[The principal points in the following sketch were furnished by the
Younger boys and must be received as in a degree partial.—ED.]
Henry W. Younger, the head of this branch of the Younger family was a
native of Kentucky, but early in life he removed to Jackson county,
Missouri, in company with his father’s family. The family were thoroughly
respectable, of more than ordinary intelligence, and comfortably provided
with wealth. H. W. Younger proved to be a young man of superior ability,
acquiring an excellent education, and occupying a prominent position in
the political world. Ho served in the Missouri Legislature, and also as
county judge in Jackson county. Col. Younger was married in 1830, and
lived in Jackson county until 1858, during which time fourteen children,
eight girls and six boys, were born to them.
In 1858 the family moved to a larger farm near Harrisonville, Cass county,
where his operations in farming, stock dealing and general trade became
extensive, and his wealth rapidly increased. By his decided, and boldly
maintained political convictions, he made many enemies—especially during
the trouble which occurred between the people of his state and those of
Kansas in regard to the admission of the latter as a slave state.
When the civil war broke out in 1861, Younger espoused the Union cause,
and on account of his wealth and prominence was made the especial object
of the lawless depredations of the “Jayhawkers” of Kansas under Lane,
Jemison and others. His property was destroyed, his stock stolen, and he
with his family was obliged to flee for their lives.
Early in September 1862 as Col. Younger was driving into Harrisonville,
with a large amount of money about him he was robbed and murdered in his
buggy. Even after having disposed of the father, his enemies were not
satisfied, and their aggressions were directed against the inoffensive
widow and her family of young children. They were forced to burn and
abandon their own home, and the poor woman found no peace until finally
she died in Clay county, Missouri.