The Bates-Fleming Line (1286-1900) - Garrett Family Genealogy

The Bates-Fleming Line (1286-1900)
Thomas Fleming Bates was a young man during the Revolutionary War, and he (like his
uncle James) defied his family's religion to pick up arms for the purpose of war. A family
member explains: “His love of country and hatred of tyranny caused him to break faith with
[his Quaker] sect and he enlisted as a soldier, and continued as such until the patriot armies
of the colonies conquered a peace.” While the families were skilled at writing to each other,
and there are collections of family papers, Fleming’s reaction to his son’s break with their
faith is unknown. Thomas was an pioneer settler of Goochland County, Virginia. He married
Caroline M. Woodson and fathered 12 children: Charles, Matilda, Tarleton, Fleming,
Nancy, Richard, James W., Sarah Margaret, Susan, Frederick and Edward.
Thomas F. Bates was an early settler of Goochland County, Virginia. He was a Quaker, but
when the war of the Revolution commenced he buried his religion in patriotism and became
a soldier. He married Caroline M. Woodson, and they had twelve children: Charles, Matilda,
Tarleton, Fleming, Nancy, Richard, James W., Sarah, Margaret, Susan, Frederick and
Edward. Charles lived and died in Virginia, where he became eminent in the profession of
law. Matilda married Captain Gett, and died leaving a daughter, Caroline M., who was
adopted by her uncle, Edward Bates, and died in St. Louis, Missouri. Tarleton was killed in a
duel at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Fleming lived in Northumberland County, Virginia, of which
he was county clerk. He left several children at his death. Nancy married Thomas H. Walton,
who was killed by lightning. He left one son, Robert A., who came to Missouri and married a
daughter of the Hon. Frederick Bates. Richard studied law, but died young. He was an
intimate friend of Gen. Winfield Scott, and had the promise of becoming a distinguished
man. James W., lived and died in Arkansas. He was a delegate to Congress from that
Territory before its admission as a State. Sarah never married, but she came with her
mother to Missouri in 1818. Mrs. Bates died in 1845, aged ninety years. Margaret, was
married twice; first to John Speers, and second to Dr. Orton Wharton, both of Virginia. She
was left a widow the second time and came to St. Charles County, Missouri in 1838. Susan
died while a young lady, in Virginia. Frederick Bates was well educated and became a
distinguished man. President Jefferson appointed him Secretary of the Territory of Michigan,
and in about the commencement of the Aaron Burr conspiracy, he was transferred to Upper
Louisiana, as Secretary of that Territory. He afterwards became Governor of the Territory of
Missouri, and was the second Governor of the State after its admission. He was married to
Nancy Ball, a daughter of Colonel John S. Ball, who was a soldier of the War of 1812. Mr.
Bates died in 1825, leaving four children: Emily C., Lucas Lee, Woodville and Frederick, Jr.
During the latter part of his life he resided in Lincoln County. His daughter, Emily C.,
married Robert Walton, and is now living in St. Charles, a widow. Lucas Lee married a
daughter of Samuel Conway, and lives in St. Louis County. Woodville died in his youth.
Frederick, Jr. married Lavinia Merideth, and died, leaving one child. His widow married
Samuel Conway, who also died, and she then married a Mr. Kerney. The Hon. Frederick
Bates was Governor of the Territory of Upper Louisiana from May, 1807 to October, 1807;
from September, 1809 to September, 1810; from November 29, 1812 to December 7,
1812; and he was Governor of the Territory of Missouri from December 12, 1812 to July,
1813. He was elected second Governor of the State of Missouri in 1824, and died in 1825,
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