Young, Calvin

YOUNG, MILLIKEN, CLAGG

Posted By: Janelle Martin (email)
Date: 4/3/2011 at 16:01:27

History of Hamilton County, Iowa, Vol. II, 1912, J.W. Lee, p. 174.

Business success is not in itself a thing of unusual merit or value but as an end which can only be achieved through industry; concentration and skillful use of opportunity, it entitles a man to the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens. The career of Calvin Young, senior partner in the firm of Young & Clifton, lumber dealers, of Webster City, is an exemplification of success gained by alertness and activity of mind and business ability of a high order. Mr. Young is a native of Maine, having been born in Lamoine, July 22, 1867. His parents were Joshua W. and Margaret (Milliken) Young, of whom more extended mention is made on another page of this work. Mr. Young came to Webster City with his parents in 1881 and finished the education begun in Maine in the public schools of Hamilton county. He began his active career in 1893 when he established the grocery business of Calvin Young & Company. He met with success from the beginning. He founded his prosperity upon industry, integrity and a discriminating business sense which combined with his accurate grasp of the details of an intricate situation brought him rapid advancement in the commercial world. Mr. Young was identified with the grocery business for three years and at the end of this period of time he accepted a position in his father's lumber yard and learned the details of this business from the beginning. His advancement was rapid, well deserved and based on merit. In 1906 his father offered him a partnership in the business and the firm operated under the name of J. W. Young & Son. The concern gradually developed along progressive lines until it became one of the largest and most representative industrial enterprises in Webster City. Much of its growth at this period was due to the energetic activity and resourcefulness of Calvin Young, who, besides being thoroughly versed in the details of the occupation with which he is connected, brought to the conduct of the enterprise modern and scientific ideas of commercial operation. In 1908 his father retired and Calvin Young formed a partnership with C. H. and V. L. Clifton, running the lumber business under the firm name of Young & Clifton. It is under this title that the enterprise is now managed and as such it is known throughout Hamilton county. The dominating factor in its success is the enterprising spirit of Calvin Young, who brings to his business operations a highly intelligent and progressive mind and a keen discrimination coupled with the strict honesty which influences every relation of his life.

On June 21, 1893, Mr. Young was united in marriage to Miss Grace Clagg, a daughter of J. P. Clagg, who was a well known hardware merchant of Webster City before his death in 1905. Mr. an Mrs. Young have three children: James, born in 1901 ; Thelma, born in 1907; and Julia, whose birth occurred in 1909. The family is very prominent in social circles and the residence at No. 822 Second street is a charming center of hospitality in Webster City. Mrs. Young is prominent in club affairs and her pleasing and generous personality make her widely popular among her many friends. She belongs to the Six O'clock Club of Webster City and is active and interested in the affairs of the leading organizations of that city.

Mr. Young is a member of Acacia Lodge, No. 176, F. & A. M., and was secretary of this organization for two years. He belongs to Hope Chapter, No. 88, R. A. M., and Sharon Chapter, No. 148, O. E. S. In fraternal relations Mr. Young is popular and prominent for he possesses an engaging personality and a genuinely honest character.