John Russell Young facts for kids
- Further information: World tour of Ulysses S. Grant
Quick facts for kids
John Russell Young
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| 7th Librarian of Congress | |
| In office July 1, 1897 – January 17, 1899 |
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| Appointed by | William McKinley |
| Preceded by | Ainsworth Rand Spofford |
| Succeeded by | Herbert Putnam |
| United States Minister to the Qing Empire | |
| In office August 17, 1882 – April 7, 1885 |
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| Appointed by | Rutherford B. Hayes |
| Preceded by | James Burrill Angell |
| Succeeded by | Charles Harvey Denby |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 20, 1840 County Tyrone, Ireland |
| Died | January 17, 1899 (aged 58) Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Relatives | James Rankin Young, brother |
| Known for | Journalist, author, diplomat, librarian |
John Russell Young (born November 20, 1840 – died January 17, 1899) was an important American journalist, writer, and diplomat. He also served as the seventh Librarian of Congress for the United States Congress. This means he was in charge of the huge library that helps Congress do its work.
Young is well-known for traveling around the world with former President Ulysses S. Grant. He wrote a two-volume book about their amazing two-year journey.
Contents
Early Life and Journalism Career
John Russell Young was born in County Tyrone, Ireland. When he was a young child, his family moved to Philadelphia, in the United States.
He started working in newspapers when he was only 15 years old. His first job was as a proofreader, checking for mistakes in articles. He became a reporter for the Philadelphia Press newspaper. He became famous for his reports on the First Battle of Bull Run, an important battle during the American Civil War. By 1862, he was a managing editor for the Press and another newspaper. This meant he was in charge of how the newspaper was put together.
In 1865, Young moved to New York. He started writing for New York Tribune, a newspaper owned by Horace Greeley. He soon became the managing editor there too.
Working for the Government
Young also began to work for the government. He went on special trips to Europe for the US Department of State and the US Department of the Treasury. These departments handle America's relationships with other countries and its money.
In 1872, he joined the New York Herald newspaper. He continued to report for them from Europe.
Traveling the World with President Grant
John Russell Young was asked to join former President Ulysses S. Grant on his famous world tour from 1877 to 1879. Young wrote a book about this trip called Around the World with General Grant.
During the trip, Young really impressed Grant, especially when they were in China. Young became good friends with a powerful Chinese official named Li Hongzhang.
Diplomat in China
Because Grant was so impressed, he convinced President Chester A. Arthur to make Young the United States Minister to China in 1882. A minister is a type of diplomat who represents their country in another nation.
In this important job, Young did a great job helping to solve disagreements between the United States and China. He also helped settle problems between France and China.
Librarian of Congress
In 1885, Young went back to working for the Herald newspaper in Europe. In 1890, he returned to Philadelphia.
In 1897, President William McKinley chose him to be the Librarian of Congress. He was the first librarian to be officially approved by Congress. During his time as librarian, the Library of Congress began moving into its own new building. This big move was mostly planned by the previous librarian, Ainsworth Rand Spofford. Spofford actually worked as Young's main assistant. Young remained the Librarian of Congress until he passed away.
Later Life and Family
John Russell Young died in Washington, D.C., on January 17, 1899. He is buried in Mount Moriah Cemetery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
His brother was James Rankin Young, who was a Congressman. John Russell Young's son was Gordon Russell Young, who became a Brigadier General. He was also in charge of engineering for Washington, D.C., from 1945 to 1951.
See also
- Bibliography of Ulysses S. Grant
