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JOHN YOUNG
So intimately associated with the history of Welland is the name of John Young, that, whenever pioneer merchants, ex-government officials and Bertie township is mentioned one immediately thinks of him whose early intense labors made success so sure for the present and even better for the future. A career dictated by a rampant desire of service, no early civic or business enterprise was undertaken without enlisting the aid and influence of this very capable man.
Born May 1st, 1855, in Buffalo N.Y., son of John and Mariah (Dahl) Young. His father, of German descent, was then a merchant tailor in Buffalo. After attending the public schools there, Mr. Young joined his father in the tailoring business, remaining with him until 1878.
From then to 1903 he conducted his own successful establishment in Ridgeway. Upon retiring he was prevailed upon to become Customs officer at Crystal Beach, holding this responsible position with a remarkable record for ten years. Again anxious to be active he founded his present builder’s supply and coal business in 1905, the success of which is now well-known history. Due to his advanced years and the state of his health, Mr. Young sold his business to his sons, Harrison and Charles Young, in 1925. They still conduct it under the old name of John Young & Sons, at Ridgeway, Ont.
Appointed treasurer of Bertie township in 1897, Mr. Young has the extraordinary record of still serving the community in so responsible a position for thirty-three continuous years. In addition to being a Bertie township trustee, also, he has served for nine years in the same capacity on the Ridgeway School Board. A member of the United Church, Oddfellows, Ridgeway Lodge and the Canadian Order of Foresters.
Married fifty years ago, on September, 1929, Mr. and Mrs. Young celebrated their golden and fiftieth anniversary at that time. Mrs. Young was formerly Miss Cora G. Disher, daughter of Ralph Disher, who was also treasurer of Bertie township prior to Mr. Young. Mr. Disher’s other well-known and early activities are prominently mentioned in the early history of Welland County, published in 1887.
Mr. Young has four children living, and three deceased. Harold Ralph Young, married and quite a successful accountant, is located in Chicago, ILL., Charles C. Young, also married, is in the business with his brother Harrison, as above mentioned; Grace Mildred, the daughter, resides with the parents.
A.E. Coombs
History of The Niagara Peninsula and the New Welland Canal
1930
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