William P. Young

As printed in 1906

WILLIAM P. YOUNG.

AVilliam P. Young, who was formerly engaged in general farming in Henry county but now devotes his attention to the purchase and sale of wool in Mount Pleasant, where he is also known as a real-estate dealer, was born in Fulton county, Ohio, January 1, 1838, his parents being William and Esther (Stott) Young. The father was born in Belfast, Ireland, and when ten years of age was brought to Aemrica by his parents, who settled in Pennsylvania. There he was reared to the occupation of a miller in Pennsylvania, and he removed from the Keystone state to Fulton county, Ohio, where for twenty-five years he lived upon a farm. He was married to Miss Esther Stott, a native of Danville, Pennsylvania, and in the year 1855 they came to Iowa, settling first in Muscatine county, whence in 1856 they came to Henry county, locating in Marion township, seven miles north of Mount Pleasant, on a partially improved farm. The mother's death occurred on that farm in October, 188 1, and in 1884 the father was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Nancy Philips. Both parents of our subject were members of the Presbyterian church in Pennsylvania, but in Ohio became members of the United Brethren church. In his pohtical views Mr. Young was a democrat untilafter 1852;in 1856 he became a repubhcan and cast his ballot for Fremont, and continued to support that party up to the time of his demise. While living in Ohio he served as a school director, but he had no desire for the honors or emoluments of public office. The father died April 18, 1881. Both he and his wife were interred in Hickoiy Grove cemetery. In their family were nine children, of whom four are yet living: Charles S., who married Miss Johanna Williams, and resides in Fremont county, Iowa; Robert, who married Martha Nicholson and resides in IMarion township, Henry county; William P., of this review; and IMiller, who married Iowa 'ray and resides in North Liberty township, ten miles northwest of Iowa City.

William P. Young acquired his early education in the public schools of Ohio and following the removal of the family to Iowa he continued his studies in the Howe Academy, of Mount Pleasant. His present beautiful home is situated on the original site of that academy and the old well and cistern are still in use. After finishing his education Mr. Young engaged in farming with his brother Charles for two years, after which he put aside business cares in order to respond to his country's call for aid, enlisting in 1861 as a member of Company K, Fourth Iowa Cavalry, with which he served throughout the war, being granted a furlough of a month at the time of his re-enlistment as a veteran. He participated in twenty-one different engagements, including the siege of Vicksburg and the \\wilson raid. He was also in the last battle of the war at Columbus, Georgia, and was honorably discharged at Atlanta, while at Davenport, Iowa, he was mustered out, having served from October 9, 1861, to August 25, 1865. He was a brave and loyal soldier, always true to his duty on the picket line or the firing line, and with a creditable military- record he returned to Mount Pleasant.

Mr. Young soon afterward settled upon a farm near the city and was there extensively and successfully engaged in the raising of fine stock, making a specialty of shorthorn cattle for over thirty years, during which time he held twelve public sales and realized a good financial return upon his investment. He became known as one of the leading stockmen of this part of the state, and gained an excellent reputation as a judge of farm animals, which enabled him to make judicious purchases and profitable sales. In 1902 he removed to the city of Mount Pleasant. For seven years he has been engaged in handling wool and he also operates in real estate, having negotiated some important property transfers in this city and county. He is now interested in farm lands in Butler county, Missouri, where he owns a farm of one hundred and twenty acres.

On the 8th of March, 1866, Mr. Young was married to Miss Mary B. Smith, who was born in Fayette county, Ohio, May 30, 1846, a daughter of Adam and Lydia E. (Bruce) Smith, both of whom were natives of Virginia, the father born April 13, 1796, and the latter on the 22d of June, 18 12. The father was a farmer and in 1856 came to Henry county, buying a farm at Hickory Grove, where he li'ed

As printed in Biographical review of Henry County, Iowa, containing biographical and genealogical sketches of many of the prominent citizens of to-day and also of the past .. (1906). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.