By Sandy Bates, October 5, 2002
James Bates, of Dorchester, was the son of James Bates of England. James Bates of Lydd, Kent, England is the brother of Clement Bates. James arrived in Dorchester in 1635 with his wife, Alice, and children ranging in age from 9 to 20. Four children had died in England, and a son, Richard, had stayed behind. James was made Freeman in 1636. He was a Selectman, Elder and Representative. He died in 1655 and his wife in 1657. In his will he left the greater part of his property to his son Richard in Lydd, England. His son James was of Haddam, Connecticut. and helped form that town. James of Haddam had a son, Samuel, who went to Saybrook, Connecticut and two of his other sons stayed in Haddam. Their descendants are found in Connecticut and also throughout the rest of the United States.