JOSEPH2 GATES (George1), born in Haddam, CT, November 7, 1662, married ELIZABETH3 HUNGERFORD, (Thomas2,1) born about 1670, baptized in East Haddam, October 8, 1704. Joseph Gates was a member of the First Congregational Church and Ecclesiastical Society of East Haddam (hereinafter First Church) at its formation in 1704. He was a farmer and was infrequently recorded as taking part in public life. He died, March 18, 1711/2, under fifty years of age, apparently suddenly, without a will and only a few days before the birth of his youngest child. On June 2, 1717, the probate court distributed one-third of his estate to his widow, a double portion to Joseph Gates, eldest son, and single portions to the other children each of whom was named. The court appointed Captain Thomas Gates, brother of the deceased, as guardian for John Gates, age 19, and Sarah Gates, age 17 and Elizabeth, the widow, as guardian for the younger children. Elizabeth, widow of Joseph Gates died in East Haddam, November 17, 1759 in her 89th year.