My g-g-grandfater, James Young, b. ca. 1820-24, lived in PA at least between 1852 and the end of the Civil War. I don't know where he was before his marriage on 7 February 1852 in Pine Grove, Schuylkill Co., PA, to Elizabeth Hubler, b. 15 May 1830, d. 15 May 1862. James and Elizabeth had four children: Priscilla Louisa, b. 5 January 1853, m. 1875 to a Yessler; William Henry, b. 26 December 1854; George Washington, b. 3 February 1856, d. 20 February 1935, m. Emma Alsesta Sherman; and James, b. ca. 1858.
The family story told to me by Priscilla's grandson, who was raised by Priscilla, was that Elizabeth died in childbirth along with the child. James was drafted into service during the Civil War. I have found those records, but no pension record found yet. While he was fighting, the children were split among their mother's family. Priscilla said that James came back after the war and saw the children at least once, but never got the family back together, and the children were raised by aunts and uncles. I have records from the court regarding their guardianship which gives me a little info on James' service, but not much else on him. Where did he disappear to? Did he move West, remarry and start another family? With such a common name (There were 3 James Youngs on the 1860 census in Pine Grove alone!), it is hard to find information. I have also found the surname as Youngs, and it has been handed down through both Priscilla's and George's families that James was English. However, that could refer to him not being Pennsylvania German, not of British ancestry.
Can anyone help? I do have a picture of James somewhere, but will have to dig for it before I can upload it here.