Brian Yates

Alderman-at-Large, Ward 5
City of Newton, MA

40th Massachusetts Regiment

• I am proud of my family’s record of service to the United States. My father Edmond Yates, and uncles Paul Richardson and Bill Terry served in WW II. My Great Uncle Francis Yates died in WW I and is commemorated on the WWI Memorial at the corner of High and Pettee Streets.
  

• My Great Grandfather Samuel Corey Richardson was a native of Newton Corner (Richardson Street may have been named for his family.) He served in the 40th Mass. Regiment that took part in the Battle of Fort Wagner where the 54th Regiment, led by Col. Robert Shaw showed the bravery of Black soldiers.
  

• My Great Grandfather was wounded in the Battle of Olustee, Florida. The Union retreat was covered by the 54th Regiment. As I said to the grandson of Congressional Medal of Honor Winner Sergeant William Carney, the 54th saved my Great Grandfather from being sent to Andersonville Prison, where wounded Yanks would not have lived to return to Newton, and have a family that included my Grandfather.
  

• I would like to work to honor Newton’s Civil War Heritage. If you would like to help or if you know anything about the 40th Regiment, please contact me.

This page last updated on October 2, 2003

Back to Brian Yates' Home Page