[2] When her health improved, she became the department head of elocution and literature at the Seminary of Western Pennsylvania in Clarion.

[2] In 1887, she moved to Dakota Territory and worked as an assistant to John Ogden at the Normal School in Milnor.

[3] Bates was described as intelligent, determined, deeply religious, and an accomplished public speaker.

[3] Bates campaigned vigorously and defeated Democratic incumbent Laura J. Eisenhuth in the 1894 election.

[2] Bates was defeated by John G. Halland for the nomination of state superintendent at the 1896 North Dakota Republican Convention in Grand Forks.