Richard Yates

“The wounded soldier’s friend” is inscribed on the 9-foot granite base of the statue of former Illinois Governor and Senator Richard Yates. The 8-foot bronze statue was paid for by the State of Illinois. During a joint dedication ceremony for the Yates and John M. Palmer statues on Oct. 16, 1923, Yates’ son, Richard, a former Governor himself, spoke about his father, whose most brilliant service was during the four tumultuous years of the Civil War. Many Civil War veterans attended the ceremony. Sculptor: Albin Polasek, 1921