James H. Young, of Silver Creek Township, is the proprietor of 136 1/2 acres of fertile land, devoted to grain and pasturage, and upon which, in addition to general agriculture, he is engaged in the breeding of high-grade stock, including cattle, horses and swine. Mr. Young possesses good business ability, and the judgment requisite for success, and this, together iwth his natural industry, has enabled him to prosecute his calling successfully and secured him a good position among his neighbors.

Mr. Young has been a resident of the southeastern part of Stephenson County nearly all his life. He was born in Silver Creek Twp., Jan. 14, 1844, and received a fair education in the district school. His father Capt. William Young was one of the most prominent citizens of Stephenson County and is remembered as having served as a soldier of the Union army, returning home with honorable scars. James also enlisted in that memorable war, in Battery H, 2d IL Light Artillery, and marched with his comrades to the South. This however, was toward the close of the contest, and he was only called upon to serve 10 months. He escaped without injury and without opportunity to engage in any active combat with the enemy. Subsequently he became the partner of his father, and they operated together until 1866. Our subject was then married, Decemer 23, of that year to Miss Minnie Lattig of Freeport. Mrs. Young was born in PA whence she removed with her parents to this State and remained with them until her marriage. She died at the hoome of her husband in Silver Creek Township in the spring of 1880. Of this union no children were born. Mrs. Young was a lady highly esteemed for her amiable character and Christian virtues and had benn for many years a consistent member of the German Reformed Church.

The present wife of Mr. Young, to whom he was married in Lancaster Twp. was Miss Lenoria Lattig, a sister of the first. She also was born in PA and came with the family to this State. Her father George Lattig, was a farmer by occupation and spent his last years in Lancaster twp. where his death occurred in 1880. Mr. Young took possession of his present property in 1872, since which time he has devoted his entire attention to the cultivation of the soil and to providing his home with the comforts of modern life. They have no children. Mr. Young is a Republican in politics and with his amiable partner is a member of good standing of the First Presbyterian Church at Freeport.

Transcribed by Christine Walters
History of Stephenson County 1888 Portrait & Biographical Pg 599