NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

William E. Young
Morris Co. Up

Biographical and Genealogical History of Morris County New Jersey. Illustrated. Vol. II., Lewis Publishing Company, New York and Chicago, 1899.

A representative citizen and successful business man of Chester, Mr. YOUNG was born in the village which is now his home, January 12, 1852, and is a son of Robert E. YOUNG, deceased, whose birth occurred August 5, 1830. The grandfather was Elias B. YOUNG, who died during the infancy of his son Robert, so that we have no authentic history concerning the origin of the family.

Robert E. YOUNG learned the blacksmith's trade, under the direction of Bryant STOUT, of Chester, and followed that pursuit here until 1853, when he removed to Ohio, locating in Cleveland. He remained in that city only two years and then went to the south, taking, up his abode in Columbia, South Carolina, where he continued throughout the period of the Civil war. He then returned with his family to Chester, where his death occurred in the latter part of February, 1888. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Ann SMITH and was a daughter of David SMITH. She still survives her husband. This worthy couple were the parents of seven children, namely:

  • William E., of this sketch;
  • Rosetta, wife of John RIGGOTT, of Rockaway, New Jersey;
  • Robert E., of Boonton, who wedded Margaret ANDERSON;
  • Mary L., who died in youth;
  • Sarah Ann, wife of Dell BENJAMIN, of Hoboken, New Jersey;
  • Douglas, of Boonton, who married Lydia SKELLENGER; and
  • Lafayette S., of Washington, New Jersey, who married Anna ARNDT.

William E. YOUNG acquired a fair knowledge of the King's English in the common schools, which he attended until sixteen years of age, when he began life for himself as a farm hand, serving in that capacity for two years. He was then employed as a stationary engineer at the mines of the Chester Iron Company for one year and spent the succeeding year in Newark in a milk store. On leaving that position he returned to Chester, where he was employed for one year in carting iron ore for the Chester Iron Company, after which he was placed in charge of the hoisting engine and performed his duties to the company in that connection until the financial panic of 1873, when work was suspended by the company and he was forced to seek other employment. He then turned his attention to blacksmithing and spent three years in business with his father at Ralston, during which time he completely mastered the business. He next opened a shop at Chester Cross Roads, where he carried on business for three years, when he entered the employ of the Cooper Iron Mining Company, where he passed a similar period. In 1883 he located his shop in Chester, where he has since resided, and from the public he has received a liberal patronage.

Mr. YOUNG has never been unmindful of the duties of citizenship, and is ever ready to promote any cause which tends to advance the general welfare. He has been identified with the town government of Chester, in the capacities of town clerk, town assessor, and town committeeman, resigning the last named office at the end of a year of service. He has served several terms on the board of registry and elections, and was endorsed by his party--the Democratic--for the office of county collector in 1897, but was defeated through an agreement entered into by a "tie board," to give collectorship to the Republicans and some other office to the Democrats. Mr. YOUNG was married October 8, 1872, to Miss Lydia Jane, daughter of Andrew J. and Mary Etta (PATREY) STOUT. Her father was born in Chester, October 30, 1827, and was a son of Thomas Bryant STOUT, who was born, October 14, 1785, while his death occurred July 14, 1861. He married, Deborah TERRY, who was born December 13, 1789, and died September 13, 1830. Andrew J. STOUT was the seventh son and thirteenth child in his father's family, and the others who still survive are:

  • William N., of Henry, Illinois, and
  • Julia H., who is living in Wyoming, that state.

In his early life Andrew J. STOUT was one of the leading and substantial citizens of Chester. He was very enterprising and successful in business, widely known throughout his section of the state as a leading auctioneer and popular citizen winning the respect of all with whom he came in contact. He also conducted hotels at Flanders and Chester Cross Roads, and out of these various business enterprises made considerable money. His children were:

  • Mrs. YOUNG;
  • Bryant, deceased;
  • John P., of Chester;
  • Peter S., deceased; and
  • Andrew J., of Chester.

Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. YOUNG five children have been born as follows:

  • Edward G., who was born February 18, 1874, and died in infancy;
  • Charles D., born August 5, 1875;
  • Mary R., born October 2, 1877;
  • Ada S., born November 16, 1879; and
  • Pierson C., born November 4, 1883.

Mr. YOUNG holds membership in two fraternities, the Odd Fellows and Masonic. He is a substantial, worthy citizen, true to all the duties of both public and private life.

This biography was scanned and contributed by Catherine Smith DeMayo.

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