Young, John

   1) (1773-1837)

   Born in Falkirk, Scotland. Educated at Glasgow University; emigrated to Canada, 1814. In 1818 published a series of letters under the nom-de-plume of "Agricola," in the Halifax Recorder. These letters drew attention to the backward state of agriculture in Nova Scotia and led to the establishment of a Board of Agriculture, of which he was appointed secretary. In 1822 the letters were published in book form with the title Letters of Agricola on the Principles of Vegetation and Tillage. From 1825 to 1837 represented Sydney in the Nova Scotia Assembly. Took an active part in the formation of agricultural societies.

   Index: H Author of Letters of Agricola, 6; member of Nova Scotia Assembly, 1837, 35; proposes conciliatory resolutions as to the Legislative Council, 38-39.

   Bib.: Campbell, History of Nova Scotia.

   2) (1811-1878)

   Born at Ayr, Scotland. Came to Canada, 1826. In 1837 raised a regiment of volunteers and served during the Rebellion. In 1841 partner of the firm of Stephens, Young & Company of Montreal; connected with the construction in 1845 of the railway line to Portland, Maine, through which Montreal secured a winter port. It was largely by his efforts that the railway from Montreal to Kingston was built; and the Victoria Bridge, the deepening of Lake St. Peter, and the enlargement of the Welland, St. Lawrence, and Lachine canals were also due to a considerable extent to his broad policy. In 1851 commissioner of public works in the Hincks-Morin Cabinet. During his brief administration organized the Canadian exhibit at London, 1851; and subsidized steamships between Montreal and Liverpool.

   Index: E Commissioner of public works in Hincks-Morin ministry, 113; resigns and replaced by J. Chabot, 126.

   Bib.: Dent, Last Forty Years.