YEO, Edward Roe (or Rooe) (1742-82), of Huish, Devon and Normanton, Leics.

In 1774 Yeo, introduced at Coventry by Lord Craven and supported by the independent interest in the city, was returned at the head of the poll in opposition to the corporation candidates. In Parliament he voted with the Opposition on Wilkes, 22 Feb. 1775; he does not appear in the five minority lists 1775-8; but was classed by Robinson as an opponent on the contractors bill, 12 Feb. 1779. On the motion for an account of pensions, 21 Feb. 1780, Yeo voted with Administration, and continued to do so till the fall of North. In 1780, with Government support, he again contested Coventry in opposition to the corporation interest, and though defeated after a riotous and expensive contest, was seated on petition three months later. He and his fellow candidate, Lord Sheffield, received from secret service funds £2,000 towards their expenses.1Fortescue, v. 465-6; Laprade, 58. There is no record of Yeo having spoken in Parliament. He died 23 Dec. 1782.