The Washington herald., 1908-06-20
COL. Ham YOUNG DIES
Well-knOwn Telegraph Off
cial Expires in Chicago.
ON DUTY AT THE CONVENTION
Work at Big Gathering I'm Great
Heat Proves Too Much for Veteran,
Had Long and Interesting Career
as Manager of Wires in the Cap
itOI Press Galleries.

Col. Ham Young. a well known tele-
graph superintendent, OF this city. died
in Chicago yesterday morning about 2
o'clock
Col Young had not been well for some
days, and his work al the convention
proved too much for him. lie was over
come by the intense heat Thursday after
noon, and was taken 10 a hospital. He
recovered sufficiently to go 10 the home
Of a son who resides in Chicago. where
he died. after complaining of an intense
pain in his side. Mr.. Young was ip
charge Of the Western Union force at the
convention.
His body was forwarded from Chicago
over the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad
yesterday afternoon. and will arrive in
this city this afternoon at 4:42 o'clock
William Hamilton Young was born in
Washington seventy-two years ago. and
was a lifelong resident OF the Capital
He was the Oldest telegrapher. in point
OF service. in this city. commencing as a
messenger boy in 1854 with the Washing
ton and New Orleans Telegraph Company.
He was president Of the Old Time
Telegraphers' association, and for many
years president Of the Telegraphers' Mu-
tual Benefit Association.
Had Interesting Career.
Shortly after the election OF President
Buchanan, Mr. Young accepted position
with the Magnetic Company. In the lat
ter part of 1855 he was in charge OF the
Capitol branch Office in the House OF
remained as the only operator in the
stormy days that cnsued. until 1861. when
he was transferred TO chief operator Of
the main office. then in Pennsylvania ave
nue.. between ur-and-a-half and Sixth
streets. Ee at times served as govern
ment censor during the war
Late in 1854 he was appointed as
sistant manager Of the United States
Telegraph Company by Superintendent
Westerfelt. He remained with this com
pany until after II was consolidated with
the Western Union, and then accepted the
management OF the Bankers and Brokers'
Telegraph Company, near the Metropoli-
tan Hotel When that company was
leased by the Western Union Telegraph
Company he was appointed chief oper-
ator. Since that time he had been in
charge Of the Capitol Offices and night
manager OF the main office, having in
charge all matters pertaining TO the press
service. attending Presidential trips. con-
ventions. &c, which brought him IN
close and intimate contact with all the
prominent correspondents throughout the
country. He has been the recipient Of
many testimonials for his valuable serv-
ices.
Was Temperance Pioneer.
Col. Young became identified with the
temperance movement many years ago.
having been one OF the original mem
bers Of the Sons Of Jonadab.
Six children survive him. They are
Misses Annie NJ. and Blanche Young
and William and James z. Young, all
OF this city. and Messrs. Frank NJ
Young. Of Chicago. and Charles J. Young
OF Brooklyn.
President Clowry. OF the Western Union
Telegraph Company. showing his high es-
TEEN for Mr.. Young sent the following
telegram to the manager Of the Western
Union force at the convention:
Il am greatly panied to hear OF the
death Of Mr.. Young. who passed away at
his post of duty. He was a most Efficient
and faithful officer Of the company, and
a man for whom personally had high
regard"
The Washington newspaper correspond
ents now in Chicago met at the Audto-
rum Annex last night to take suitable
action on the death OF Mr. Young
Col Young was beloved by his COM
rades IN the telegraph business, and II IS
said that many Of the successful men at
the key, and those who have graduated
into higher positions owe a great por-
tion OF their success TO the helpful per
sonality Of the man who trained them in
their young days.
The several councils Of the Sons OF jon
adab in the District and vicinity will take
steps, under the direction Of Sovereign
Chief Wiley; 70 participate in the funeral
services, arrangements for which will be
completed to-day.