Young, E. R.

YOUNG, PRINCE, GOWAN

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 7/30/2013 at 15:27:25

E. R. Young, devoting his time and energy to agricultural pursuits, in which line of activity he is meeting with most gratifying success, was born in Jones county on the 24th of April, 1872, and is a son of James and Amanda (Prince) Young, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this volume. Reared under the parental roof he spent the period of his boyhood and youth amid the scenes and environment of rural life, and in the district schools near his home acquired his preliminary education, while later he supplemented that training by a course of study in a seminary at Epworth, Iowa. When not busy with his text-books he assisted his father in the operation of the home farm and early became familiar with the tasks that fall to the agriculturist. He gained thorough knowledge of the best methods of plowing, planting and harvesting, and continued to give his father the benefit of his aid until thirty years of age, when he started out in the business world on his own account, operating one of his father's farms in the capacity of renter for about two years. He then purchased the farm and is now the owner of one hundred and thirty acres of valuable land located in Madison and Scotch Grove townships. He follows up-to-date and progressive methods in the conduct of his farming interests and his affairs are wisely and carefully managed, his diligence and perseverance being salient elements in the gratifying degree of prosperity which he today enjoys.

It was in 1901 that Mr. Young was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Gowan, who was born in Dubuque county, Iowa, and was one of nine children born unto David and Elizabeth Gowan. The father is now deceased while the mother still survives and makes her home in Cherokee county, Iowa. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Young were born three children, namely: Eloise; Elizabeth: and an infant son. The parents hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, the teachings of which form the guiding influence in their lives.

In politics Mr. Young has followed the example set by his father and gives stalwart support to the prohibition party, doing all in his power to further its influence throughout the community. He is loyal and public-spirited in citizenship and is now serving efficiently as school director, while he has also served as county secretary, being elected on the prohibition ticket. Having passed his entire life within the borders of Jones county, he has gained an extensive circle of friends which is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances, and he has won the unqualified respect and good will of his fellowman by reason of his many excellent traits of character. He is indeed a worthy son of an honored father and the consensus of public opinion accords him a high place among its valued and representative citizens.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 249.