Norman Alonzo Bates
Source: "Men of Mark in South Carolina" By James Calvin Hemphill Published 1907
transcribed and contributed by Barb Ziegenmeyer

BATES, NORMAN ALONZO, a prominent planter and business man of Batesburg, South Carolina, was born in that town July 1, 1850. He is of Scotch and German ancestry. His father, Thomas S. Bates, was a planter and merchant. His mother's maiden name was Catherine Amelia Holstein. His early life was passed in the country, and, owing to the deficiencies of the schools during his childhood and youth, the securing for him of a good primary education was a matter of some difficulty. He was enabled, however, to obtain a very good academical training by attendance on the local high school and at Ben Neeley institute, Augusta, Georgia. He began the active work of life in 1867, when he started on his chosen career of cotton planter in his native county of Edgefield. In this vocation he has met with pronounced success, and has acquired considerable wealth. He is interested in quite a number of business enterprises, and is vice-president and a director in the First National Bank of Batesburg. On July 7,1877, he married Miss Ellen Clinkscales, who has borne him six children, four of whom are now (1907) living. He is a Baptist in religion, and a Democrat in politics. His principal recreations are riding and driving.