Born in London, Canada on October 21, 1840. In 1859, her husband Joseph Young left her and their three children. He eventually returned to her in 1868.
Soon after his return, Joseph Young decided to join the 5th Cavalry of the U.S. Army. Young became a laundress for the Army to make some money and she and their two youngest children traveled with him. Before reaching Arizona, Joseph Young disappeared while out hunting. Whether he was killed or deserted is unknown. Since Young worked for the Army, she was still able to care for her young children.
Young remained a laundress at Fort Verde for the 5th Cavalry for three years, then in 1875, the 5th cavalry headed east. She stayed on at the fort for a year until she heard that a hospital matron was needed at Ft. Whipple and no experience was necessary. She served as the fort’s only hospital matron.
Young stayed on at the fort until 1891 when the Army left and the fort was abandoned |
