James Alford Yates

1834 - 1926  (91 years)

• Name	James Alford Yates
  Born	15 Oct 1834	Wilkes, North Carolina
  Gender	Male
  Died	2 Feb 1926	North Carolina
  Person ID	I33778	Yatesville History & Genealogy
  Last Modified	30 Apr 2020

  
  

  Father	Hugh M. Yates,   b. Jan 1818, North Carolina ,   d. Feb 1898, North Carolina  (Age ~ 80 years)
  Mother	Sarah Miller,   b. 1815, North Carolina
  Family ID	F10011	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

• Event Map		Born - 15 Oct 1834 - Wilkes, North Carolina  = Link to Google Earth
  Pin Legend	: Address       : Location       : City/Town       : County/Shire       : State/Province       : Country       : Not Set

  
  

• Notes

  Son of Hugh YATES, Jr. and Sarah "Sally" MILLER. He was born on Parlier's Creek in the Reddie's River Township of Wilkes County. Alf joined the "Wilkes Volunteers" which later became known as Company C of the 26th Regiment NC Infantry which served in the Confederate Army. He served in NC, VA, PA, MD. He was captured at Spotsylvania and held as a prisoner a few weeks until he was forced to choose to remain a prisoner or serve in the Union Army. He joined the 1st US Volunteer Infantry and was ordered to protect the Northwestern frontier and to battle the Plains Indians. He traveled to New York, Chicago, St. Louis, and was headed for the Dakotas when he became ill and was hospitalized for ten months. He later went to Fort Rice, ND and engaged in a battle against the Sioux Indians and Sitting Bull. He was later reassigned to Fort Leavenworth where his company was discharged as the Civil War had ended seven months earlier. Alf returned to Wilkesboro, NC and in Oct. 1868, he married Letha Anne Watson. In 1875 they moved to Watauga County and began to acquire land parcels and farm the land. In the 1910's they moved to Kentucky to a large farm in the Shenandoah Valley. In 1918 Letha became sick from a major flu epidemic and died after a few weeks. After her death, Alf and his son Fonnie returned to Watauga County, NC. Alf and Letha had ten children. Alf was acquainted with the Siamese Twins, Chang and Eng who were married to Alf's cousins, Adelaide Yates and Sarah Ann Yates. He also attended the hanging of Tom Dula for the murder of Laura Foster. Watauga Democrat Obituary: Mr. Alfred Yates one of the oldest inhabitants of the county, died at the home of his son Mr. Thomas Yates, near Valle Crucis, Tuesday after an illness of nearly one month. He was almost 90 years old and his first real illness was his last. He was a soldier during the Civil War and has been a hard worker and prosperous citizen since up to about 5 years ago he went to the home of his son to live. His health has been practically perfect during his long life. He was highly respected by a large circle of friends and possessed sterling traits of character. His home through all the years was near Matney.