Kentucky: A History of the State, Battle, Perrin, & Kniffin, 2nd ed., 1885,
Muhlenberg Co.

WILLIAM W. OATES, Muhlenburgh [sic] County, was born July 19, 1841, on the 
farm where he now resides, and is the second of five boys and one girl born 
to Matthew and Martha (Foster) Oates, natives of Muhlenburgh County and 
North Carolina, respectively, of English descent.  Matthew Oates was the 
son of Jesse Oates.  William W. was reared on a farm, and attended the 
common schools.  He enlisted in October, 1861, in Company K, Eleventh 
Kentucky Volunteer Infantry; took part in the battle of Shiloh; was in the 
hospital for nearly a year; was discharged in March, 1863; returned home 
and engaged in farming; he owns 175 acres of land in good condition, which 
he has acquired by his own industry.  He was married September 29, 1864, 
to Elizabeth Coleman, of Muhlenburgh County, daughter of Archibald C. and 
Mary (Powell) Coleman, natives of Muhlenburgh and Caldwell Counties, 
respectively, and of English origin.  To Mr. and Mrs. Oates nine children 
were born: Matthew A., Carroll E., Mary J., Viola V., Florence J., Effa M., 
Willie D., Lawrence G. and Vanna.  Mr. Oates and wife are Methodists; he 
is a Mason; formerly a Granger.

Oates Foster Coleman Powell
=
NC Caldwell

http://www.rootsweb.com/~kygenweb/kybiog/muhlenberg/oates.ww2.txt