Judge W. C. Young is one of the best and most favorably known men in Cole County, and was born in the Emerald Isle, August 12, 1813. When but a child he came with his father, Moses Young, to America, and settled in Franklin County, Pa., where, at an early age, he was apprenticed to the carpenter and builder's trade, and after serving a full term and becoming very proficient he embarked in business for himself. While working at his trade in Washington County, Md., he was married to Miss Nancy F. Bellenger, and soon after moved to Canton, Ohio, and two years later (in 1837) came to Jefferson City, Mo. The following year he was appointed on the staff of the major-general commanding the Missouri State Militia, with the rank of colonel. He was one of the contractors on the original State House, and on the second appropriation was appointed superintendent of construction to finish the building, which he did to the satisfaction of all concerned. His ability as a contractor and builder is demonstrated by the number of fine buildings, both public and private, which he has erected—the court-houses of Morgan and Camden Counties; also one at Hartville, Wright County; the bank building at Springfield, Mo.; his own and his son's private residences, that stand on Main Street; the residence of Gen. T. L. Price, and many others. He has been honored with the office of judge of the county three times, and while serving his first term, resigned to accept the position of factor of the penitentiary proffered to him by the governor of the State, but at the end of two years he resigned this position, and returned to his farm in Marion Township. He was next appointed judge, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Judge Ewing, and was afterward elected to fill the office. During the war his sympathies were with the South, and his only son served in the Confederate army. He had the reputation of being a rebel, but at no time did he deserve to be termed such. At one time soldiers came to his home and demanded supper, which the Judge had his servants prepare. Expressing a wish for some chickens to take to their sick comrades, they were told to help themselves to some fine ones that had been fattened expressly for their own use, whereupon the officer in charge told his men to take but two, and to pay for them; then turning to the Judge, he said, "Mr. Young, you are the most egregiously lied on man I know of," and declared that he was not the rebel he supposed him to be. The Judge's labors throughout life have been attended with good results, and he is now the owner of 900 acres of land, which is occupied by his grandsons, W. E. and F. Y. Murphy. He resides in Jefferson City, and attends to the duties of his offices, that of president of the First National Bank, and treasurer for the Lincoln Institute, which is located in Jefferson City, for the education and benefit of the colored race. He and wife are the parents of four children: Mary C., wife of Ed. Murphy, became the mother of seven sons and one daughter, and after Mr. Murphy's death she married Judge James K. Schely, of Independence, Mo.; they have one daughter; Josephine O., married James R. McClure, of Philadelphia, assistant secretary and treasurer of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and by him became the mother of five children; Anna, died at the age of sixteen years, and Robert Emmet, the only son, was named for the Irish patriot, of whom the Judge has an exalted opinion. He is superintendent of the Insane Asylum at Nevada, Mo. He and wife, whose maiden name was Lota McKama, are the parents of two children. The Judge is a man who commands the respect of all with whom he comes in contact, and his benevolent disposition, public spirit and unimpeachable honesty have won the love and esteem of many. He is a Democrat, a Mason, and he and wife are adherents of the Presbyterian Church.

Transcribed from:
History of Cole, Moniteau, Morgan, Benton, Miller, Maries, and Osage Counties, Missouri, Goodspeed Publishing Company (1889).