we know John Yates was deceased by 2nd April 1871{when the 1871 Census was done} his then wife Mary Ann White when she visits her cousin Caroline Kirk in Cheetham, Manchester she is listed as a widow on that census.
we also know from John Yates and Mary Ann White{died 1910 in Lancashire} son's marriage and birth certificate that their son Edward John Yates{died 1936 in Heywood, Lancashire} was born 23rd November 1871 and Baptised on 17th March 1872 in Blackburn, Lancashire.
we also know thanks John and Mary Ann White son Edward John Yates birth and marriage certificate that his dad John Yates was listed as a ''Staff Sergeant'' in the 6th Foot Regiment but I can't find a birth record or death record for him.
I know from John Yates Marriage certificate to Mary Ann White when they married at The Parish Church in Wembdon, Bridgwater, Somerset on 3rd November 1868 that John's dad was called William{John Yates mothers name is not on the marriage certificate} but Mary Ann White father William George White was listed as still alive at the time of their marriage{I have William George White wife's details}
its only John Yates that I'm interested in right now. {I can't find any census with John and his parents on it because i can't find where he was definitely born, what day, month and year he was born or when he was deceased}. we think meaning my family thinks that William Yates wife may have been Mary Bibby or Mary someone.