|
Stephenson County
Thomas B. Young, one of the largest
stock-dealers of this county, and the owner
of a good farm on section 21 in Rock Run
Township, operates largely in cattle and hogs,
which he buys and ships at Rock City, near which
his home is located. He is still in the prime of
life, active and energetic, has entered upon a prosperous career, and is accounted among the most
valued citizens of his community.
The father of our subject, Robert Young by
name, was a native of Union County, PA where
both his parents spent their entire lives, and where
their remains are buried. They were of old Presbyterian stock and of Scottisli ancestry. The father
was a tanner, which trade he followed for many
years in Union County, and became the owner of
property there. The mother was formerly Miss
Sarah Wallace. After the birth of five children,
the parents of our subject decided to seek a permanent home in the West, and accordingly started
out overland with teams. They first located in
Ccdarville, this county, where Robert Young was
engaged some years as a cattle dealer, but afterward took up farming, locating on a tract of lnnd
in Buckeye Township. Later he traded this property for a farm in Dakota Township, which he occupied until his death in 1857, after he had passed
his sixtieth birthday. The mother afterward removed to the home of her daughter in Freeport,
where she died in 1882, when eighty-three years of
age.
Our subject was the youngest child of his parents, whose family included five sons and five
daughters. Be received his education in the public schools of those days, and remained under the
parental roof until the outbreak of the late war.
He then enlisted in Co. F, 142d 111. Vol. Inf., in
answer to the call for 100-days men, and served
double his time. His services then being no longer
required, he was honorably discharged, and returned to the peaceful pursuits of rural life. His
next important step was his marriage, which took
place Dec. 24, 1868, at the home of the bride's
parents, in Rock Run Township. The maiden of
his choice, Miss Ada Lashell, was born and reared
in Ibis county, and completed her education at
Mt. Carroll. Later she engaged in teaching, and
was thus employed until her marriage. Mrs. Young was born in Jefferson Township, and is the
daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Graham) Lashell, to whom reference is made in the biography
of David G. Lashell, to be found else wherein this
work. Of this union there were born three children, one of whom died when a few weeks old.
Robert A., and Charles D. are at home with their parents.
Mr. Young, after his marriage, established himself at Rock City in general merchandising and stock-buying until 1884. He then disposed of his stock of merchandise, and devoted his attention exclusively to his live-stock business, buying largely,
and becoming one of the leading men in this line here. The family arc connected with the United Presbyterian Church. Mr. Young, politically, is a
stanch Republican, and has served as Supervisor for six years, and held other minor offices. The homestead is a finely cultivated tract of land, supplied with good buildings, and forms one of the
most attractive features of Rock Run Township.
Transcribed by Christine Walters
|
