"An Illustrated History of Klickitat, Yakima and Kittitas Counties." Interstate
Publishing Co., 1904. p. 705.
 
EDWARD J. YOUNG

     A representative American is he whose biography is gladly accorded a place
in this volume among those of the men who have taken a part in the conquest of
central Washington and the development of its magnificent natural resources. Of
American descent and birth, he has been trained by American institutions,
imbibed the vigorous, aggressive, enthusiastic spirit of the nation, helped, to
advance its civilization into pioneer regions, and finally has given his life
into the keeping of Old Glory to battle on foreign soil for his country's honor.
He was born in Oakland county, Michigan, August 16, 1868, to the union of James
W. and Harriet (Goodnow) Young, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and New
York. James W. Young is still living, at the age of seventy-four, as is also his
wife, upon their farm near North Yakima. The mother was born in 1840. On the
great peninsula of Michigan Edward J. Young spent his childhood and early
boyhood, leaving that state when he was thirteen years old and accompanying his
parents to Missouri. There he finished his education in the public schools and,
after spending three years on the farm with his father, at the age of twenty
came to the Northwest, stopping first in Yakima county. The country proved so
attractive to him, however, that he went no farther, but determined to try his
fortunes in that region. For a time he worked at agricultural pursuits; then
took a course of study in a Seattle business college. Upon his return he
followed various occupations, principally farming. In October, 1891, with
commendable zeal and keen foresight he filed upon a quarter section of
sage-brush land, which has since become one of the most valuable tracts in the
Sunnyside region, adjoining, as it does, the growing town of Sunnyside. Mr.
Young did not make any extensive improvements upon his place until quite
recently, for in 1898, as a member of Company E, First Washington volunteers, he
responded to President McKinley's call to arms and went away to the
Spanish-American war. His previous training in the state national guard served
the young soldier in good stead, for during his eighteen months of service he
received tour promotions and, whereas he had enlisted as a corporal, he was
mustered out in October 1899, as first lieutenant of his company, and received
the special commendation of his captain for bravery and faithful service. As a
soldier, he participated in the Philippine campaign and was in the battles of
Santa Ana, San Pedro Macati, Manila and other noted engagements in which the
First Washington took part. Upon his return to America he began improving his
Sunnyside land, and now has one hundred acres under cultivation.
     Lieutenant Young was united by the sacred ties of matrimony to Miss
Gertrude C. Cline at Sunnyside, June 17, 1903. Miss Cline was born in Iowa,
November, 1878, and came to Yakima county with her parents. W. H. and Margaret
(Maddock) Cline, pioneers of the Sunnyside valley. Their biographies will be
found elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Cline is one of the most prominent citizens
in the county and is a man of high standing. Mr. Young has four sisters, Carrie
S., Mrs. Mary Dow, Ethel and Janie, the married sister living in Oberlin, Ohio,
and the rest being teachers in Yakima county; also a brother, Harvey L., living
in North Yakima. Mr. Young is a member of the Presbyterian church, his wife a
member of the Episcopal. As a Democrat he is active in political matters, and
recently received the nomination for councilman of Sunnyside. Lieutenant Young
and his bride are social favorites in the community, and he is looked upon as a
capable, industrious citizen with the quality of character that augurs well for
his future.


*******************

Submitted to the Washington Biographies Project in February 2012 by Diana
Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family
mentioned above.