Biography - John Young
John P. YOUNG, farmer, P. O. Harvel, was born in Germany May 19, 1839. His father was Vincent YOUNG, who was born in Germany in 1799; during his life, followed rafting on the River Rhine, acting as steersman. He died October 25, 1851. Mother was Katharina (GLASER) YOUNG; was born in Germany in 1803, and died in 1865. She was the mother of ten children, of whom John P., our subject, was the ninth child. His education was limited to such as the common schools of his native country afforded. His early life was spent at home. At the age of eighteen, he left his home to see the New World. His first settlement in America was in Jersey County, Ill., where he began life as a hired hand upon a farm; he remained here one year. In 1858, he removed to New Orleans, where he worked unloading cares for one winter, when he returned to Jersey County for one year, following farming again. In 1859, he removed to Wisconsin, where he followed farming and other different kinds of work. In the spring of 1860 he returned to Illinois and settled in Montgomery County, where he rented a farm for three years. In the fall of 1863, he removed to Macon County, Ill., where he also rented a farm. In 1865, he removed to Decatur and engaged in meat market business for one year. In 1866, he returned to Montgomery County, where he again took upon himself the duties of a farm life, where he has since remained. By his energy and business habits he succeeded in saving enough funds to buy him a place of eighty acres, all of which has been improved by Mr. YOUNG. He commenced life a poor man, and by his own unaided efforts he has succeeded in gaining a good property and a name and reputation which is beyond reproach, being well worthy of the esteem in which he is held by his neighbors. He was married in 1867, in Decatur, to Miss Stefania FEHR, a native of Germany, born in December, 1843. She is the mother of seven children, six of whom are now living, viz., Frank, Mary E., Annie K., Mena, Sophia K., John P.; Frederick G. is dead. Mr. YOUNG is now holding the office of School Director. Religiously, himself and family are connected with the Catholic Church. Politically, his sympathies are with the Democratic party.
Extracted 20 Nov 2016 by Norma Hass from 1882 History of Bond and Montgomery Counties, Illinois, Part 2 Biographical Department, page 257.
