1894 Plat Book of Morgan County Illinois

Hon. Richard Yates - The world's history is the record of individual acts, and the brilliancy of that record is good deeds - such deeds as rise above self, and elevate and ameliorate the condition of man. Among the names that will live and shine in the history of our state and country will appear that of Richard Yates, the patriot governor of Illinois, who, through the dark years of the rebellion, gave such living proof of devotion to his country. Such was the character of Governor Yates for patriotism and ability, that, during the war, he administered counsel and strength to the Chief Executive of the nation with the same ease and grace that he gave sympathy and consolation to the humblest patriot, and has left a record which, for devotion to the Union cause and earnest effort in its behalf, has few equals, and will long be remembered by his grateful countrymen.

Richard Yates was born on the 18th of January, 1818, in Warsaw, Gallatin county, Kentucky. He is the second son of Henry Yates, who was a native of Caroline county, Virginia. His father, on coming to Illinois, settled first in Springfield, where he remained several years in the mercantile business. He then removed to Berlin , and after completion of the Toledo, Wabash, & Western railroad, laid out the town of New Berlin, where, as a merchant and dealer in real estate, he resided till his death. He was one of the pioneer citizens of our state, and was respected by a large circle of acquaintances. He raised a family of nine children, five sons and four daughters. Abner and Richard are at present residing in Jacksonville - also Millisent, wife of Wesley Mathers, and Catherine, residing with her sister, Mrs. Mathers.

Richard Yates was indebted for his early educational advantages to Morgan county, except one term in Miami University, at Oxford, Ohio. He graduated at Illinois College in 1837, and commenced his legal studies in the law office of John J. Hardin, who was afterwards so highly distinguished in the Mexican war as colonel of the first regiment of Illinois infantry. He was married July 11th, 1839, to Miss Catherine Geers, daughter of William Geers, of Morgan county, formerly of Lexington, Kentucky. By this marriage he has had five children, viz: William, deceased; Eliza, who died in infancy; and Henry, Katie, and Dickey, who still reside at home with their parents.

Mr. Yates political record covers a period of nearly thirty years. He was first elected to the state legislature in 1842, in which capacity he served the people six years. He was eleven years a representative in congress, four years governor of Illinois, and six years in the senate of the United States.

Such is the brief record of one of Illinois' distinguished patriots and statesmen, whose deeds will live in the memory of her grateful children.




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