Before my father passed, he did some research and came to believe that my great-grandfather invented the Young Valve Gear (a variation of the Walschaerts Valve Gear). However, no one seems to know my great-grandfather's full name, so I can't verify my father's research. I have found in one place that the inventor's name was O. W. Young, and that he worked for the Chicago and North Western RR. This might be the case, because my grandfather's (my great-grandfather's son) was named William Oris Young (W. O. Young). Does anyone know anything about the inventor of the Young Valve Gear, or where I could find more information? Just verifying the inventor's full name would help immensely.

Otis W. Young of Chicago was granted a number of patents for locomotive valve gear in the 1920's.

PC

So, you're sure his first name was Otis? Do you have any idea what his middle name was, or where I can find it out? Thanks.

Looks like Otis:

http://www.google.com/patents/US1591600?printsec=description#v=onepage&q&f=false

http://www.google.com/patents/US1607381?printsec=description#v=onepage&q&f=false

http://www.google.com/patents/US1269893?printsec=description#v=onepage&q&f=false

Steve Hunter

Wow. I am stunned. How in the world did you get the patents? I thought I would have to travel up to D.C. to get the actual documentation (assuming I could even find it), and you appear to have found it on-line. May I ask how and where? This is truly amazing. Rumor had it someone in the family had the patents themselves, but with most of that generation and the next gone, I thought I would never find them. I can't thank you enough. I still don't know if this is my great-grandfather or not, but this will make determining that a lot easier. I'll let you know what I find. Again, thanks.

John Milton Young

Glad to be able to help, John. I found them with a Google search using the keywords "Otis W Young Patents". It's amazing how accessible these things are! There were many more hits, but these were the most relevant ones.

Good luck in tracking down your roots, and any railroad involvement your great-grandfather may have had!

Steve Hunter

Thanks again!

Dear John Milton Young,
Believe it or not, my interest in your family goes back to your great-great grandfather, Charles Drew Young of Situate, Massachusetts. Born July 2, 1832, he married Amelia M. Otis on 15th August, 1852 and settled in Situate. He was a bootmaker, and Situate was be bookmaking center. Just this afternoon, I visited the Situate Historical Society in search of any information I could find. My interest in Charles Drew Young is related to his service during the Civil War. He enlisted in the Massachusetts 7th Infantry, Company K and was part of McClellan’s army of the Potomac. That army was in Warwick County, Virginia in the spring of 1862 and Company K was camped near the Warwick County Courthouse. Union troops looted the courthouse, taking records as souvenirs. Your great-great grandfather ended up with the 1716 will of Henry Cary (born 1650, died 1720). It is a long story which I hope to write at some point as I am a descendant of Henry Cary. The will eventually ended back in the hands of Ellen Randolph Coolidge Dwight and, in 2012 was returned to the Library of Virginia. Charles Drew Young was mustered out of the army in June, 1864 and eventually returned to Situate.
Your great grandfather was Otis William Young. I found an obituary published on October 24, 1943 which you may find of interest. If I hear from you, I can transcribe if for you. As I stated, my primary interest is in your great great grandfather and I have come to the conclusion that if there is anything more to be learned of him, it will be through his direct descendants, you or your cousins. It appears that Otis William Young was buried in Worcester, Massachusetts. I am just now learning about the Young Valve.
Thanks,
Jack Taylor