CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD
of
ARBA GATES, Sr.
and His Descendants
from 1800 to 1909
Compiled by
M. C. G A T E S
DENISON KANSAS
from 1909 to 1951
by
SUSAN GATES MORGAN
PROCTORSVILLE VERMONT
copied and added to
by
DELBERT GATES
ABILENE TEXAS
in 1989
ARBA GATES, Sr.,-Was born in Winsor county, Vermont, MAY 18,1800.
Nothing is known of his ancestors, farther than four
brothers by the name of Gates, came from England to this
country in a very early day, and that his parentage
originated from one of these brothers. I have met in the
west many men by the name of Gates, and all with whom I have
talked, trace their origin back to one of these brothers;
but like us are unable to go farther, or to claim any
particular one of them as their forefather. If this is true
of all, it is safe to conclude that all who legitimately
bear the name of Gates, are in some degree related, but in
most cases so remote as to be almost obscure. The fact that
we, as a family, cannot trace our origin farther back than
Arba Gates, Sr., is conclusive evidence that some record
should be made by the present generation, on which future
generations can build.
Arba Gates, Sr., was a man of splendid physique. All times
and localities have their basis of aristocracy, the
aristocracy of his day, was not based on fine houses, lands
or money, but on physical strength and activity, and in
these things he was an aristocrat.
But few men possessed the physical strength and courage
accorded to him, and when aroused he became a power that was
almost irresistible; but it can be said to his credit that
he never used his strength in oppressing those less
fortunate, but always in defending the weak against the
tyranny of some big bully. It was not an uncommon thing in
those days, for a man to get the notion that on account of
his size he could intimidate all those with whom he came in
contact, and often one of these fellows would appear in a
community and cause great commotion by his boasting and
abuse; and when his actions became intolerable they would
send for Arba, and when he got through with him, he never
looked for other worlds to conquer.
The writer remembers an instance, when a mere boy, that
illustrates his courage and his high sense of justice, as
well as his readiness to defend the weak against the strong.
In accordance with a long deferred promise, I accompanied
him to Ogdens Burg (a city on the lake,) in those days
farmers made cheese in the summer months, and hauled them in
the winter to the city, and because of this immense traffic,
hotels were located all along the route at intervals of four
or five miles. On this trip of which I speak, we arrived at
one of these inns just after dark, and when we drove up, the
proprietor and his hostler came out with lanterns, and when
they discovered who it was, seemed greatly pleased, and
remarked that they were never so glad to see him as then;
and explained there was a big bully in the house, that had
been terrorizing the little town for several days, and no
one dared to interfere; that they had been wishing that Arba
Gates would come along. Father said that he was getting to
old for such things, and had better go on to the next hotel.
But in the mean time his team was unhitched and on the way
to the barn, and we were ushered into the hotel office. The
first thing I saw was a great big burly fellow; with coat
and vest off, and sleeves rolled up, was making great
demonstrations-by striking terrific blows against the wall,
each side of a young man's head, that he had backed up in a
corner. The size of the man, and his ferociousness struck
me with horror, and I clutched father's coat for protection.
Suddenly the coat dropped at my feet, and I saw father
striding across the room. The big fellow had his back
toward us, and did not see father until he reached past him,
and caught the young man by the arm and pulling him out of
the corner and promptly took his place and informed the
bully "that a man, and not a boy confronted him." This
bully like most men of his class was naturally a coward, and
the change was so sudden and the confident determination of
the man before him was so evident, that his boasted courage
left him, and father literally kicked him out of the house.
While this instance was no test of his strength, it was
certainly a good test of his courage and his readiness to
champion the cause of the weak; especially when we consider
that he had arrived at an age when most men would have
considered themselves down and out.
I remember him as a man with two especially strong
characteristics; one was his love and admiration for a good
horse. The other, his strong likes and dislikes. If he did
not like a man he preferred to have nothing to do with him;
while upon the other hand, if he liked a man, he would not
only place implicit confidence in him, but would scorn to
protect himself in any large business transaction against a
possible mistake, apparently deeming such a course as a
breach of confidence, or an act of disloyalty to a friend.
If his judgment of men had always been correct, this trait
would not have proven so disastrous to him, but too often
some designing rascal would gain his confidence, and swindle
him out of all he had. And after each case of this kind he
would show remarkable courage and ability in recuperating
his losses, only to be again swept away in like manner.
Those who were true and honest, seemed to so outweigh the
failure of others that he did not profit by these
experiences and seemingly could not question the loyalty of
one he liked. While this trait made him an undesirable
enemy it made him a very true and loyal friend.
In 1819 he was married to Miss Susan Clintsman, and settled
in Jefferson County, N. Y. Together they endured all the
privations and hardships incident to the making of a home in
that new and heavily timbered country. In 1851 he
accompanied his son, Issac, to California, returning in
1853. Two years later he emigrated to Waupun, Wisconsin,
and in 1862 to Fillmore county, Minnesota, returning to
Wisconsin in 1874, and died there May 29th, 1888, aged 88
years and 11 days.
Politically he was a Republican, and a radical Union man.
In religion, a Methodist.
SUSAN CLINTSMAN, was born March 23rd, 1802 in St. Lawrence
county, N. Y. Nothing is known of her parentage except that
they were of German decent.
In 1819 she was married to Arba Gates, Sr., and after
enduring all the privations and hardships, incident to a new
country and raising a large family, she died at Waupun,
Wis., April 18th, 1890, aged 88 years and 25 days. She was
one of those cheerful, sunny characters, that could meet and
overcome trials and disappointments, without embittering her
life. No grander tribute can be paid her, than that all her
many children love and revere her memory, and acknowledge in
their declining years, that the influence of mother's sweet
Christian life has helped them over many rough places.
The joys and griefs of childhood born.
She shared with all a mothers' fervor;
Our joys were jewels in her crown,
Our griefs, her clouds of sadness ever,
For all our faults she made excuse,
Our merits praised o'er every other;
She screened us from the world's abuse,
And taught us to adore-our mother
If aught of truth our life has shown,
We owe it to that angel one,
Who gave us life and loved us ever.
She left her sons and daughters all
A life whose years surpassed each other,
In all the noble traits that fall
Upon the sacred name of-mother.
She was a devout and consistent member of the Methodist
Episcopal church from early life to the time of her death.
To them were born eleven children, as follows:-Elizabeth
Gates, Abram F. Gates, Isaac Gates, John F. Gates, Arba
Gates, Jr., Susan Gates, Luther Lee Gates, Sarahrett Gates,
Wallace Gates, Emma M. Gates and Merrit C. Gates.
ELIZABETH GATES was born in Antwerp, Jefferson county
N. Y., January 17th, 1821. Was married to John F.
Thompson, February 13th, 1842. In 1856 they moved to
Waupun, Wisconsin. She died there, May 7h, 1899, aged
78 years and 20 days. Her husband, John Thompson, died
February 16th, 1907.
Elizabeth Thompson, and John F. Thompson, her husband,
were both members of the Christian (or Campbellite)
church. Politically they were both Republicans.
To them were born seven children, as follows:-Edwin S.
Thompson, Susan M. Thompson, Alden W. Thompson, Alice
R. Thompson, Sarahrett Thompson, Andrew D. Thompson.
One child a boy, died in infancy.
ABRAM FRANCIS GATES, was born in Chaumount,Jefferson
county, N. Y. May 18th, 1823. Married Miss Jane
Nicholson, of Lowville, Lewis county, N. Y., January
1848. To them were born three children as follows:
Rannettie Clarisa, Abram Adelbert, and Luella Jane. He
died in Hailesboro, N.Y. Jan. 21st, 1896. Aged 73
years , 8 months and 3 days.
Ranettie C. Gates was born in Fowler N. Y.,
February 25th, 1849. She went to Jackson county,
Kansas, in 1882. Was married there on May
1st, 1889 to William A. Harbison. About one year
after her marriage they went to Washington
Territory on the Pacific Coast, lived there and in
Idaho until 1901, when they returned to St.
Lawrence County, N. Y. Two years afterward they
moved to Winsor county, Vermont, lived there four
years, in the town of Ludlow, and again returned
to N. Y. No children. William Harbinson died in
Mexico, Oswego county, N. Y. She passed on
January 11th, 1935, in Hermon N.Y. where she had
lived with her stepdaughter, Mrs. Earl Smith. Mr.
Smith was also the nephew of Nettie Gates
Harbinson.
Abram Adelbert Gates, was born in Fowler, St.
Lawrence county, N.Y., November 25th, 1850 married
December 21, 1874, to Miss Francis Bacon moved to
Jackson county, Kansas, in 1881. Returned to N.Y.
in 1890. Francis Gates, his wife, died June
1st,1893. No children. On June 23rd, 1896 he
married Miss Hattie Anderson, of Antwerp, by this
marriage four children were born, as follows:
Adelbert Maurice born April 22nd, 1897; Marion
Jane, born March 13th, 1899, died June 7th, 1899.
Merrit Abram, born may 28th, 1901. Infant son died
May 23rd, 1906. Lived in Richville, N.Y.
Adelbert Maurice Gates born at Antwerp, N.Y.
April 22nd, 1897 married Miss Flossie Morgan
of Pulaski, N.Y. October 13th, 1919. To the
were born two children, as follows: Richard
Maurice Gates born at Pulaski, N.Y., August
18th, 1926. Alberta Jane Gates born December
25th, 1930.
Merrit A. Gates born at Antwerp, N.Y.
May 28th, 1901 married Miss Ruth
Northrup of Gouverneur, N.Y. October
12th, 1926. To them was born one son at
Bridgeton, N.J. October 28th,1927. His
name is Robert Merritt Gates. At this
writing (1951) their address is 3710
Woodmont Road, Toledo, Ohio.
Alberta Jane Gates born December 25,
1930.
Luella Jane Gates, was born in Fowler, St.
Lawrence county, N. Y., November 25th, 1852; was
married March 27th, 1878 to George H. Robinson. To
them was born one son, William Abram, born
September 23rd, 1881. Luella Gates Robinson died
May 27th, 1927. Buried in Gouverneur Cementry.
JANE GATES, first wife of Abraham F. Gates, died in
Hermon, June 19th, 1855. And on November 10th, 1857,
he married Miss Adaline M. Dodge, of Lowville, Lewis
county, N. Y. By this marriage three children were
born, as follows, Sarada M., John Frank, and Sherman A.
Sarada M. Gates was born June 9, 1861. Married
James E. Smith, of Hermon, St. Lawrence county,
N.Y., March 19th, 1879. To them were born five
children, as follows:-Earl A., born January 7th,
1880; Nettie M. born July 16th, 1882; Ada L. born
March 13th, 1885; Rena M. born August 29th, 1887
and Sherman J., born December 6th, 1895. Sarada
M. Smith (nee Gates) died August 8th, 1905.
John Frank Gates, born in Hermon, St. Lawrence
county, N. Y., March 22nd, 1865. Married Miss
Cora E. Reid of Hermon, N. Y., June 7th, 1892. J.
Frank Gates died September 20th, 1928 and is
buried in Hailesboro, N.Y.
To them were born four children, as follows,-Carl
Abram, born October 29th, 1893; Grant A., born
February 1st, 1896; Bertha A., born January 1st,
1898; Raymond F., born April 5th, 1907.
Carl Abram Gates born October 29th, 1893,
married Miss Clara A. Campbell of Gouverneur
N.Y. September 12th, 1922. To them were born
three sons: Clifton Lewis, Gilbert Frank and
Melvin Carl.
Clifton Lewis Gates born June 3rd, 1926,
married Miss Edna Macauely September
7th, 1948. To them were born two
children: Elizabeth June born June 24th,
1949 and Louis Carl born October 14th,
1951.
Gilbert Frank Gates born January 31st,
1930, Married Miss Ruby Race February
10th,1951.
Melvin Carl Gates born June 18th, 1937.
Grant A. Gates born February 1st, 1896, married
Miss Bertha Myers October 22nd, 1919. He has been
in the milk business all his life. He belongs to
the Presbyterian church and in politics is a
Republican. To them were born two sons: Phillip
and Stuart.
Phillip Gates, born August 9th, 1921, died
September 9th,1945. He was in the Service
three years, Serving nearly two years in the
European theatre.
Stuart Gates born March 26th, 1934.
Bertha A. Gates born January 1st, 1898, received
her education in Gouverneur Schools. She married
Gerald K. Woods September 18th, 1920. After
living two years on her fathers farm in the town
of Hermon, they went to Castorland, N.Y. where
they have resided since and where he has been
postmaster for several years. They were of
Methodist religion and in politics Democrat. To
them were born two children; as follows: Ellen
Elizabeth, born May 3rd, 1925 and Richard Gerald,
Jr.
Raymond F. Gates born April 5th, 1907, unmarried,
has lived on the old farm since his father's death
making a home for his aged mother.
Sherman A. Gates, born in Hermon, St. Lawrence
county, N. Y., Dec. 11th, 1867. Married June
17th, 1897, to Miss Jessie B. Blodgette, of
Fowler, St. Lawrence county, N. Y. They have one
son, Marc Bradley, born August 30th,1900. Sherman
A. Gates died February 20th, 1961, aged 93 years.
Jessie B. Blodgette, his wife, died November 11th,
1960.
Marc Bradley Gates born August 30th, 1900,
married Miss Helen A. Casten August 16th,
1929. Two daughters were born to them: Kay
Sandra and Judith Ann.
Kay Sandra born February 16th, 1934
Judith Ann born September 18th, 1938.
ABRAM F. GATES, was not a member of any church, but a
believer in Religion, and the Bible; was a member of
the Order of A. F. and A. M., in politics a Democrat.
ABRAM F. GATES,-when a boy helped clear up a farm known
as the Gates farm; now owned by Andrew Murrey. He spent
the greater part of his life on a farm, was quite an
extensive dealer in horses and cattle. In 1872, he
became owner and manager of the west Hermon and Elm
Grove cheese factories. Although a Democrat, in the
Republican town of Hermon, served two terms as town
assessor. He was a member of Masonic Lodge of
Gouverneur, (The services at the grave were conducted
by that order.) A man of genial and happy disposition
always ready to take a joke, and a kind word for
everyone. One chief trait of his character, was to
make his home cheerful, and family happy.
Adelbert Maurice Gates born at Antwerp, N.Y.,
April 22, 1897 married Miss Flossie Morgan of
Pulaski, Jefferson county, N.Y. August 18th, 1926.
Alberta Jane Gates, born December 25th,1930.
Merrit A. Gates, was born at Antwerp,
Jefferson county, N.Y. on May 28th, 1901,
married Miss Ruth Northrup of Gouverneur, St.
Lawrence county, N.Y. October 12th, 1926.
They have one son born at Bridgeton, N.J.
October 28th, 1927. His name is Robert
Merritt Gates. At this writing their address
is 3710 Woodmont Road, Toledo 6, Ohio.
ISAAC GATES:-Was born in New York, July 20th, 1825. He
was married in 1850 to Miss Susan Waldo. Loosing his
health from exposure while teaching school, he was
advised to go at once to California, but he gradually
grew worse, and died February 1, 1853, four days after
landing in San Francisco leaving a wife and one
daughter. The daughter-ELLEN GATES, was born in 1852.
In 1869 she was married to Irwin Merril, and died in
1887. Irwin Merril (her husband) died in 1902.
JOHN F. GATES:-Was born in Martinsburg, Lewis county,
N. Y. October 13th, 1827, went to California in 1852,
and returned in 1857. He was married on March 9th,
1858 to Miss Melvina C. Hillyer, at Granville, Licking
county, Ohio. They soon afterward started for Kansas,
settling in the south eastern part of the state in
1858. It is safe to say that no member of our family
has endured as many hardships, persecution, losses and
dangers as has this brother and his wife. Those who
are at all familiar with the history of the border
troubles, from 1861 to 1865, may be able to form some
idea of what they endured and something of the courage,
fortitude and determination displayed by the early
settlers of Kansas. God bless them all, they are
deserving of the gratitude of every Kansasn, for they
have given to us and the world, one of the best, most
prosperous and enterprising States in this grand old
Union. Will here mention but a few incidents of those
stirring times, and only such as directly affected the
subject of this sketch.
In 1860 an Indian agent came with United States
soldiers, and ordered all settlers to leave, burning
their cabins to prevent their return. They all (about
25 families,) moved out and camped near a small town by
the name of Marmiton. They soon learned that this
agent had no authority to do this, and they all moved
back, and commenced the rebuilding of their cabins, and
were hardly settled again, when the war broke out, and
then their real troubles began.
In 1861, soon after the battle between Siegel and
Price, their settlement was invaded by border
guerrillas from Missouri. The settlers were all taken
prisoners, some were hung to a tree, and the balance
ordered to leave, under dire threats should they
return. They were robbed of horses and cattle, and in
fact everything that was worth taking; and with claims
again burned, were compelled to get their families to a
place of safety. This brother sent his family to
Grasshopper Falls (or Valley Falls) and enlisted at
Fort Scott, in the Second Kansas Battery, October,
1862. After serving three years, was mustered out at
Leavenworth in 1865, and returned at once to his
family, to the scene of his former troubles; and for
many years therafter endured all the privations and
hardships of a new country.
The writer has many times stood under the same tree on
which his brother saw his neighbors hung, and viewed
the site on which his cabin had been twice burned, and
turning saw a fine and commodious residence standing
there as monument to the courage and sacrifice of his
brother and his wife.
We who came after, to enjoy the fruits of the early
settlers, should not forget that our heritage has been
made possible, through the hardships and privations of
others.
After getting himself surrounded with all the comforts
of life he (for some reason unknowable to others) sold
out and went to Western Kansas to engage in the stock
business. A cyclone destroyed all his improvements,
and the drought that followed made it impossible to get
feed for his stock and he drove across to La Junta,
Colorado, in 1893, and wintered them on alfalfa raised
by irrigation. He liked that country and bought a
farm, with a perpetual water right, and moved there in
1894. This farm has become valuable; the writer
visited this brother and family in 1907, and found them
prosperous and to all apperance contented and happy.
And surely no one is better entitled to all the
blessings and comforts that can come to old age, than
this brother and his wife. To them were born five
children: three dying in infancy.
Lillie Gates was born in 1865, is single and at
home with her parents.
Birdie Gates was born in 1875, died at La Junta,
Colorado, March 22, 1897, aged 22 years. He was a
bright promising young man, and his death was a
severe blow to the father and mother, who had for
so long looked forward to the comfort and
consolation their only son would be to them in
their declining years.
John F. Gates is a Methodist, a member of the I. O. O.
F., and his early experience with the Missouri brand of
Democrats made him a radical Republican. P.O. address
La Junta, Colorado.
ARBA GATES,Jr.-Was born in Lewis county, N. Y., July 24th,
1830, was married July 4th, 1858 to Miss Minerva Stone. She
died September 14th, 1873. By this marriage four children
were born, as follows:
EMMA ETT GATES, born April 2nd,1859; married
Mr. Fred Olin, March 30th, 1882. To them were
born three children: Mable Olin, born April
6th, 1893, Fred Olin, born April 17th, 1895
and Howard born August 27th, 1897. Emma Ett
Olin died July 19th, 1940.
ABRAM F. GATES, born April 26th, 1862, married Miss
Emmagene Blanchard, November 29th, 1883. To then were
born five children, Fred, Floyd, Claud and twins
Francis and Fannie. Abram F. Gates died February 23rd,
1960, aged 97 years.
Fred Gates born March 15th,1886, died in infancy.
Floyd Gates born February 22nd, 1893, married Miss
Katherine Montonda, October 20th, 1917. To them
were born two children:
Neal Frederick Gates born July 31st,1928.
Jean Marie Gates born May 14th,1932.
Claud Gates born September 4th, 1894, married Miss
Helen West August 11th, 1917. To them were born
three girls: Louise, Agnes Betty and Jane Vivan.
Claud Gates died October 13th, 1942 and is buried
in Antwerp, N.Y., where his home had been for many
years.
Louise Gates born May 7th, 1918, married
Harry Devoy November 1931.
Agnes Betty Gates born May 13th, 1920 married
Samuel C. Jones October 9th, 1942.
Jane Vivan Gates born April 13th, 1928,
married Harold Dane September 14th, 1946.
Francis Gates, twin of Fannie died in infancy.
Fannie Gates, born May 7th, 1899, married James W.
Smith August 20, 1919. James W. Smith died May
7th, 1961, preceeding his wife by several years.
No children.
GEORGE B. GATES; born February 2nd, 1865, died February
15th, 1867.
DORA GATES, born January 18th, 1868; married Hobert
Daniels, December 20th, 1884. To them were born two
children, Gladys (Glade), born April 26th, 1886 and
Florence born February 21st,1894. Dora Gates Daniels
was killed by a truck in Syracuse, N.Y., September
14th, 1928 and is buried in Gouverneur, N.Y.
ARBA GATES,Jr. married Miss Sarah A. Brown, in October,
1874. By this second marriage nine children were born, as
follows:
JOHN D. GATES, born May 14th 1875; married Miss Laura
E. Church, October 26th, 1897. To them were born two
girls: Elsie E., and Doris L.. JOHN GATES died January
4th,1958, aged 82, his wife, on July 23rd, 1960, aged
85.
Elsie E. Gates was born December 19th, 1904. Died
December 3rd, 1905.
Doris L. Gates was born September 16th, 1909, now
is a school teacher in Russell, N.Y. The date of
her death is unknown.
THOMAS H. GATES, born April 25th, 1877; married Miss
Myrtle Scott, July 3rd, 1901. They had three children,
Mabel, Walter and Blanche. THOMAS GATES died May 9th,
1950 in Rutland Hospital, Vermont. He had been making
his home with his son Walter. He is buried in
Proctorsville, Vt. cementry.
Mabel Gates born March 17th,1903, married Carley
Brown May 15th,1914. To them were born three sons:
Merton Thomas, born April 25th,1921, Nelson James
born February 17th, 1923 and Morris birth date
unknown. Mabel Brown died July 13th, 1925.
Walter Gates born April 19th,1906, married Miss
Laura Farrar July 21st, 1921. They have one son.
Gordon Walter born January 18th, 1937. Last
known to be in Florida.
Blanche Gates born March 8th, 1913, married Albert
Smith November 2nd, 1933. To them were born three
children: Elizabeth Ann, born April 14th,
1934, Robert William, born October 21st,1936, and
Bruce Thomas, born May 6th,1948.
SUSAN GATES; born August 5th, 1879; married Elbert
Morgan, March 18th, 1903. To them were born four
children: Earl Morgan, born January 9th,1904, Edwin
Morgan born April 12th, 1907, Marion Marion Morgan born
April 11th, 1911, and Mabel Louise Morgan born February
25th, 1915. Susan Gates Morgan died April 5th, 1962,
aged 82.
GEORGE GATES, born December 18th, 1881, married Miss
Mary Billings, April 29th, 1911. To them were born two
children: Arba and Eva.
Arba Samuel Gates born April 12th, 1912, married
Miss Dorthy Rowe, March 1937. They have one son.
George Rollo Gates born December 20th, 1937,
married Miss Gertrude McKinney of Gouverneur,
N.Y. To them were born two children: Peggy
and Stuart. His address (April 1989)
Freeport Indonesia Inc. George R. Gates,
P.O., Box 425, Cairns, Queensland 4870,
Australia.
Eva Gates born December 4th, 1913 married
Keith Spaulding March 19th,1934. They have
one son. Rodney born Jan. 18th, 1940.
MONA GATES, born March 25th, 1883; married Ned Mills,
December 12th, 1905. To them were born three children.
Mona Gates Mills died May 1910 soon after the birth of
her third son Charles. Aneita Mills born July 16th,
1905, Joseph Mills born January 18,1907 and Charles
Mills born April 27th, 1910.
CHARLES E. GATES born April 1st, 1886, married Lillie
Tyrell May 7th, 1913 at Crary's Mills, N.Y. To them
were born two children. Charles E. Gates died Dec. 7th,
1962 aged 76 years. His wife Lillie L. Gates died May
7th, 1967 aged 72 years.
Delbert C. Gates born March 9th, 1914 in
Palmerville, N.Y. Was graduated from Knox
Memorial High School in Russell in 1932, married
Miss Helen B. Russell in Russell, N.Y. October
17th, 1936. He worked most of his life in
papermills near Gouverneur, retiring in 1976. He
moved to Abilene, Texas in 1889 after having
operated a small fishing tackle shop in Natural
Dam for 30 years. To them was born one son:
Robert Charles.
Robert C. Gates born in
Hepburn Hospital, Ogdensburg, N.Y. He
graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1957
and joined the U.S. Air Force that same year.
Mustered out of the service at Biloxi, Miss.
in 1961, he married Miss Colleen Thayer, of
Bigelow, N.Y., in 1962, to them was born one
child: Dawn Marie. He rejoined the Air Force
in 1963. The marriage ended in divorce, and
in 1967 he married Miss Linda Sauter of St.
Marys, Pa., a graduate of the Hornel, N.Y.
school of nursing. To them were born three
children: Kimberly Amber, Kurt Charles and
Kyle Charles. Lives in Abilene, Texas, where
both he and Linda are instructors at Cisco
Junior College. He in Electronics, she in the
School of Nursing (Linda returned to Abilene
State School's nursing sevice - 1997).
Kimberly Amber Gates born
at Ramey Air Base, Puerto Rico,
married Rickey Wombles December 24th,
1988. Son: Bobby, 15 December 1990
Kurt Robert Gates born
in Abilene, Texas.
Kyle Robert Gates born
in Abilene, Texas.
Lura Mae Gates (Samantha) born May 28th, 1925
married Charles Helvie June 28th, 1942. After
serving time in the U.S. Army he returned to his
former occupation as a machinist at the Air Brake
in Watertown, N.Y., where he retired at the age of
62. To them was born one child: Ellen Denise.
Their home (1989) is at Rd 1 Box 48, Sackets
Harbor, N.Y. 13865.
CARL GATES, born September 17th, 1889; died September
14th, 1891.
HARRY GATES, born September 28th, 1890; single; died in
Ogdensburg hospital in 1918 during an influenza
epidemic.
STANLEY GATES, born May 19th, 1895, is unmarried and
resided in Fine N.Y. Drove taxi and carried mail
between Gouverneur and Fine for many years, he is
buried in the Cemetery in Fine.
The writer (MERRITT C. GATES) had but little, if any,personal
acqaintance with this brother, but those who knew him best, were
unstinted in their praise of his industry, and sterling honesty,
and surely a record for industry, and strict honesty, fairly won,
is a record of which any man may be justly proud. He moved to
Palmerville, N. Y. in 1868, and bought the Palmerville saw mill,
and in 1885 added to it a grist mill and is said to be doing a
prosperous business. He is a member of Russell Lodge No. 566, A.
F. and A. M. In politics he is a Democrat; in religion a
Universalist. P.O. Palmerville, N. Y.
SARAH A. GATES, (nee Brown,) 2nd wife of Arba Gates, Jr., died
March 9th, 1908 in Russell, N.Y. Arba Gates Jr., died July
6th, 1925 in the town of Cavendish, Vermont. His body was
sent back to Russell,N.Y. where a large Masonic funeral was
held in the M. E. church in South Russell.
SUSAN A. MURREY, nee GATES, was born February 24th, 1833.
January 1st, 1856, she was married to Andrew Murrey. Mr.
MURREY was born in Scotland, 1830. He followed
blacksmithing for several years. The writer well remembers,
how, when a mere boy, he (with other boys) used to vie with
each as to who would sit on a box by the forge and there
toast our shins, and watch Murrey work. For some reason I
nearly always got the right of way. I then thought it was
because he liked me better than the other boys, but have
since concluded that it was on account of my sister. He was
a man of good habits, never indulging in slang or profanity,
except when bee hunting, and his favorite expression was,
"Now what will Susan say."
I know but little of this sister's later life, but remember
her as a girl abounding in good cheer, scattering sunshine
to all about her, full of energy and determination, yet
loving and true to the last. I know of no stronger proof of
a sister's love and goodness of heart than that her younger
brother would readily go to her, for help and sympathy, in
all his hurts and troubles, as to his mother. Ah, how the
memories of childhood cling to us, and how in old age we
love to revel in these memories and be a boy again. At such
times this sister stands forth on the pages of my memory
"as the best sister a boy ever had." To them were born
three children, as follows: Andrew Murrey, Jr., born August
21st, 1857, Emma Etta Murrey, was born July, 1864, Leon B.
Murrey, born October 24th, 1869.
ANDREW MURREY, Sr., is not a member of any church, but says
he is a believer in all that is good. In politics he is a
Republican; is a member of the Masonic Lodge. SUSAN A.
MURREY, is a member of the M. E. church, and politically a
Democrat.
LUTHER L. GATES:-was born in Hermon, N.Y., June 7th, 1835.
On November 29th, 1854, he married Miss Harriet E. Mix. To
them were born six children, as follows:
Charles W. Gates:-was born September 16th, 1855;
married Miss Darallen Tedrow, November 29th, 1879.
They have five children, two boys and three girls.
P.O., Webb City, Mo.
Ghovernor J. Gates, born February 9th, 1858, died
November 19th, 1860.
Elmer L. Gates was born April 3rd, 1861, married
Miss Anna Powel June 2nd, 1890. No children.
P.O., Webb City, Mo.
Hattie L. Gates, born May 6th, 1866. Single.
P.O., Webb City, Mo.
Lillie A. Gates was born April 29th, 1869; married
Charles F. Champion, April 10th, 1895. No
children. P.O., Webb City, Mo.
Bower M. Gates, was born October 11th,1874;
married to Miss Rose Wolfenburger, July, 30th,
1889. They have two children, one girl and one
boy. P.O., Webb City, Mo.
L. L. GATES enlisted September, 1861, in Company A.,
60th N.Y. Inf., was discharged June, 1865, serving
nearly four years. In 1868, he went to southeastern
Kansas, his family following in 1870; and in 1871 he
moved to Webb City, Mo. where he now resides. The
writer visted this brother and his family in 1908, and
found him well and remarkably active and vigorous for
his age. In belief he is a Methodist. In politics a
Republican. P.O., Webb City, Mo.
SARAHETTE E. Rollison, nee Gates, was born in the town
of Hermon, St. Lawrence county, N.Y. February 28th,
1838. She accompanied her parents to to Wisconsin in
1855, taught school for two terms near Waupun, and in
1857 was married to Mr. J. I. Rollison, of Fondulack,
Wis. Mr. ROLLISON died March 17th,1885. Being left a
widow, with no children to care for, and ample means to
gratify her desires, she has traveled quite
extensively. Besides several trips to New York, she
with a number of friends, took what is called a
Mediterranean Cruise. Sailed from New York, February
1st, 1900, making first stop at the Maderia Islands,
second at Gibraltar, which is said to be the strongest
natural fortification in the world; then to the Holy
Land; visiting Jerusalem, Jerico, the Jordan River,
Nazareth and Hebron, where Abraham and Sarah are
buried; also visited Constantinople, Athens, Naples,
Rome, Paris and London. Then to Cario, Egypt; while
there occupied a beautiful palace on the Nile, visiting
the pyramids, museums and all the places of interest,
returning by way of Liverpool to Boston. Mass.
In 1905 she went to California, spending the winter at
Oakland, leaving there but seventeen days before the
San Francisco earthquake. On her way home she visited
her brother Mett in Kansas.
In politics she is a Republican; in religion a
Methodist, having been a member of that church since
1861. She is now (January 1909) in N. Y., on a visit.
Her home is Waupun, Wis.
WALLACE GATES:- was born April 2nd, 1840; died August
12th,1845, aged 4 years, 7 months and 20 days.
EMMA M. GATES:-was born March 7th, 1842, in Hermon, St.
Lawrence county, N.Y. She accompanied her parents to
Waupun, Wisconsin in 1855, and to Minnesota in 1862,
returning to Wisconsin in 1875. She was married to
Lester S. Williams July 3rd, 1883. No children. She
has been an invalid for many years, enduring two very
painful operations, affording but little if any relief.
Because of these great afflictions, she has the sincere
sympathy of every member of the family. She is a
devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and
her unbounded faith in God has been her refuge during
all these years of suffering and sorrow. She believes
with St. Paul "that these great afflictions here, shall
work for her a greater and far more exceeding and
eternal weight of glory." She returned to New York in
1893. Her present (1907) P.O. is Antwerp, Jefferson
county, N.Y.
MERRIT C. GATES:-was born in St. Lawrence county, N.Y.
July 27th, 1884, and accompanied his parents to Waupun,
Wisconsin in 1855, and to Filmore county, Minnesota, in
1862, enlisted in Company F. First Minn. H. A.,
February 8th, 1865; discharged at Nashville, Tenn.,
October 27th, 1865; went to Crawford county, Kansas in
1867; found that "it was not good for man to be alone,"
and induced Miss Lizzie E. Lydick, of Filmore county,
Minn. to meet him at Kansas City, Mo., where they were
married November 25th, 1869; went direct to Crawford
county, Kans., took a private claim, built a cabin, and
commenced to fight for a home. The malaria, so
prevalent in the early settlement of that country,
became too much for him, and he took the agency of the
John P. Manny reaper and mower, for 2 or 3 counties in
South Eastern Kansas; he met with such success that the
Company put him on a salary, traveling over S. E.
Kansas and S. W. Missouri, with a team, appointing
agents, making settlements, and collecting. The
Company despising of this territory, sent him to
Waterloo, Iowa, in 1875; traveled over Iowa and
southern Minnesota one year, found the climate too
cold, and returned to Cherokee, Kansas in 1876, and
engaged in the hardware and implement business. His
health failing, he was advised to go farther North, and
in 1883 moved to north eastern Kansas, bought a farm in
Jackson county and engaged in farming and stock
raising. Finding he was not able to do the heavy work
necessary on a farm, again took to the road, this time
as general collector for the Standard Implement Co., of
Kansas City, Mo., traveling over Kansas and Missouri
eight months of the year, for several years; was twice
brought home on a cot, from nervous prostration, and
was forced to cancel contract with the Company, and
quit the road; sold farm and moved to Denison, Kans.,
in 1901 and at this writing (Jan. 28th, 1909) is liable
to arrest for vagrancy; "Having no visible means of
support." To them were born four children, as follows:
Fred E., Frank M., Dellie J. and Minnie M.
Fred E. Gates, was born in Cherokee county,
Kansas, May 25th, 1871; took a business course at
Campbell University in 1890 and 1891; was married
to Miss Dora E. Hosack, of Jackson county, Kansas,
November 30th, 1899. To them were born six
children as follows: Esther Lucille Gates, was
born September 22nd, 1894, Lawrence Hosack Gates,
was born November 12th,1895, Laura May Gates, was
born February 6th, 1897, Elizabeth Sharp Gates,
was born April 28th, 1899, Margaret Persis Gates,
was born November 18th, 1900, Ida Dorine Gates was
born October 17th, 1904. Their address is P.O.
Denison, Kansas.
Frank M. Gates:- was born in Cherokee county,
Kansas, April 11 th, 1873, graduated in
Penmanship and Pen Art, at Campbell
University, in 1896-7. Single. P.O.
Denison, Kansas.
Della J. Gates:- was born in Waterloo, Iowa,
March 10th, 1875, died September 5th, 1875.
Minnie M. Gates;- was born in Cherokee
county, Kansas, March 20th, 1877. Graduated
in Physical Culture and Elocution, at
Campbell University, in 1898-99. Married
Edwin W. Buffin, May 23 th, 1900. To them
were born four children, as follows: Marjorie
Elizabeth Buffin, born February 20th,1901;
Merritt W. Buffin born June 25th, 1903;
Ronald Buffin born July 8th, 1905, died July
15th, 1906; and Mildred Lois Buffin born
August 21st, 1907. All resided in Denison,
Kansas.
The writer being better acquainted with the subject of this
sketch, than any other member of the family, could -if he
would-give a complete record of his life, but not having
such a record of the others, will not attempt it. Suffice
it to say, he fully realizes that he possesses all the
weaknesses human nature is heir to, and that his life is
full of mistakes and errors, both of commission and
omission; yet he is trying-by God's help- to so live that
when the final entry shall be made, his account will show a
balance on the credit side of the ledger.. He is a member
of the Methodist church, a Past Master of Denison Lodge No.
372, A. F. and A. M., member of the A. O. U. W. Order and a
Republican. P.O. Denison, Kansas.
VALEDICTION
With my first real strong desire to possess a record of the
Gates family, came a determination to make one. How well I
have succeeded, I leave each to judge for themselves. I
fully realize that I could have done nothing without the
hearty cooperation of other members of the family, and I
want to here extend to each and all, my sincere thanks for
their help and encouragement, for when almost discouraged,
your help and words of commendation, were an incentive to
greater effort. My only regret is, that I have not been
able to record more of the personal history of each;
something of their hopes and disappointments, their sucesses
and failures: not from a financial standpoint, but those
things that go to make and develop true manhood and
womanhood. Every one has-or should have-some ambition,
incentive, motive or ideal in life, that will so dominate
and influence their actions, as to be the basis on which
their individual character is made; but while all have been
prompt in submitting cold blooded facts and figures, all
have stopped short of where my greatest interest began.
I attribute their failure to write about themselves, along
these lines, to their extreme modesty, a trait, by the way,
I never knew was so strongly developed in the Gates family,
and myself being the youngest of the brothers and sisters,
the older ones leaving the home nest to build one of their
own, before I could remember, and my coming west when quite
young, have been separated from the most of them all these
years, cannot in justice to myself or them, supply the
deficiency. But I am proud to say, that while no one has
gained great wealth, or worldy honors, not one has dropped
below the worlds standard for good men, good women, and good
citizens, is honor enough for me. I trust that the rising
generation, who will so soon take our place, will profit by
our mistakes, and by adopting higher and better ideals and
motives in life, become better men, and better women than we
have been.
In submitting this record of our family, for your criticism,
or approval, the only reward that I ask for my labors, is,
that coming generations will add to it from time to time,
and thus perpetuate our family history, for by so doing they
will enjoy the satisfaction of knowing their parentage, and
possibly avoid many legal complications.
Below I submit for your consideration, My Creed:
Do not keep the alabaster box of your love and tenderness
sealed up until your friends are dead. Fill their lives
with sweetness. Speak approving, cheering words while their
ears can hear them, and while their hearts can be thrilled
and made happier by them. The kind things you mean to say
when they are gone, say before they go. The flowers you
mean to send for their coffins, send to brighten and sweeten
their homes before they leave them. If my friends have
alabaster boxes laid away, full of fragrant perfumes of
sympathy and affection, which they intend to break over my
dead body. I would rather they would bring them out in my
weary and troubled hours, and open them, that I may be
refreshed and cheered by them while I need them. I would
rather have a plain coffin without a flower, a funeral
without an eulogy, than a life without the sweetness of love
and sympathy. Let us learn to anoint our friends beforehand
for their burial. Post mortem kindness does not cheer the
troubled spirit. Flowers on the coffin cast no fragrance
backward over life's weary way.
Should the above sentiments meet with your approval, and if
from deep in your heart, there should come a feeling of
gratitude toward me for my work, or a feeling of
commendation for this little book, "say so before I die," or
forever hold your peace.
In some respects this work has been a pleasant one; it has
in some way brought me closer to my kin, and I hereby submit
the result of our combined efforts, trusting that it may
draw us all closer together.
Affectionately yours,
MERRIT C. GATES.
In 1951 Susan Gates Morgan wrote; " If anyone should wonder
why there is more information about some than others, I have
only recorded the information given me. It wouldn't do to
guess at anyone's politics or religion because if I made a
mistake, it might be worse than saying nothing about it. I
am not a writer so have simply recorded the information
given to me, hoping it will meet with the approval of the
rest of the family.
I heartily adopt Uncle Metts creed which is recorded in his
CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD OF ARBA GATES, SR. AND HIS
DESCENDANTS."
Susan Gates Morgan.
In 1989 as I copy and edit this record of our family I too
must endorse the creed of MERRITT C. and Susan Gates Morgan.
Yours for a long and happy life.
Delbert C. Gates