Finding out who Robert Yott Bath NY actually is depends entirely on which version of the news you caught first. If you’re a local history buff in Steuben County, you probably know him as the guy who meticulously documented the history of the Bath VA. He’s the veteran who spent years interviewing old-timers to make sure their stories didn't die with them. But if you’ve seen the national headlines recently, you’ve likely seen a very different, much more jarring image of the man.
Politics has a way of turning neighbors into strangers. In the case of Robert Yott, it reportedly turned a trip to the grocery store into a felony assault charge that made national airwaves.
The Story Most People Missed: Robert Yott as a Historian
Before the 2024 incident at a Tops Friendly Market, Robert E. Yott was primarily known as a dedicated chronicler of Western New York’s military legacy. He didn't just write books; he seemed to live for the preservation of veteran history. His most significant work, From Soldiers' Home to Medical Center, is basically the definitive guide to the Bath Soldiers' Home.
This place—now known as the Bath VA Medical Center—is a cornerstone of the community. Yott's research tracked it all the way back to the Grand Army of the Republic and their fight to establish a refuge for Civil War veterans. He was deep into the weeds of local history, looking at everything from the influence of Theodore Roosevelt to the "Echo Taps" ceremonies.
He didn't stop at the Civil War, though. More recently, in May 2025, he released Vietnam: A Look Back. This wasn't some academic dry-read. It was a collection of stories from 75 different Vietnam veterans, mostly from the Western New York area. Yott himself served in the U.S. Army after the Vietnam War ended, and he often spoke about the "scorn" those veterans faced when they returned home. He wanted to give them the "thank you" they never got. Honestly, he was a guy who seemed to care deeply about the dignity of service members. He even served on color guards for veteran burials and donated book proceeds to buy benches for the Bath VA.
The Tops Market Incident in Bath, NY
The local perception of the "kindly historian" took a massive hit on November 1, 2024. According to reports from the Village of Bath Police Department, Yott was involved in a violent confrontation at the Tops Friendly Markets on West Morris Street.
It wasn't a dispute over a parking spot or a long line. It was over a hat.
The victim, a stranger to Yott, was wearing a red "Trump 2024" hat. Police say the 60-year-old Robert Yott Bath NY resident confronted the man and then things got physical—fast. Yott allegedly punched the victim in the mouth and head several times. The injuries weren't minor; the victim ended up with broken teeth and a bloody mouth.
Yott was arrested and charged with:
- Felony Second-Degree Assault
- Fourth-Degree Criminal Mischief (a misdemeanor)
He was held at the Steuben County Jail awaiting arraignment. The story was picked up by major outlets like Fox News, serving as a flashpoint for discussions about political polarization in small-town America. It’s a wild contrast—a man who spent his life honoring the "service and sacrifice" of veterans allegedly attacking a fellow citizen over a political preference.
Why This Matters in Steuben County
People in Bath don't just see a news headline; they see a guy they might have passed in the library or seen at a funeral ceremony. Steuben County is a place where history is physically present, especially with the VA being such a huge employer and cultural landmark.
There's a weird tension here. On one hand, you've got Yott’s contribution to the local record. His books are in the FamilySearch Library and on the shelves of local history buffs. On the other hand, there’s the reality of a violent outburst in a public space.
It’s a reminder that even in relatively quiet places like Bath, the national political temperature can boil over. When we talk about Robert Yott Bath NY, we’re talking about a man whose legacy is now split in two. Is he the historian who saved the stories of 75 Vietnam vets? Or is he the man who lost his cool in the grocery store aisle?
What’s Next for Robert Yott?
The legal process for a felony assault charge in New York is rarely quick. Since the incident occurred in late 2024, the court proceedings would naturally stretch into 2025 and 2026. For anyone following the case, the focus has shifted from his bibliography to the Steuben County court calendar.
If you’re looking into this because you’re a fan of his historical work, the books are still out there. Vietnam: A Look Back is available on Amazon, and its proceeds were originally intended to help Vietnam veterans. Whether the recent legal troubles change how people view that "service" is something the community is still grappling with.
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If you want to understand the full picture of Robert Yott Bath NY, you have to look at both the books and the blotter. History is rarely a straight line, and the people who write it are just as complicated as the ones they write about.
Next Steps for Residents and Readers:
- Check Local Records: If you're following the legal outcome, the New York State Unified Court System's WebCriminal portal is the most reliable place to see the current status of the assault charges.
- Support Local History: Regardless of the author's personal actions, the history of the Bath VA is worth knowing. You can visit the Bath VA Medical Center or check out local archives at the Steuben County Historical Society.
- Engage with Caution: The incident at Tops is a stark example of why political discourse in public spaces needs a serious cool-down period.
The story of Robert Yott is basically a cautionary tale about how quickly a lifetime of "good work" can be overshadowed by a single moment of aggression.