who's Barnabas Bates?

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

Barnabas Bates Jr was born in Massachusetts in 1748 to Barnabas Sr and Phoebe Gibbs Bates, both natives of Massachusetts  As noted in historical records, Barnabas was chosen to be a "Selectman" in 1780.  (In colonial New England, "Selectmen" were chosen as the town's executives - sheriff, mayor, treasurer, overseer of roads, and surveyors.)

 

Barnabas Sr was 2nd cousin to the 9th US President, William Henry Harrison.  William Henry Harrison's grandson was also a US President - Benjamin Harrison.

 

In genealogical lines, Benjamin Harrison would be 4th cousin to all of the grandchildren of Barnabas Sr, including the nephew of Barnabas Jr,  one "Joseph Bates."

 

Ahhh.. yes.  "THE" Joseph Bates, pressed into British military service at age 19 and taken prisoner during the War of 1812, becoming a sea captain, health reformer, Millerite follower, one of the "disappointed" in 1844, and early Adventist.

 

Joseph Bates was the 4th cousin of much younger President Benjamin Harrison, and died 17 years before the presidency.

 

Below is a photo of Capt. Joseph Bates and his 4th cousin, Pres. Benjamin Harrison.

[phkrause]

and very interesting.

[LynnDel]

I guess there is no way of knowing if Joseph Bates knew he was related to President Harrison. Not that it would have mattered to him - but I suppose that among my fourth cousins, none of whom I know, there might be someone famous. Then I could name drop with the best of them. I am related to the moderator of this forum, though I forget how. Hey, "cousin" Pam! :)

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

Joseph Bates probably wouldn't have known.  But it's interesting just to see what the connections are.

 

Really, this isn't about "name-dropping," rather, it's just fascinating (to me) to see how various families are interconnected.

 

 

LD, your 3rd cousin 9x removed (9 generations back) married my 6th great grand uncle.  We have an interesting historical relative in common.  I'll write about him in another post..