While doing some fall cleaning recently, I couldn’t help but become perplexed at a portrait I was walking past. Charles Yates currently resides in Section 5, Lot 121 of Greendale Cemetery (for those who would like to pay their respect) with both his first and second wife. One wonders, however, what Yates did during his lifetime? What impact did he leave? What happened during the “dash” that is now seen between the dates on his tombstone?

 

After having my interest sparked from this painting, I started digging (in books that is) for more information on my portrait. Charles M. Yates was born January 2, 1804 in Germantown, just outside Philadelphia, PA. He was left as an orphan at approximately eight years old, inheriting his parents’ estate. With this money for a decent education, Yates was put under the direction of a private instructor, Rev. Francis Luther. Several other schools followed, leading him to finish medical school at the University of Maryland in 1825. He practiced for over 40 years in Meadville, retiring here.

 

Charles Yates was married twice. He and his first wife, Maria Buchanan (brother of future President James Buchanan) were married in 1826, having five children. Maria passed away in 1849.

 

The November 13, 1849 issue of the Lancaster Intelligencer printed the following obituary for her:

 

                        “Died at Meadville, on Friday, the 2d instant, Mrs. Maria T. Yates, wife of Dr. Charles M. Yates, and the only surviving sister of the Hon. James Buchanan.  This excellent lady throughout life endeared herself to all her acquaintances by the cheerfulness and benevolence of her disposition, and in the domestic circle she was the object of enthusiastic affection.  Her last illness was long and painful; but she bore it with resignation to the will of her Heavenly Father, and died the death of a Christian.  She has left a husband and six children to deplore their irreparable loss.”

 

In 1850 Yates was remarried to Clara Chamberlain, the daughter of a fellow doctor in Crawford County and had seven more children.

 

Yates was an early physician, upstanding citizen, and notable member of our community and even connects Meadville to a presidential family! What was just another “pretty face” on the walls of the Baldwin-Reynolds House now has a story. The “dash” between his dates is filled in at least a little more!