Brief biographies of the figurines on display in ... - University Library

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MRS. RICHARD YATES, SR.
(Ca<strong>the</strong>rine Geers)
Ca<strong>the</strong>rine Geers Yates was born in Lexington, Kentucky,
on September 22, 1822, <strong>the</strong> daughter <strong>of</strong> William
and Mary (Watkins) Geers. With her parents she came
to Illinois in 1830, and received her education in Jacksonville.
On July 9, 1839, she was married to Richard Yates,
before she was seventeen years <strong>of</strong> age. To <strong>the</strong>m were
born five children, only one <strong>of</strong> whom is now living, Richard
Yates, Jr., Congressman-at-Large, Washington, D. C.
Mrs. Yates was a woman <strong>of</strong> decided christian character.
She was unostentatious in manner, maintaining
<strong>the</strong> highest respect <strong>of</strong> all who knew her. During <strong>the</strong>
four years <strong>of</strong> bloody strife, when her husband was Governor,
her faith comforted him and helped to keep him
from faltering in his course. She was beloved by both
soldiers and civilians.
While Mr. Yates was in Congress, she shared in all
his social honors and political triumphs. One <strong>of</strong> her
treasured keepsakes was a little faded cockade presented
to her by General Scott, at a dinner party at <strong>the</strong>
White House, at which he escorted her to <strong>the</strong> table.
Though many sorrows came into <strong>the</strong> life <strong>of</strong> Mrs.
Yates, she yet proved <strong>of</strong> a sweet and loving spirit, and
well merited <strong>the</strong> pride <strong>of</strong> being taken back in her old
days, by her son,