Three Rivers
Hudson~Mohawk~Schoharie
History From America's Most Famous Valleys

The Young (Jung) Families of the Mohawk Valley
1710-1946
Compiled by Clifford M. Young & Published by
The Fort Plain Standard, Fort Plain, NY 1947
Donated by Bruce Hargrove.

THEOBALD YOUNG (JUNG) FAMILY
By Clifford M. Young

Theobald Young arrived in this country in the Palatine immigration of 1710. According to the New York Subsistence list of Palatines in the Hudson River settlement, he was single on arrival and was still unmarried in 1712. The Simmendingcr Register of 1717 records Dewalt (Theobald) Jung and wife Maria Catharine at New Hessberg (Fuchsendorf) Schoharie. The church record of Rev. Joshua Kocherthal (West Camp and Athens German Lutheran) states that he baptized John Adam Jung, born May 17, 1717 to Theobald and wife Maria Catharine Jung; sponsors Johann Jost (Joseph) Laux, Johann Adam Kopp and Catharine Frey. Adam was baptized with 17 other children in Schoharie June 6, 1717. Rev. Kocherthal died at West Camp in 1719 and unfortunately the births of other children of Theobald Young do not appear in available church records.

Theobald and Hendrick Young were naturalized in Albany in 1716 (Schoharie being then in Albany county). The records do not indicate that any other Palatine emigrants bearing the name Jung (Young) went from the Hudson Valley with their families to Schoharie, besides Theobald and Hendrick. In about 1722 these two Jung families migrated from Schoharie to the Maquas (Mohawks) country, with many others from Schoharie. They apparently took up residence in the vicinity of Canajoharie, as the Stone Arabia patent was almost immediately thereafter granted to Palatines; and in 1730 Col. Philip Schuyler of Albany, a land owner in the Valley, deeded to Hendrick Young 703 acres of land between what is now Palatine bridge and Nelliston; in 1732 the said Hendrick Young deeded the same land to Stephanis Groesbeck of Albany, and Theobald Young witnessed the signature of Hendrick Young. (See copy of deed elsewhere).

Theobald and Maria Catharine Young had other children besides Adam, but just how many is not clearly stated in the records. There were at least three other sons-Frederick, Andreas and Theobald, Jr. There were of record at least two daughters-Elisabeth and Catharine. The land papers on file in the state library indicate that Theobald Young, Sr., had a sister, but her name is not given.

So it appears that this family consisted of the elders, a sister of Theobald, Sr., four sons and two daughters. Of the children of Theobald the existing church records show only the birth of John Adam Young in 1717 in Schoharie.

There is no evidence that this family left the Canajoharie vicinity until after 1752, when the patent of 14,000 acres of land south of German Flats was issued to Theobald Young, his three sons and several others. In the meantime two of the sons had married, or were married very soon thereafter. While Frederick was one of the patentees, it does not appear that he ever lived on any part of the Theobald Young patent but remained in the vicinity of Canajoharie. The early maps show the lots belonging to Theobald to be at the south end (Warren) and to Adam and Andreas at the north end-Kyle or Youngsfield. French's Gazetteer of 1860, referring to small settlements in Herkimer county in 1775, called Startville, VanHornesville and Smith Corners, mentions, "another settlement commenced at the Kyle, so-called, and there lived the families of Walrath and Adam Young who were early settlers."

It should be stated that a deed is recorded in the Albany County Clerk's office, dated 1754, deeding 13,000 acres of the Theobald Young patent of 14,000 to Jacob Timmerman. (See Book 6 in safe). This would indicate that this Young family was not such an extensive land owner in that vicinity during the Revolution, although it is probable that the additional 1,000 acres had been retained by these people. This land was a part of Albany County, up to March 12, 1772, when Tryon County was erected, which accounts for the fact that the deed in question was recorded in Albany county. When Tryon county came into being, the Theobald Young patent was in the Town of Canajoharie, and later in the Town of Minden, before the towns of Warren and Stark were so designated as parts of Herkimer county. The town of Warren was taken from German Flats February 5, 1796 and the town of Stark from Danube April 28, 1828.

The Theobald Young family appears to have been of unusual rank and influence among these early settlers, as the Herkimer county historians state that "certain shrewd and far-sighted men of the Mohawk Valley, such as John Jost Petrie of German Flats and the Young's of Canajoharie had it in common with capitalists in Albany and New York to whom they pointed out the desirability of obtaining these grants." (Large land patents.)

The Herkimer County Historical Papers, and histories of that county by W. F. Beers, N. S. Benton, and Hardin and Willard are exhaustive and most valuable to students of New York State history. They direct attention to the fact that the YOUNG family living in the present town of Warren (Little Lakes section and Kyle) were friendly to the Loyalists.

It should be borne in mind that the crucible of the Revolution which made possible this great land of the free, was not only a matter of England against the Colonists but of Colonists against one another. Loyalists and Patriots resided in the same community, neighbor was arrayed against neighbor, and sometimes brother against brother. What may have been the motives for certain acts of our ancestors in those remote periods of history cannot be stated with fair discernment in research of this nature. We are gratified that no record has been found of a JUNG having been hanged for "hoss stealin."

A review of the land papers on file in the State Library in Albany shows that the Younges had received generous consideration from the Crown in land deals. Besides the 14,000 acre patent mentioned in the foregoing, dated August 25th, 1752, they had received also large land grants not far distant. It could therefore hardly be expected that Theobald, who was an aged man at the lime of the Revolution, if still living, would be able to take any active part in the war, or that he would be unfriendly with the British for the reasons stated. Land papers of 1789 refer to him as "the late Theobald", indicating that he had departed this life very close to the Revolutionary War period, quite probably several years before.

His sons were approximately between the ages of 45 and 62 in 1779 at the time of Brant's raid of the vicinity in question. The historians mentioned state in substance that the buildings of a man named House and those of Theobald Young's family at Little Lakes were spared by the raiders of nearby refer and this so enraged the members of the militia and patriotic neighbors who survived the raid but lost everything they had, that they proceeded to the settlement in question and retaliated by destroyed their property.

Canadian records show that Adam Young of the Kyle*, and sons John, Henry, Daniel and David, were Loyalists and went to Canada at Niagara, taking up residence after the war on the Grand River, Haldimand

* The Kyle or Chyle or Cluyl derived its name from a depression or hole where a stream disappears and was known to the Indians as Theogsowone. (Simms says this meant a wedge). This peculiar phenomenon may be seen today from the adjacent highway.

County, south of the city of Hamilton, Ontario. Adam's property in the Kyle was confiscated.

No doubt the loyalty of many of these early land owners to the mother country was conscientious and entirely reasonable. Their experiences with British officials had been friendly and profitable and it could not be expected that they would "bite the hand that fed them." Frederick Young had been appointed by Governor Tryon's committee as one of the six justices of Tryon County in 1773 and was also a road commissioner of the Canajoharie district at that time.

With this introductory background we shall endeavor to show as much of the history and genealogical details as could be found. It is regretted that full documentary proof of this family line and descendants is not available. So many of the early church records were destroyed by raids of the French and Indians in 1757-58, and later during the Revolution, that birth and marriage records of many of these descendants cannot be found, is they probably do not exist.

The early Squake (Otsquago) church in the Kyle above Van Hornesville; the Geisenberg church near Hallsville; and the Sand Hill church at Fort Plain were established as societies about 1750, but the buildings were not erected until about ten years later. Little or no records of the "Squake" church exist. The first Geisenberg church was built about 1767, according to deeds showing the acquisition of the land on which it was built. This was a wooden structure and was superseded by a brick church in 1806. The early records of the church are missing and those on file in the State Library (copy of original) do not contain marriage and death records. The records of the early Sand Hill church were destroyed in Brant's raid, and few records have been found of the early years of the second church erected at Fort Plain. It is the unfortunate destruction of these records which makes genealogical research so difficult. The existing Stone Arabia, German Flats and Herkimer church records are incomplete and cover only in a very limited way the period under discussion here.

ADAM YOUNG

It is of interest to note that Adam Young, son of Theobald, was connected with the building of the Sand Hill Church. The following extracts are taken from the records of this early church:

"Historical MSS, English calendar, Page 725. Sept. 9, 1761. Petition : John Casper Lappius, minister, William Seeber and Adam Young of the congregation of the German Reformed Church at Canajoharie for a license to collect money to build a church."

"Council Minutes, Pg. 454. Sept. 9, 1761. Brief to collect money for building a church at Canajoharie upon petition of John Casper Lappius, minister of the German Congregation there, William Seeber and Adam Young, Messrs. Bleecker having given the land for it."

The land in question was in the Bleecker Patent, Fort Plain, in what was then the town of Canajoharie. Jacob Young, Sr., son of Hendrick, purchased the land adjoining from the Bleecker Patent and in the deed 200 acres were reserved for the High Dutch Reformed Church property at Sand Hill and probably included the old cemetery at that point.

It is fair to assume that this Adam Young just mentioned was a son of Theobald as he is the only Adam Young of record in the Valley at that early date who would have been sufficiently mature (born in 1717) to be prominently connected with the founding of a church.

The early militia records of the Valley give the following information:

July 24th and 28, 1763 - Company of Capt. Klock, In alarm to German Flats (Indian Alarm at Burnetsfield). Adam Young and Christian Young.

May 6, 1767 - On list of persons chosen to be officers in the Battalion of Grenadiers under Coll. John Jost Herkimer, we find the name of Lieut. Adam Jung.

May 14, 1768 - Persons recommended to be Captains and Subalterns for the "New Formed Regiments of Militia foot in the Western Parts of the County of Albany: Fifth Regiment. 1st Lt. Adam Young; 2nd Lt. Frederick Fox."

On page 4 of the translated records of the Dutch Reformed Church of Stone Arabia is noted the birth in 1742 of Johannes, the first son of Adam Young and wife Catherine Schrimling (Schrombling- Schrembling), sponsors at baptism-Frederich Jung and Thoreda Hessen. On page 35 of the same record we find Hendrick and Abraham (twins) born to Adam Jung and wife Catherin Elisabeth, Aug. 17, 1762-Capt. Hendrich Frei and wife Elisabeth, sponsors. As the births of Johannes and the twins were some twenty years apart, it is quite certain that Daniel and David, and probably John Nicholas, noted elsewhere (perhaps some daughters also) were born between those dates. When the twins were born this family had been living in the Kyle for approximately eight or ten years, and it seems reasonable to assume that some of the children would have been baptized in the "Squake" church which had been organized and the edifice was erected in the immediate vicinity of the home of Adam Young, as indicated by lots owned by him in the Theobald Young Patent. No baptismal records of that church have been found. A deed dated May 19, 1774, recorded in the County Clerk's office in Fonda, N. Y. shows that Adam Young deeded a portion of his land in "Youngsfield to Isaac Paris, for 270 pounds.

Johannes (son of Adam Young) had three children up to 1796, according to Canadian records of Loyalists. The Stone Arabia, N. Y. church record shows that Johannes Jung and wife Catharina had Daniel, born Nov. 18, 1770, Daniel Jung and Elisabeta Mattesin, sponsors at baptism.

With the assistance of Mr. Charles G. Crouse, Genealogical Reseacher, 95 Queen Street, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, we are able to trace our Adam Young to Haldimand County, west of Niagara Falls and Buffalo.

Following is a copy of papers submitted by Mr. Crouse concerning Adam Young and family:

"Ontario Bureau of Archives, Page 998 - Report, 1904, 2nd Report.

Proceedings of Loyalist Commissioners, Montreal - 1787, before Commissioner Pemberton. (Enquiry into losses and services of U.E.L.'s).

#862 Claim of ADAM YOUNG, late of New York; Sept. 6, 1787, Claimant says:

He is a native of America - lived on the Mohawk, Tryon County. When the rebellion broke out joined Col. Butler at Oswego in 1778 -he had been imprisoned for 11 months for refusing to take an oath to the States.

He was confined in different gaols (jails) - at last sent to Norwich Gaol in Connect. Govrt. As soon as he was released he went home. The rebels came and burnt his house and all his buildings and took away or destroyed all his effects. The reason of this was because he had given provisions to Loyalists who were coming to Canada. At one time he sent 74 over.

After his house was burnt he and his two sons went and joined Col. Butler. He served 6 or 7 years - he had four sons who served - now lives on the Grand River about 60 miles from Niagara.

He had 2,600 acres on the Mohawk.

No. 1 - 600 acres in Young's Patent taken out 30 years ago; there he lived and cleared 100 acres, had 2 houses, 1 barn, a Saw Mill, etc.

No. 2 - Had 2,000 acres in another Patent, which was called Fentie's Patent and Livingston's Patent. This was 10 miles from the other, taken up ten years before the War. This was all improved. He had a saw mill and a Potash Works on No. 1; values No. 1 at 1,000 pounds besides the buildings.

Values saw mill at 140 pounds; values Potash works at 150 pounds. Heard the land was sold - his name in Anstey's List.

His horned cattle - 6 horses, and all his movables were taken by the rebels - 13 horses, 12 cows, 6 heifers, 12 sheep, 20 hogs - all his furniture, utensils, very good. He kept a shop of Dry Goods, he traded with Indians; lost to amount of 150 pounds."

"Henry W. Nellls, witness:

Knew Claimt. He was always considered Loyal. Remembers him being sent to prison for his Loyalty. Heard of his house being burnt and all his effects taken or destroyed by the rebels. He lived at some distance from the Mohawk river in Tryon Co. Witness knew the place where he lived. It was a very fine place, well cleared. There was a saw mill and a potash house upon it. He had land in other Patents. "

(Marginal notes)
1. -is told to get certificate of sale.
2. -a very good man."
"Vals. the Clear land in No. 1 at 7 pounds per acre York Cury. Values the Saw Mill at 200 pounds, Pot Ash House & Work 150 pounds. Vals. the Woodland from 20s to 10 sh. per acre, according to its situation. Heard the estate was sold."

"Claimant was in Service some time in the Rangers. He had three sons in same service. Thinks another son died in the service."

"John Young, witness:

Says his father suffered a long Imprisonment on account of his loyalty. His House and Buildings were burnt & all his effects plundered and destroyed after which he went off with 2 of his sons. He served in the Rangers. He had three sons in the Rangers, one of whom died. Witness himself served in the Indian Department. He had 600 or 700 acres in Young's Patent. There was a good clear farm. There was a Saw Mill and a Potash Work on this place,

Vals. Saw Mill at 200 pounds, Clear Land at 6 pounds per acre. Woodland at 20 sh. per acre.

He had other lands in Patents. He had a good Stock and furniture; all was lost. He came away with scarce sufficient Clothes to cover him.

He kept a shop. He had always articles for the Indian Trade. Thinks he saw an advertisement, for sale. There are strangers that live upon the place.

Claims also for a 1,000 acres on the Susquehana, 30 miles from the Mohawk, bought by Claimt. and Claimt's Brother, of Sir John Johnson. It was purchased after the War began and Claimt's Brother was now in possession, but Claimt. is liable to pay the whole Purchase money to Sir. John Johnson."

From Dept., Public Records, Archives of Ontario. (Land Grants)
1931 Report-20th-P. 168.

"Henry Young, Original Nominee of Lots 30 & 31 in Wainfleet Tp. on Lake Erie, 200 acres, June 15, 1797."

Pg. 47: John Young, his wife and two children, petitioned for land on Nov. 21, 1788. (1928 Report)"

1930 Import P. 82:"Lieut. John Young, Stating that he was a Lieutenant in the Six Nation Indian Department during the late American War and was one of the first loyalists who came into this Province, and that he brought a wife and three children. Prays for the usual quantity allowed to officers of his rank and for family lands. Ordered 200 acres as a reduced Lieutenant and 250 acres for family lands if not granted before at Newark (Niagara) Jan. 9, 1797."

Pg- 131:
"John Young, Jr., on April 18, 1797 Praying for lands as a son of Lieut. Young of the Indian Department. 300 acres."

P. 38:
"John Young of Crowland (Niagara Dist.) Recommend for 200 acres if of age and not granted before July 12, 1798, Newark."

From Vol. XXVI, pp 371-374 - "Papers & Records" Ont. Hist. Soc.
Petitions for Land Grants: The Petition of Daniel and Henry Young (Excerpts)

"Humbly showeth:- That Adam Young, father of petitioners was a firm Loyalist and suffereth much by enemy during War. Certificate annexed - said Adam Young never received lands. That he is now dead. Petitioners pray your Honor will give grant - being entitled to Lands by Will - in duty bound will ever pray-
Niagara. 10 July, 1797.
(Signed) Daniel Young
Henry Young"
(Certificate annexed)

"These may certify that I was perfectly acquainted with Adam Young in the Province of New York - his steady perseverance and attachment to His Majesty - was dragged to prison - buildings burned - when opportunity offered came to Niagara with family - four of his sons, viz: John, David, Daniel and Henry - all entered into actual service and behaved themselves as good soldiers and zealous subjects - at reduction of Corps of Rangers settled in this Province except David who died in service.
Newark 17th July 1795.
(Signed) John Butler
Late L. Coll. R.
Cf. Niagara Historical Soc. No. 39, p 43."

Petition of John Young, Senior:
"Humbly showeth: Petitioner was a Lieut., during late American War - was one of the first Loyalists that came to this place, brought wife and three children. A daughter married Mr. Nellis, two sons are both of age - humbly prays usual quantity as granted to other Officers - that usual quantity be granted to his two sons Abraham Young and John Young - also prays a quantity allowed for his deceased wife - died since the peace. Petitioner has another son born at this place - will your excellency grant any - ever pray,
(Signed) John Young Senr.

Certificate attached:
The Bearer, John Young served as a Lieutenant in the Six Nation Indn. Dept. during war - came to this place in year 1777, and wife and children (four) were here previous to year 1783.
Niagara 15th October, 96
Ralph Clench,
Clerk of the Peace, H. D.

(Footnote)
He settled on lands assigned to him by Six Nations on their reservation at Grand River, which is still shown on maps of Haldimand County as Young tract."

Vol. Ill - "Papers & Records," Ontario Historical Society.

Rev. Robert Addison's Records - St. Mark's Anglican Church, Niagara:

"Baptisms:
Sept. 2, 1793, Mary, daughter of Henry and Phoeba Young.
March 6, 1794, Peter, son of Henry and Phoeba Young.
March 6, 1794, Henry, son of Daniel & Elizabeth Young.
March 6, 1794, Dorothy, daughter of Daniel & Elizabeth Young,
March 6, 1794, Elizabeth, daughter of Daniel & Elizabeth Young.
Feb. 5, 1794, Adam, son of Daniel & Elizabeth Young.
Grand River.

March 6, 1794, Ellin Young, wife of Abraham Young.
March 6, 1794, John, son of Abraham and Ellen Young.
March 6, 1794, Catharine, daughter of Abraham and Ellen Young.

Births:
Nov. 13, 1818, John, son of John and Elizabeth Young.
Jan. 24, 1819, William, son of William & Elizabeth Young.
May 14, 1820, Caroline, dau. of Peter & Catherine Young.

Baptisms at Presbyterian Church, Newark (Niagara) :
Sept. 10, 1802, Catherine, age 4.
Susannah, age 2,
George, age 6 mos.,
Children of Capt. John Young and wife, Elizabeth Heigler.

Burial:
Mrs. Young, wife of John, buried January 9, 1794 (4 mile creek)."