John Young (merchant)

John Young (September 1, 1773 – October 6, 1837) was a Scottish-born merchant, author and political figure in Nova Scotia. He represented Sydney County in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly from 1824 to 1837.

He was born in Falkirk, the son of William Young, and studied theology at University of Glasgow but did not graduate. He entered business at Falkirk and then Glasgow. Young married Agnes Renny. In 1814, he came to Halifax with his wife and sons and set up in business as a dry goods merchant there. Believing that there was room for improvement in the state of agriculture in the province, Young wrote a number of letters to the Acadian Recorder under the name Agricola. This led to the creating of a provincial agricultural society in 1818. A Central Board of Agriculture was formed and Young became secretary and treasurer. Young ran unsuccessfully for the Halifax Township seat in the provincial assembly in 1823 before being elected for Sydney County in an 1824 by-election. He died in office in Halifax at the age of 64.

His sons William and George also served in the Nova Scotia assembly and his son Charles was colonial administrator for Prince Edward Island.

Nova Scotian artist William Valentine painted Young's portrait.

Legacy

• namesake of Agricola Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia