William Wirt Young

YOUNG, PETERS, WINSLOW, KING

Posted By: Danita Young Smith
Date: 3/22/2007 at 10:13:40

Manchester Press
Manchester, Iowa
May 25, 1888

Last week, when we went to press, it was hoped that Mr. Young was gradually improving though his condition was known to be extremely critical. Soon after, his situation became more alarming, and a physician of eminence was sent for, to Chicago. His diagnosis dispelled all hope, though no one supposed the end to be so near. But the end had come. Wednesday night, after months of suffering, born with exemplary fortitude and patience, he passed into the shadow of death. Quite, unobtrusive, a dutiful son, a devoted husband and brother, a faithful friend, and an upright, conscientious and useful man, he went down into the valley of the shadow as calmly and fearlessly as he was wont to go into battle when fighting for the preservation of the Union. He leaves behind to mourn the loss they have sustained, a multitude of friends and not an enemy.

Mr. Young was the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel R. Young, of Milo township, and was born in Illinois in 1847. He came with his parents to this county in 1855. He had little more than the advantages of a common school education, having enlisted in Co. B., Fourth Iowa Cavalry, Col. J. H. Peters' regiment, while attending Lenox Collegiate Institute, at Hopkinton. He enlisted Feb. 25, 1864, to serve three years or during the war, and was with the regiment from that time during the whole period of its service.

From disease contracted in the army he was incapacitated from active labor for more than a year after his term of service expired, and there is little doubt that his system at that time received the seeds of the disease which terminated his life. He began work as a civil engineer on the Cairo & Vincennes railroad, in 1867, under Gen. Winslow, and gradually but surely worked his way up to the position of managing and consulting engineer. He was served as contractor and engineer on many important works, and wherever he was engaged, never failed to win the esteem and entire confidence of all with whom he was associated.

On the 26th of December, 1870, he was married to Miss Sarepta M. King, daughter of the late N.C. King, of this county, with whom he lived happily till his death. They were blessed with no children. The funeral services will be held at the Congregational church, at two o'clock next Sunday afternoon.

Oakland Cemetery
 

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