My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE H. YOUNG, ex-Burgess of West Bethlehem, is numbered among the enterprising, progressive and substantial business men of the place, where he has a fine store stocked with a full line of hats and furnishing goods. He commands an extensive trade, not only in the city, but among the residents of the outlying country. A very prominent citizen, he has occupied with honor various positions of official trust and assisted in securing the incorporation of West Bethlehem as a borough.

The subject of this sketch was born at Howertown, Northampton County, September 29, 1853, and is a son of Reuben Young, whose birth occurred in Seemsville. His father, Michael, was born in Moore Township, in the above county, where the great-grandfather of our subject made settlement on emigrating from Germany. Grandfather Young was a weaver by trade, to which he later added the occupation of a farmer. His son, Reuben, followed the trade of stone mason, first at Howertown, and later in Weaversville, where his decease occurred in the fall of 1888. Like his honored parents, he was a consistent member of the Lutheran Church.

The maiden name of our subject’s mother was Julia Neleigh. Her father, John Neleigh, was born in Northampton County and was a prominent merchant in Seemsville. She departed this life in 1891, after having reared a family of ten children. Of the seven still living, George H., of this sketch, is the youngest but one. He received a practical education in the public schools of his native place and in the Weaversville Academy. When eighteen years of age he began teaching, being thus engaged first in the Lincoln School in the old Allen District.

In 1874 Mr. Young came to Bethlehem and was engaged as clerk for his brother, Samuel H. He remained in that capacity for four years, when he purchased the entire stock and has since been engaged in the hat and furnishing business, having a good establishment located on Main Street. He has led a busy and useful life, and the success that has crowned his efforts is well merited by an honorable and straightforward business career.

In 1878 Miss Rebecca T., the daughter of Daniel Berger, became the wife of Mr. Young. Her father, who was born in the same county, was a miller by trade and is now deceased. The five children who have come to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Young are Ada M., Arthur R., Helen A., Marion R. and Beulah I.

In 1888, on the citizens’ ticket, our subject was elected Burgess, to which position he was re-elected in 1889 and again in 1890. During that time he made many improvements in the village, and has the satisfaction of knowing that he performed no unimportant part in the growth and development of West Bethlehem. After its incorporation he did all in his power to have it divided into wards, and was successful in his undertaking. The city is now supplied with gas, electric lights, water power and electric car lines, which make it one of the finest cities in the county.

All educational, social and moral enterprises find in Mr. Young a friend, and whatever tends to benefit the community and promote the general welfare receives his hearty support and cooperation. Socially he is a Mason of high standing and belongs to the Royal Arcanum. He has been very prominent in church work, holding membership with the Lutheran denomination. He was instrumental in the building of the Holy Trinity Church, which he served as Deacon many years. He has also been Superintendent of the Sunday-school and rendered efficient service in that capacity. In politics he is a strong Republican.