I really hope there is someone out there who can help me get started on the Gates and or Graffious/Graffis line. My gr-grandparents were Thomas Gates and Margaret Graffious (Graffis) Thomas was born {1880 Cen. Coaldale Boro) abt 1844 and Margaret abt 1854. Margaret was supposed to be from the Rays Cove area. There children were: (not in order)
1.Charles Gates died young?
2.Frank Gates
3.Manuel (Emanuel) died young?
4.Molly Gates
5.Pearl Gates mar John Stellar
6.Samuel Gates
7.Thomas Gates mar Nina Welsh
8.Calvin Gates b. abt 1871 mar Rose Chaney
9.Jeminia Gates b. abt 1874 mar William Kline
10.Elizabeth Gates b. abt 1876 mar John Price
11.Elmer Gates b.abt 1879 died young
12.Rachel Alice Gates 1895-1982 mar 1908 John Wesley Houck 1884-1985.

Thomas & Margaret Gates are buried in the Duvall Cemetery, Six Mile Run. There is a Thomas Gates 24 May 1849-19 Aug 1872 (GAR marker too) buried there, but I'm uncertain if it's the same one.

I'd greatly appreciate it if anyone can help me get started with this. Jim Houck