1892 Biography - Henry M. Young

Henry M. Young was born in East Baton Rouge parish, La., in 1854, and was educated at borne by a private tutor. He was fitted for an accountant, and secured a position in this capacity with Robert Young, which he filled satisfactorily for several years. He then purchased the store, and carried a stock of goods valued at $5,000, the annual sales aggregating $30,000; in 1886 bought a third interest in the Baker plantation. The place contains 1,200 acres, and the principal crop is cotton. Mr. Young was united in marriage on October 19, 1882, to Miss Stella de Bretton, a native of Louisiana, born of English parents. Five children were born of this union - one son and four daughters. David Young, the father of our subject, was born in East Baton Rouge parish, La., in 1806. He married Miss E. A. Townsend, who was born in 1814. To them were born fourteen children - four daughters and ten sons. Five of the sons served in the late Civil war, but all of them voted against secession. One son was killed, by his horse, but the others escaped without a scratch. They remained in the service until the surrender. J. T. Young, a brother of Henry M., is clerk of the court of East Baton Rouge parish; Robert T., another brother, is a member of the legislature of Florida, and his uncle, Robert T. Young, was a member of the Louisiana legislature in 1879, and assisted in the forming of the constitution.

The family are all prominently connected with the Presbyterian church, and especially with the Plains Presbyterian church, which was dedicated February 2, 1890. (The records of which they have, but wished the authentic history for the younger generation.) In reviewing the membership it was decided that no one was so capable to perform this duty as Mrs. E. A. Young, the mother of Henry M. Young. The request was made, and cheerfully granted. In a neat little pamphlet published by the "Weekly Capital Item," a complete history of the church for the past sixty-five years is given. It is written in a sweet, simple style, giving many most interesting personal reminiscences, and is a bit of valuable history that is now in a shape to preserve for all time to come. Many of the prominent names are of men whose biographies will appear in this work. The society is greatly indebted to Mrs. Young for this office she has so kindly and successfully filled, and fully appreciate her service. On the 24th of last May (1892) Mr. David Young and wife (Mrs. E. A. Young) celebrated their sixtieth marriage anniversary. Having seventy two children and grandchildren, and about sixty present at the anniversary. And at this date they are both healthy, active, and only partly gray.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Louisiana, published in 1892, volume 2, pages 467-468.