John T. Young

HOUTBY, THOMPSON, YOUNG

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson (email)
Date: 8/13/2004 at 11:23:52

John T. Young, a retired farmer and stockman who is living in Winterset, was born in Belmont county, Ohio, on the 12th of May, 1849, a son of George W. Young. The father was born in Fredericksburg, Maryland, of German descent. His parents both passed away in that locality and he was there reared and educated. In his youth he learned the miller’s trade and upon removing to Ohio worked at that trade. In 1856 he drove through with horse teams to Madison county, Iowa, and became the owner of land in both Scott and Union townships. There was a small log house upon his farm when it came into his possession and that building remained his residence for some time. He spent the remainder of his life upon his farm and at the time of his death owned two hundred and eighty-four acres of finely cultivated land. He passed away in November, 1878, and his demise was mourned by those who in the many years of his residence in this county had learned to know and esteem him. He was not a member of any church, but assisted in building the church in his locality. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Moore, was born in Belmont county, Ohio, where she was reared and married. She accompanied her husband on the journey overland to Iowa and was one of the best known of the pioneer women in this country. She lived to the advanced age of eighty-two years, passing away on the 4th of May, 1912. Her religious faith was that of the Presbyterian church, of which she was a consistent member. All of her seven children are still living, namely: John T., of this review; William C., who is farming in Minnesota; Mary A., the wife of Edward Houtby, of North Loup, Nebraska; George W., of Winterset; Nina, who makes her home with our subject; James M., a farmer of Scott township, this county; and Frances, who gave her
hand in marriage to Hugh Thompson, of Earlham, this county.

John T. Young was a child of seven years when he accompanied his parents to this county and the remainder of his boyhood and his youth were passed under the parental roof. In common with other farmer boys he early began to learn practical methods of agriculture and as his strength increased assisted his father more and more. His education was not neglected, however, as he attended the district schools and there gained a knowledge of the fundamental branches of learning. When twenty-one years of age he became a teacher in the district schools but in the summer months engaged in farming. In 1878, at the time of his father's death, he assumed charge of the home place and was made administrator of the estate. He operated the farm successfully until 1914, when he rented it and removed to Winterset, where he is now living retired from active labor. The estate has never been divided and he is still managing it to the satisfaction of all the heirs. He and his sister Nina live together and both have many warm friends, who esteem them highly for their many admirable traits of character.

Mr. Young is a republican and has held a number of offices of trust and honor. In 1892 he was elected county recorder and the following year took office. His record was so satisfactory to his constituents that he was reelected in 1894 and served in all for four years. During that time he continued to supervise the operation of the farm. He is a member of Lotus Lodge, No. 48, K. P., of Winterset, and in his quiet and unostentatious life manifests that spirit of fraternity and loyalty in friendship that is the foundation of that order.

Taken from the book, “The History of Madison County, Iowa, 1915”