Colonel Edward Blumer Young, was born in Allentown, September 6, 1836, and pursued his education in Allentown Seminary under the instruction of Rev. Dr. Kessler. He was in his sixteenth years when he went to Bellfonte, Center County. Pennsylvania, and entered upon an apprenticeship at the watchmaker's trade, covering a term of nearly three years. He never followed that pursuit, however, but returned home to enter the hardware store of Barber, Young & Co. in the capacity of clerk He thus served until 1860, when he was admitted to a partnership and entered upon a career as a merchant that was at once successful and honorable. In his business affairs he was straightforward, prompt and reliable and his enterprise and diligence were potent factors in the extension of the business, which became one of the leading mercantile interest in Allentown.

In citizenship, Colonel Young, was equally enterprising and progressive and gave earnest cooperation to every measure which he believed would contribute to the general good, He was called to various public offices, serving in early manhood as a member of the select council of Allentown from the Second Ward. For a number of hears, he was the treasurer of the Columbia Fire Company and took a deep interest and great pride in the development of the excellent fire department of Allentown. His patriotic spirit and loyal devotion to his country were aroused and in 1862, when the rebel troops invaded Pennsylvania, he entered the service with the state militia. In June 1863, upon the second invasion, he enlisted as first lieutenant of Company H, 27th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers. His regiment was subsequently mustered into the United States service and joined the Army in the Potomac at Waynesboro, participating in the engagement at Wrightsville. The public service, however, which most endeared Colonel Young to his fellow townsmen, was that he rendered them as mayor of Allentown. In the spring of 1876, he was nominated by the Republican Party for the office of chief executive of the municipality and after as stubborn contest was elected by a majority of sixty-nine votes. He was filling the office during the memorable riots of 1877, and so conducted the affairs of the city that he won the highest commendation of all law-abiding people. Bloodshed and riot occurred in other places, but Mayor Young comprehending the gravity of the situation and realizing the responsibility which developed upon him, held the reins of the government with firm hand, and maintained law and order, quelling the disturbing spirit that would have brought about scenes of violence. His administration is certainly one of the most of the most notable ministration in the history of Allentown. His influence in political circles, however, was not restricted to the city in which he made his home. He as recognized as one of the prominent Republican of the state and represented Lehigh County as a member of the State Central Committee. He was also chairman of the Republican county committee for a number of years and was frequently the representative of his county in the state conventions. In 1876, he was a delegate to the Republican national convention at Cincinnati, Ohio, and he served as an aide-de-camp on the staffs of Governor Hartranft and Governor Hoyt. He was also appointed one of the prison inspectors of Lehigh County and his service were characterized in that board by the same excellent qualities ever manifest in his business and administrations relations. Political honors and emoluments, however, had little attraction for him, and he never sought office as a reward for party fealty, but gave his support to the principles which he believed contained the best elements of good government working for his party because he believed it to be the duty as well as the privilege of every American citizen to support his honest political convictions. He was fearless in defense of what he believed, yet was never bitterly aggressive and he won the highest respect of the opposition as well as the leaders of his own party.

The influence of Colonel Young was felt in equally strong measure in fraternal circles. He attained high rank in Masonry, holding membership in Barger Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Allen Chapter, No 203, Royal Arch Masons; Allen Council, No 23, Royal and Select Masters; Allen Commandery. No 20. Knights Templar; and Philadelphia Consistory, Sovereign Princes of the Royal Secret. He filled the highest office in each of the York Rite bodies and was recognized as one of the best-informed Masons in the tenets of the craft in the state. He was also an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic and assisted in the organization of Post No 87, Allentown, which since his death has been named in his honor. He was its first commander and at the time of his demise was serving as quartermaster. His opinions carried weight in the Pennsylvania department, and he was at one time a member of the council of administration of the state and represented his post at many encampments. He gave freely of his means to the cause of Christianity, and although not a member, served as trustee of the Presbyterian Church.

Colonel Young died Dec. 30, 1879, in the forty-fourth year of his age. His personal characteristics, his unfailing honor in business, political and social relations, and his loyalty to his honest convictions, endearing him to all with whom he was associated at the time of his death. He was survived by his wife and three children: Annie E., the maiden nane of Mary Am Kuhns, and was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Her parents were Peter and Elizabeth (Knerr) Kuhns. and the latter was a daughter of Andrew and Catherine Elizabeth (Schall) Knerr. Andrew Knerr and his brother John were the only sons of Abraham Knerr, who was born in Germany in 1714, and migrated to Lehigh Valley in 1748, taking up three hundred acres of land in Lowhill Township.