WILLIAM FLEMING YOUNG, Jr. (1838-1908). Recruited by company commander Joseph C. Walkenshaw and enlisted in the McKeesport Union Guards on 23 APR 1861. Note: Muster in Roll has him enlisted by Captain James McKinney Snodgrass. Snodgrass was not in the company at this time.
He was mustered into the unit as a Private at McKeesport, PA on 4 MAY 1861. The unit marched to Pittsburgh, Pa. on 4 MAY 1861 and was re-mustered on 6 MAY 1861.
He was mustered into State Service as part of the Ninth Pennsylvania Reserve Corps, Company I on 23 JUN 1861 at Camp Wright by Lieutenant Chandler Hall. Mustered into federal service at Camp Jackson, Washington, DC on 28 JUL 1861 by Lieutenant John Elwood, 5th U.S. Infantry.
He was captured at Mechanicsville on 26 JUN 1862. He spent six weeks in the Libby Prison. The Regimental Return for 8/62 lists him as returning from missing in action on 8 AUG 1862 at Harrisons’ Landing.
William was discharged on a Surgeon’s Certificate for Disability on either 31 JAN 1863 (1890 Census) or 7 FEB 1863 (Muster Out Roll/Bates). Surgeon’s certificate does not list a discharge date and was recommended for discharge by R.V. Crawford, Lt. & A.D.C. on 30 JAN 1863 at Convalescent Camp, VA.
He was unfit for duty during for 61 days total. Examined by Thomas F. Pently (sp.), Medical Inspector General. Discharge issued at (not stated) on (not stated) on the authority of Thomas F. Pently.
The percentage of disability was not stated. His disability caused by sprains of the right ankle joint disabling him from marching.
Filed pension application #701.068 on 26 APR 1889 and received pension certificate #971.481 (Law J). To receive an increase in benefits on account of age, he re-filed his pension application on 15 FEB 1907. Buried in McKeesport-Versailles Cemetery on 16 SEP 1908. He died on 14 Sep 1908. He is buried in Section L, Lot 10; Age: 70; Inscriptions from McKeesport-Versailles Cemetery, Allegheny County, PA.
His widow, Margaret E. Young filed pension application #905.490 and received pension certificate #668.827 (Law A).
Brother in law Thomas A. Carnahan was married to Margaret Buchanan Young, sister of William. William was Police Chief of McKeesport in 1890s. Thomas and William joined the 9th Pa reserves together in McKeesport, Pa.
He was born 31 MAR 1838 in Saltsburg, PA. Parents: William Fleming Young, Sr. and Mary Elder, both born in Ireland. He married Margaret Eloma Taylor on 29 AUG 1864. She was born 27 APR 1843.Submitted by Rod W. Carnahan. Westmoreland County Genealogy Project Biography Board.
Currently a resident of Burke, Virginia – I’m originally from the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I have been a student of the Pennsylvania Reserves since 1997 and thoroughly enjoy telling their story. By trade I’m a former IT Professional but presently fill the seat of President of the Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps Historical Society.