Waukesha County Wisconsin Genealogy

Waukesha County Biographies

RICHARD YATES

Source: "Historical and Biographical Album of the Chippewa Valley Wisconsin 1891-2. Page 752

Richard Yates, farmer, P. O. Rock Elm, Pierce county, was born in Heap, Lancashire, England, a son of William and Mary (Mason) Yates, natives of England. Of their five children, Richard is the only one living. The others were Ann (Mrs. Bold), who died in England; Elizabeth (Mrs. Fletcher), who also died in England; Susanna, who died at Merton, Wis., and Thomas, who died in England. Richard received his education in England at a parish school and when twenty-two years of age came to this country and settled in Merton, Waukesha county, Wis., and worked at farming for about ten years. He married Miss Mary A., daughter of Terence and Ann Heslin, of Irish descent. In 1868, soon after their marriage, they came to Pierce county, Wis., and took a homestead and commenced their pioneer life. They hesitated at no hardships to secure a home, and his wife proved a true helpmate, doing all she could. She got the first grass seed they had for raising hay, by cutting and gathering stray heads in the fence corners. Now they have a good home and can enjoy a comfortable existence. Nine children have been born to them, as follows: William H., who died in New Mexico; Elizabeth A. (Mrs. Pomeroy), living near her old home; John M., living at Rock Elm; John M., living at Rock Elm; Joseph, who died at Merton, Wis.; George T., who died at Rock Elm, and the others living at home are Walter L., Ida S., Mary E., and Robert T. Mr. Yates has held the office of school director for several years, was a member of the I. O. O. F. and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is a prohibitionist.