John Young

Young, John

John Young, businessman, journalist, politician (b at Falkirk, Scot 1 Sept 1773; d at Halifax 6 Oct 1837). Young had a brilliant career at Glasgow U and wished to study medicine. His father refused further support so he began a career in business. Immigrating to Halifax in 1814 he established John Young and Company, even selling goods in Castine, Maine, following the British occupation of the town in 1814. Best remembered for a series of essays on agriculture, published under the name "Agricola" in the Acadian Recorder (1818-22), he pointed out the need for agricultural reform and his articles led to the formation of the Provincial Agricultural Soc with Young as secretary. He and 2 of his sons later became members of the NS Assembly. Ambitious, he had the ability to reconcile his own goals with the public interest. He believed people to be motivated by self-interest, and his own career suggests that this was so.