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Was born in Ayr, Scotland, on the 4th of
March, 1811, and received his education at the parish school. For some
time he taught school in the neighbourhood of Ayr, but in 1826, with the
object of bettering his position, he sailed for Canada, and on his
arrival took up his residence in Montreal, where he obtained a clerkship
in the mercantile office of John Torrance, one of the leading merchants
at that time. In 1833, when only twenty-four years of age, he entered
into a partnership with David Torrance in Quebec. Before the outbreak of
the rebellion in Lower Canada, he took the liberty of representing to
the then Governor-General, Lord Gosforth, that there were troubles
ahead, and urged the formation of volunteer companies, but unfortunately
his suggestion was unheeded. However, when the storm did burst, the
young Scot at once volunteered to aid in raising a regiment, a task
which was accomplished in about twenty-four hours. Mr. Young had, in the
meantime, removed to Montreal, which city he foresaw, would in time
become the centre of trade, and joined Mr. Harrison Stephens in
business. During the Metcalf crisis, Mr. Young was returning officer,
and there being every prospect of a serious riot, he at once searched
for and seized arms wherever found. By means of this vigorous action he
secured the peace of the city, and his name was specially mentioned in
the Governor's despatch to Downing Street. It would be impossible in
this short sketch to narrate all the enterprises with which his name has
been associated, and we will simply say that his heart was thoroughly
devoted to the interests of the city of his adoption, its harbour, its
railway connection, its trade, and also its culture; and that in 1846 he
espoused the principles of free trade with ardent enthusiasm, and
remained faithful to them to the end of his career. In 1851, although
Mr. Young has not been previously a member of Parliament, his
administrative abilities and knowledge of trade were so well known, that
he was chosen Commissioner of Public Works in the formation of the
Hincks-Morin Cabinet, and he found a seat for Montreal, and continued to
represent it until 1857, when ill-health compelled him to retire. In
1863, having regained his health, he presented himself as candidate for
Montreal West, but failed to secure his election. However, in 1872, he
succeeded in beating his opponent by a majority of 800. In the House of
Commons he generally voted with the Opposition. For two years afterwards
(in 1874) local interests so pressed upon him that he was compelled
reluctantly to give up political life, and ceased to represent Montreal
in the councils of the country. He at one time was president of the
Board of Trade, and during the later years of his life filled the office
of Harbour Commissioner for the port of Montreal. Mr. Young was a
thorough Reformer, and in religion professed the simple faith of the
Unitarians. He was a man of stalwart frame and fine presence, genial,
able and vigorous. He died on the 12th of April, 1878, universally
mourned by all classes in the city he had loved and served so
faithfully. |
