Ancestor of  Reba Gale

WILLIAM A. YOUNG, M. D. - Dr. William A. Young, one of the successful physicians and surgeons of Springfield, who has a large practice, was born in Butler, Montgomery county, Illinois, November 9, 1869, and is a son of William A. and Mary Ellen (Ware) Young. The father is a native of Donnellson, Montgomery county, this state, born in the year 1837. His life has been devoted to horticulture and he has been instrumental in introducing some of the best fruits in the state, sparing neither time nor money in the perfecting of fruit. He was a member of the state board of agriculture from 1892 until 1902, a period of ten years, and this fact alone indicates his prominent standing as a horticulturist. He now owns one of the model farms of Montgomery county and for a number of years in connection with the production of fine fruit he has been successfully engaged in the breeding of thoroughbred shorthorn cattle. He resides in the town of Butler, Illinois, but his attention is given to the supervision of his farm and other interests and through his life of industry he has secured a handsome competence for old age. His wife died January 1, 1870, when the Doctor was but six weeks old.

William A. Young acquired his preliminary education in Butler, Illinois, where he continued his studies until his fifteenth year, when he prepared for and entered Whipple Academy at Jacksonville, Illinois, continuing his studies there during the year 1884-5-6. He next entered the Normal School at Carbondale, Illinois, and subsequently was enrolled as a student in the literary department of Washington University at St. Louis, Missouri, in which institution he remained for a year. The following three years were passed in the medical department of the same institution and in 1892 he was graduated with the degree of M. D. Immediately afterward he came to Springfield, where he opened an office and he has since devoted his time untiringly to his professional labors, which have increased in extent and importance as the years have gone by. He also enjoys considerable recognition as a surgeon and as a general practitioner has a large and lucrative practice.

In 1899 Dr. Young was united in marriage to Miss Calla Johnson, of Carbondale, a daughter of J. M. Johnson, one of the prominent merchants of that place. Socially the Doctor is connected with St. Paul's Lodge, No. 500, A. F. & A. M.; Springfield Chapter, R. A. M.; and he also belongs to the council and to Elwood Commandry, K. T. In the line of his profession he is connected with Sangamon County Medical Society and the State Medical Society. He is now surgeon for the Springfield Hospital and Training School, surgeon for the Chicago & Alton Railroad Company and the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company and is assistant chief surgeon for the Chicago, Peoria & St. Louis Railroad Company. Learning can never be obtained without arduous labor and the broad knowledge which forms the basis for a successful professional career must be won through earnest, persistent effort. Dr. Young has thoroughly qualified himself for his work and in his early manhood has attained splendid success which argues well for a bright future.