From Pennsylvania to Paradise: The Journey of Ernest Young and His Family Across the U.S.
- Amy Atkin
- Mar 30
- 4 min read
Genealogy often leads to unexpected discoveries, and that’s exactly what happened when I came across an old photograph from 1876 of Ernest Young and his four sisters—Margaret Young Reichley, Mary Alice Young Malick, Sarah Young, and Kate Young. Taken on their family farm in Blue Hill, Snyder County, Pennsylvania, this photo sparked my curiosity. I felt compelled to dive into their story and see if I could track down a direct descendant to return the photo to.
Life on Blue Hill: The Beginning of the Young Family’s Journey
The Young family’s roots were deeply planted in Pennsylvania. David and Susan Young raised their children on Blue Hill, a farm that would be forever linked to their family’s history. Ernest, the eldest son, excelled academically and graduated as President of his class in 1887 in Northumberland, Pennsylvania. His drive and ambition led him to Columbia University, where he studied law.
In 1888, Ernest married Caroline Heiser, and together they began their family, embarking on a journey that would take them far from their Pennsylvania home.
Moving West: Oklahoma and the Early Adventures
In 1893, Ernest and Caroline made a bold move to Oklahoma. Ernest was appointed as a commissioner to investigate pension claims from Native Americans who fought for the Union during the Civil War—a job that connected him to a pivotal chapter of American history. During this time, Ernest also became a contributor to his hometown newspaper, writing articles about life in the West and various current events. He was an outspoken advocate for prohibition, and his articles reflected both his personal views and the broader societal issues of the time.
A New Life in Minnesota
By 1897, the Young family moved again, this time to St. Cloud, Minnesota, and eventually to St. Paul. Ernest took a job as a Northwest Pension Inspector, which provided a stable foundation for his growing family. Along the way, he continued writing, contributing articles on topics that ranged from politics to prohibition. His writings gave a glimpse into his views and the changes happening around him.
One of Ernest’s most fascinating contributions to history was his nearly 50-year habit of keeping a daily diary. These journals became an invaluable resource for him later in life, allowing him to write a detailed article about his childhood days on Blue Hill—a piece filled with nostalgia and rich family memories.
The Kids Scatter: The Family Across the U.S.
As Ernest’s children grew, they followed in his adventurous footsteps and moved to different corners of the United States, each carving out their own lives. His daughter, Kate, married twice—first to a farmer, Eric H. Edwards, and later to Frank Wrigley, a WWI veteran and talented musician who became a respected bandleader. Kate’s journey reflects the sense of reinvention many sought during that time, where change and new opportunities were always just around the corner.
Second-born, Roy David, was a photographer who worked in Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa before moving to Georgia in his later years. Roy married Faye, but after her untimely death at just 27, he married Faye’s sister, Vera, and remained with her until his passing. His life journey is a testament to the Young family's resilience and ability to adapt.
Third-born, Frank Ernest, moved to Arizona sometime before his passing, finding peace in the desert landscapes. In 1946, Frank applied for membership in the Sons of the American Revolution, solidifying his connection to his family’s past.
Vera, Ernest’s youngest daughter, married John Tosh Smith in 1933, and the couple moved to Hawaii. John worked as a factory engineer at Hakalau plantation, and their move to Hawaii marked the start of a new chapter for the Young family in the tropical paradise.
A Photo, A Legacy, and a Family Reunited
The discovery of the photograph of Ernest and his sisters sparked something special in me. The more I learned about the Young family, the more I realized how far their journey had taken them—from the rolling hills of Pennsylvania to the beaches of Hawaii, the farmlands of Oklahoma to the deserts of Arizona, and the Winters of Minnesota. Their story is one of change, resilience, and the search for new opportunities—something so many families can relate to.
This photo, which captured a moment in time, feels like an important piece of family history that needs to be returned to the family.
Conclusion
The story of Ernest Young and his family is one of exploration, change, and the bonds that hold us together, no matter how far apart we may be.
I’m reminded of the power of family and the way our history shapes who we are today. Whether in a small town in Pennsylvania or on the shores of Hawaii, the Young family’s journey is a testament to the resilience and spirit of adventure that runs through so many American families. And, in a way, their story is still being written—one photo, one discovery, one connection at a time.
Yorumlar