Andreas Atlas Index

A. T. Andreas Illustrated Historical Atlas of the State of Iowa, 1875.
Published by Andreas Atlas Corp., Chicago.

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Unless otherwise noted, biographies submitted by Dick Barton.

Honorable JOSEPH BARRIS YOUNG was born in Erie County , Pennsylvania , February 18, 1832 .

In his veins are mingled the blood of three nationalities, viz.: English, German and Irish.

John Young, his parental ancestor, received a large grant of land in Massachusetts from the King of England, on which he settled at, or near, Salem , in the early days of colonial history. From him sprang the progenitors of the subject of this sketch. His great-grandfather, John Young, was noted in his day for his freedom of thought on religious subjects, was a man of strong intellect, and an author of considerable repute. His father, Rev. Alvinus Young, is a Methodist of long standing and honored by all who know him as a faithful devout and earnest Christian gentleman.

Mr. Young resided with his parents until his majority, attending school, including a term each in Madison and Washington Colleges , and two half years in Asbury University , at Greencastle , Ind. , where he graduated with the class of 1851. He commenced the study of law with Judge Carlton, of Iowa City , and in 1853 was admitted to the bar, and began practice in Marion , Linn County , Iowa , where he now resides. He served as prosecuting attorney; was, in 1861, chosen representative in the state legislature, and two years later elected to the State Senate, to which he was re-elected in 1865, to fill his own vacancy occasioned by his entering the army. During his legislative experience, he spoke but seldom and then to some purpose. One of his most characteristic efforts being in support of the resolution requesting the Senators and Representatives in Congress to use their influence to secure the enactment of a law providing for universal emancipation. This speech on that occasion has been published and republished many times, and had a salutary influence upon the people of this state.

In 1864, he was appointed paymaster in the army and served to the close of the war. In 1868, he was one of the electors at large on the Republican ticket, and made an extensive canvass of the state, holding several discussions with Hon. Martin Van Buren Bennett, Democratic elector at large. These discussions elicited much interest in the several districts where they were held, and contributed in securing the victory which crowned the November election. As a debater, Major Young is well posted, shrewd and logical in his arguments; a fluent speaker, making an excellent choice of language, and possessing much of that magnetism which inspires and holds the attention and respect of his audience. Wherever he went the papers were full of his praise, and his party rejoiced in possessing so able an advocate.

In June, 1869, Major Young was appointed pension agent for the northeastern district of Iowa, and now has about 3,000 pensioners on the roll. Their ranks are thinning, however, and a few more years the heroes of that terrible strife will have passed away.

Mr. Young married in 1855, Jane M., daughter of H. A. Carter, of Hopkinton , Iowa , and a native of Massachusetts . They have had five children, three of whom are now living.