S. Hall Young

Samuel Hall Young (September 12, 1847-1927), better known as S. Hall Young, was an American clergyman. Young's father, who was born in Butler, PA, was Rev. Loyal Young, MD, and his mother, Margaret Porter Young. He had 6 brothers and one sister. Young graduated from the University of Worcester in Ohio and Western Theological Seminary in Allegheny, PA. He was ordained by the Presbyterian Church. He went to Fort Wrangell in Alaska as a missionary and researcher, organized the first Protestant church in Alaska, held pastors in California, Illinois, Iowa and Ohio, and then was sent to Klondike. In 1879, and then in 1880, he accompanied John Muir when he discovered Glacier Bay in Alaska. While climbing Mount Glenor near the Stykin River, he nearly died, dislocating both arms, and was saved only from a narrow ledge when John Muir pulled him to the teeth. This story is described in detail by John Muir and Young in several subsequent publications. In 1904, he founded the First Presbyterian Church in the new city of Fairbanks. He was appointed leader of the Presbyterian missions in Alaska. He was special representative of the Presbyterian National Council of Missions. Exploring Alaska with John Muir, Young conducted a census of the locals living there.