William L. Young, Caddo Parish, Louisiana

Submitted by Mike Miller
Date: 1999-2000




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William L. Young.  The confidence so long reposed by the public in 

Shreveport's oldest financial institution, time First National Bank 

of this city, may in a measure be explained by its known strength 

and stability, but to a large degree may be attributed to the honorable

names of the sterling citizens who make up its official body and its 

directorate.  Among these clear-headed, far-sighted, sagacious business

men stands William L. Young, vice president and cashier.



William L. Young was born at Homer, Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, 

June 23, 1871.  and bears a name of honor and distinction in 

Louisiana.  His father, the late Col. John S. Young, a native of 

North Carolina, came early to Louisiana, achieving fame in this 

state in military service, in the law and in public affairs.  He 

served with conspicuous bravery all through the Civil war, retiring 

with the rank of lieutenant-colonel of the Fifth Louisiana Regiment 

of Cavalry, and after its close established his home at Homer.  There 

he became prominent in the law and on the bench of the District Court, 

and subsequently was elected a member of the United States Congress.  

In 1880 he removed to Shreveport, and afterward, for two terms, served

 as sheriff of Caddo Parish, remaining, however, until his death, in 

1916, an influential factor in civic affairs.



William L. Young completed his school course when sixteen years old, 

a natural inclination toward a business life and a coveted opportunity 

to enter the employ of the First National Bank of Shreveport causing 

him to lay his text books aside for a time.  His first position in 

the bank was that of runner or messenger, but promotion followed and 

after serving as bookkeeper for some time he became teller.  Mr. Young 

left the bank in 1900 to serve in the sheriffs office as chief deputy, 

during the term of the late Colonel Ward, then sheriff of Caddo Parish.  

In 1906 he became state bank commissioner of Louisiana, to which he 

was first appointed by Governor Blanchard, and successively by Governor

 Sanders and Governor Hall.



In 1916 Mr. Young assisted in the organization of the City National 

Bank, of which he was made cashier, in 1919 the City National Bank 

was consolidated with the First National Bank, and Mr. Young became 

cashier under the style of the First National Bank, a name familiar 

and honored in financial circles at Shreveport for almost forty years 

it had its beginning in the '6Os as the private banking institution 

of the Jacobs Brothers, but on reorganization in 1886 became the First 

National Bank of Shreveport.  Mr. Young's early and long connection 

with this bank, as well as his experience as bank examiner, have made 

his knowledge of banking business very thorough, and additionally his 

wide acquaintance and familiarity with Louisiana financial and 

industrial interests all combine to make him a safe and trustworthy 

counsellor on investments and all matters pertaining to finance.



Mr. Young married Miss Lela Green, and they have one daughter, Martha 

Hamilton Young.  He is a Scottish Rite Mason and Shriner, and belongs 

also to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, being a past 

exalted ruler in the same.



A History of Louisiana, (vol. 2), pp. 170-171, by Henry E. Chambers.  

Published by The American Historical Society, Inc., Chicago and New York, 1925.