age of seven years came with his father and family to Marion county, Missouri. Soon after their arrival in Marion county, the new county of Lewis was organized, and without any further move they found themselves located in Lewis county, where Capt. William was raised on a farm. The Indians (Sacs) were still numerous there at that day, and the Indian children were his daily companions. His education was obtained in the pioneer style, and he learned to speak the Indian language. At the age of eighteen he learned the trade of house joiner, and worked at it until 1848, combined with cabinet making, and had a farm southwest of LaGrange. In 1856 he moved to this county, and located on the farm where he has lived to the present time, engaged in farming. In April, 1845, he was married to Miss Mary E. Gash, daughter of Martin and Mary Gash, of Marion county, Missouri. She died July 26, 1872, leaving five children: Mrs. Mary R. Ish, William M., Henry M., Edward J., and Elizabeth H., all living, and two dead. In July, 1846, he fell from a scaffold and broke his left ankle, and as a consequence has never since been able to do much walking—cannot walk five consecutive miles. His father was well-to-do until he was broken up by having to pay a number of security debts. From his grandfather he received $862, and at his marriage his wife received $1,500, and by economy and industry he had accumulated a competency when the war broke out, which caused him heavy losses. His energy and push have again sustained him, however, and he has now a splendid farm of 235 acres (and fifty acres of timber), admirably improved. At the beginning of the war he was worth about $25,000. His great-grandfather, James Bates, came from New England to Virginia, and there married Mrs. Duncombe, and to them were born five sons. His grandfather, also James Bates, married Mahethalum Sergeant, to whom were born four sons and three daughters. His grand-mother’s name (mother’s side) was Massey, and he is descendant from two of the best families of Virginia. During the war he opposed secession, but was in sympathy with the south.
