John O. Young (Colonel) was born about 1802 in NC married to Elizabeth Prater born about 1810 in SC. In 1843, Van Buren, AR John O. Young is listed as having 40 acres of land and was the Sheriff. Census places John O. Young at the following places:

1830: Franklin Co., TN
1840: Van Buren, AR
1850: Missouri, Clark Co., AR
1860: Beech Creek, Clark Co., AR (listed as G. O. Young)

Children of John O. and Elizabeth are William J., Nancy Clementine, John J. Malinda M., Dick Johnson, Pinkney O., Charlotte Elizabeth, Zachary Taylor and Stephen Alpine Young.

Some of the family migrated to the Grayson, TX area.

Elizabeth Prater’s parents were William D. Prater and Rebecca Middleton. William was born in Picken, SC about 1782 and Rebecca was born about 1785 in SC and died in Clark Co., AR. We believe Rebecca’s father was John Middleton from Ireland.

William D. Prater’s parents were Phillip Prater possibly from Wiltshire, England and Susannah Hubbard. They married and settled in South Carolina.

There is a story that John O. Young may have been involved with the Mormons. Could he have been a distant relative of Brigham Young; could Wilford Woodford made contact with him while going on his mission to the southern states of TN and AR? (just a thought)

Any information on the above families would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!