My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM J. YOUNG. Among the residents of Lehigh County who have prosecuted their life work successfully and are now enjoying the fruits of their prudence and energy is Mr. Young, who was formerly one of the large contractors and builders of Catasauqua, where he still makes his home. He is a native of Northampton County, and was born in Weaversville, August 4, 1825. His father, John Young, was also a native of that county, while his grandfather, who bore the name of Michael, likewise claimed that locality as the place of his nativity. The latter was of Scotch-Irish descent, and by trade a brick and stone mason.

John Young during the active years of his life followed the weaver’s trade, and died in Seemsville, when past seventy-three years of age. He was connected with the Lutheran Church, and by his large acquaintance was held in high regard. His wife, Mrs. Betsey (Deschler) Young, was a native of Northampton County, and the daughter of Peter Deschler, who was a blacksmith in Weaversville. Later he removed to Whitehall Township, this county, where his death occurred. The mother, however, survived him many years, and died at the home of our subject, at the advanced age of eighty-three.

William J. was the younger of the two sons born to his parents, his brother being a prominent contractor. Our subject was reared near Weaversville, and after acquiring his education in the district school learned the trade of a carpenter, at which business he apprenticed himself when seventeen years of age. On thoroughly mastering it, he worked for a twelvemonth as a journeyman carpenter, and from Bethlehem came to this city, where he was engaged in contracting for two years. He then moved on to property adjoining the city, but in 1862 made his permanent residence here. Three years later he was engaged by Charles Fuller, a prominent contractor and builder, to travel in his interest, and for seven years our subject superintended his work in different parts of the county, having under his charge as many as fifty or sixty men. During that time he erected buildings in Wilmington, Del., the rolling-mill and machine shops in Reading, and also factories in Harrisburg. In 1873 he superintended the construction of the rolling-mill in Columbus, Ohio, which was the last he built in the interest of that gentleman. Since engaging in business for himself, however, he has erected many bridges, the most prominent one crossing the Schuylkill River. He was also a contractor during the building of J. W. Fuller’s residence, and the Mansion House, and during two years in which he was in partnership with Mr. Summers he built the English Lutheran Church. He also did a great deal of work for the McKee & Fuller shops, the Crane Iron Company and the Thomas Iron Company.

Miss Mona Keiper became the wife of our subject in 1847. Their marriage was celebrated in Bethlehem, and by their union have been born six children: Amanda J.; Clara, Mrs. Keiffer, a widow; James, who manages his father’s business; Oscar, also a carpenter in this city; Milton J., engaged as a merchant tailor here; and George W., who is also a carpenter. With his family, Mr. Young is a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party, and is one of the most worthy citizens, being public spirited and enterprising, and always interested in enterprises of a laudable nature.