In September 2008 Ruth Bone sent an e-mail to James R. Yates, Sr. responding to a message board note of several years ago. That note was one of many made to various message boards to solicit information that others may have about John and Elizabeth Yates of Grantsburg, Indiana.

This simple note from Ruth closed a loop that an amateur genealogist only dreams about as it turns out that Cousin Ruth and her family line had lovingly preserved many letters circa 1861-1864 between John Yates and his wife Elizabeth Roberson Yates.

Ruth Bone's family line runs through Samantha Yates, the eldest daughter of John and Elizabeth Yates. This is just the exact scenario we dreamed about. Samantha likely plays a larger role than expected as Elizabeth appears not to be able to read or write based on her lack of signature by "making her X Mark" on official documents.

The letters date from 1861 through 1864. The last letter is from John's Brother-in-law George W. Riggle who is a private in Company K 38th Indiana Infantry Volunteers along with John Yates. As there is no official death notification system in place during the civil war, George is perhaps breaking the news to Elizabeth Roberson Yates that her husband John has died in Vinings, Georgia during the Atlanta Campaign. Send any comments to Ron Yates