On Wednesday afternoon at 5:00 o’clock, April 24, Dr. James
Alexander Young, one of the oldest known veterinary surgeons in this part of the
state, said farewell to earth and entered into the spirit world. Dr. Young had
been a conspicuous figure in Mt. Sterling community for many years. At the time
of his departure, he was 78 years, 4 months and 6 days of age. He was not only
prominent in his profession but as a citizen in general. In height, he stood six
feet four and his friends say of him that he was “every inch a man.” He was of a
solidery nature and bearing. He was born in Hancock County, Illinois, December
18, 1840; and until 1863 lived upon the farm with his
parents.
In August 1862, he and tow of his brothers heart their country’s call and
answered by volunteering. He was a member of Company C., 119th
Illinois Infantry Volunteers. He remained in the service until the close of the
war. After the close of the rebellion, he returned to the farm and in the
meantime took up the study of veterinary surgery and practice. He soon became a
licensed practitioner and remained active in the work until old age interfered.
The decedent was married three times. In 1863, to Miss Almira Garlie. To them,
were born eight children. One died in infancy. Two sons, James Ellsworth and
William Franklin, died in youth. The five living are as follows: Mrs. A. F.
Foote, Colaster, Wyoming; Ulysses G. Young, Cherry Vale, Kansas; Mrs. Roscoe
Arvin, Timewell; John W. Young, California; and Mrs. William Sprouse of Mt.
Sterling.
The following brothers and sisters are still living: Mrs. Elizabeth
Easton, Tulsa, Okla.; Mrs. Mary Grain, Bowen; Samuel L. Young, Cherry Vale,
Kan.; Miss Nellie Young, Council Bluffs, Iowa and Hugh W. Young,
Bowen.
In 1884 the wife and mother died. He was again married to Mrs. Hattie
Habin in 1886. To the second Mrs. Young, one child was born. She is now Mrs.
Forre . . . (unreadable) of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The second marriage provided to be an unhappy one and a divorce was
secured after having lived together for but a few years. The second wife still
survives and is now residing at the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home of Quincy. The
decedent was married the third time in February 1891, to Miss Cecelia A.
Barrett. For twenty-seven years, this happy couple have resided at the old
homestead near Hazel Dell church and school house. The wife still lives, and
with the remaining members of the family mourns because of the final farewell of
husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Sincere sympathy from their friends in
sincerely expressed. The decedent in early life was a member of the Presbyterian
Church but later withdrew his membership and united with the Chapel Hill M. E.
church.
Four of the grandsons have the spirit of the grandfather and are now
doing their part toward winning the battles for righteousness against German
oppression. Otis Sprouse is a volunteer and is with the marines in West
Virginia; Alfred Foote is with the volunteer infantry in California; James A.
Arvin is with a volunteer coast artillery somewhere and Gilbert E. Arvin goes
with the boys to Camp Dodge, Iowa next Monday. Grandfather Young was proud of
all of his sixteen grandchildren, but his delight was in his four soldier
boys.