Aretas William Young facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Aretas William Young
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|---|---|
| Born | 31 March 1777 London, England |
| Died | 1 December 1835 Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 1795 to 1835 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Battles/wars | French Revolutionary Wars Napoleonic Wars • Peninsular War |
| Awards | Knight Bachelor |
| Other work | Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island |
Sir Aretas William Young (born March 31, 1777 – died December 1, 1835) was an important British Army officer. He also worked as a colonial administrator in the early 1800s. This means he helped govern places that were part of the British Empire.
Sir Aretas served in many wars, including the Peninsular War. Later, he took on government jobs in the West Indies and on Prince Edward Island. He even became the Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island. In 1834, he was made a knight for his great work. He passed away in Charlottetown while still in office.
Contents
Life of Sir Aretas Young
Starting a Military Career
Aretas Young was born in 1777 in London, England. He joined the army in 1795 as an ensign, which is a junior officer rank. By 1796, he became a captain in the 13th Regiment of Foot. He was sent to Ireland during the Rebellion of 1798, a time of unrest.
In 1801, Young and his regiment went to Egypt. They fought in the area around Alexandria. Later, in 1807, he became a major in the 47th Regiment of Foot.
Fighting in the Peninsular War
Young took part in all the major battles of the Peninsular War. This war was fought in Spain and Portugal against Napoleon's French forces. His service continued until 1813. After this, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel. He then moved to the island of Trinidad to help with its administration. Trinidad had been captured from Spain 16 years earlier.
Working in the Caribbean
In 1815, Young was involved in the invasion of Guadeloupe. For his good work there, he was praised by King Louis XVII of France.
After the war, until 1825, Young had several important roles. He worked as a deputy to the Governor of Trinidad. He also commanded the 3rd West Indian Regiment. He served as an official on both Grenada and Trinidad. He was recognized for his "candor, integrity and impartiality" when he managed the islands in the absence of the governor.
In 1826, Young was given the role of protector of slaves in Demerara.
Governing Prince Edward Island
In 1831, Young was chosen to be the Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island. This island is located off the coast of Canada. He took over after the previous governor, Sir Murray Maxwell, died suddenly.
Young was very successful in his role as governor. For his excellent service, he was made a knight in 1834. He passed away in Charlottetown the next year. Sir John Harvey then took his place.
Family Life
Sir Aretas Young married Sarah Cox. They had children, including Henry Edward Fox Young. Henry later became the Governor of South Australia and Tasmania.
