John McGee Bates was born in 1859, the 4th son and child of Matthew and Cynthia (Bentley) Bates. He was born and raised in Howard Township, Story County, Iowa.

Millie Elvira Moore was born on 6 July 1873 in Richland, Holmes County, Ohio to William S. and Samantha E. (Riggs) Moore. By 1880 the family moved to Divide, Buffalo County, Nebraska. She had an older brother, Enos, according to the 1880 Federal Census.

“John McGee Bates, age 70 years, passed away at the family home, 896 S. Hamilton avenue, this morning at 7 o’clock after about three years of failing health.

Mr. Bates was born in the state of Iowa, June 10, 1859, came to Pomona from Meadville, Nebraska, in the hope the change would improve his health. He was one of the pioneers of the state of Nebraska, having settled there from the state of Iowa in 1884.

He is survived by his wife; one son, Roy A. Bates, and one daughter, Mrs. R. F. Morgan, both of Pomona. There are also nine grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Mary Shattuck, Nebraska, and Mrs. Ida Eivens, Maxburg, Iowa; and five brothers, Andrew Bates, Modesto, California; William, Adrian, Mo.; Frank, Maxburg, Iowa, and Ulrich and Austin, both in Nebraska. Funeral services will be announced later by Todd & Reeves. Burial will be made in Pomona cemetery.” — The Pomona Progress Bulletin, Pomona, California, Friday, 29 November 1929, Page 21 [7]

“John M. Bates

Funeral services for John M. Bates will be held at the Todd & Reeves chapel, Monday at 10 a. m. Mr. Bates had been a resident of Pomona for the past 2 years and passed away at the family home, 896 S. Hamilton avenue, early yesterday morning after three years of failing health.” — The Pomona Progress Bulletin, Pomona, California, Saturday, 30 November 1929, Page 15 [7]

Passing of Pioneer in California

“John Bates, a pioneer of Brown and Keya Paha counties died at his home, Pomona, California, Friday, November 29, after a lingering illness. The funeral occurred at Pomona, on Monday of this week.

Mr. Bates was for years a ranchman in Keya Paha, later moving to Ainsworth, and after a number of years here, returned to the ranch. Some two years ago Mr. and Mrs. Bates went to California, in the hope that the change of climate would provide beneficial. However, he did not find relief, and for three months previous to his death was helpless and a month before lost his eye sight completely.

He is survived by his wife, one daughter, Mrs. Roy Morgan of Pomona, and one son, Roy Bates, who also resides in the west.” — Brown County Democrat, Ainsworth, Nebraska, Friday, 6 December 1929, Page 1 [7]

Mrs. Millie E. Wilson

“ Mrs. Millie E. Wilson of 411 E. 11th St. passed away in Los Angles General Hospital early this morning.

Mrs. Wilson was born July 6, 1873, in Iowa. She came to California from Ainsworth, Neb., in 1927 and has resided in Pomona for the last 27 years. She was a member of the Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints in Ontario.

She is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Ortha G. Morgan of Pomona, and a son, Roy A. Bates of Monterey Park. There also are 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements will be announced by Todd Memorial Chapel.” — The Pomona Progress Bulletin, Pomona, California, Monday, 1 Feb 1954, Page 21 [7]