Joseph YOUNGER 

Born: 22 Oct 1864 Alford, Lincolnshire, England.
Parents: Robert YOUNGER and Susanna Ann HOLMES

Wife: Not married

Children: No children

Occupation: (a) 1881: Printer
            (b) 1889: Gunner, Royal Marine Artillery.

Died: 12 Dec 1889
Interred at: Trincomalee, Ceylon (Sri Lanka) on 13 Dec 1889. See second letter below.
Memorial at: St Mary's Church, Portsmouth

Additional information:

[Letter from Joseph to Samuel Maule]

                          G. Jos. Younger R.M.A.,
                          H M S Boadicea,
                          East Indies,
                          c/o Postmaster,
                          Aden,
                          22/8/89

Dear Brother Sam,
   I thank you very much for the parcel and kind letter which I duly received. The Map of
Africa is very good and useful so far as it reaches but I want the Map of Asia to
complete the Station and if you will send that I shall be very much obliged the linen
marker also is just the thing and the information regarding butterflies all that I could
wish. It is not my intention to become a Naturalist but simply to collect a few specimens
that I come across in my travels. I may at some future period act upon your suggestion
when I get to be expert in catching the butterfly. What made me think about it most was
the fact that one day whilst on Fore Castle sentry I caught a splendid specimen in my
helmet but I was afraid of damaging it so let it go again. I have caught a few now since
I received but they are not not very good but when I get some good ones I will send them
home.

   I am happy to be able to inform you dear Brother that my heart is still fixed on
things above and that I am still travelling Zionward and equally happy am I to tell you
that I am not alone in the ship for three others have set their faces thitherward and
others who have been in obscurity are coming forth and now we are a happy band of
pilgrims, soldiers of the cross, and we we mean to travel onward fighting as we go
against all that would obstruct or hinder us and bye-and-bye enter into that eternal
rest and wear a crown of life which will be better than all the medals of honour this
world can afford.

   Give my love to Lucy and tell her I often thank God that I have such good sisters who
are thinking about and praying for me that I may be kept safe from all harm. I have had
such a lift heavenward lately that I can scarce realize my happiness and joy. Give my
love to Albert and tell him to love Jesus his best Friend and to be a good boy to his
mother and father and I hope when I come home to see him growing in stature and wisdom
and in the love of duty toward God and man. And I suppose Annie will be getting a fine
little girl also may God bless her also and may she prove to be a real blessing to her
parent and to the world in which she lives, for there is much need of lights which shall
lead men and women safely to the feet of Jesus.

   I do not know that I have any more to tell you, I am writing to mother and sending my
photo. I have not got one to spare for you so you must be content with looking at the one
I sent home. It is not taken in full uniform but simply in a blue serge our usual walking
out dress. Love to all friends.

                I remain
                   your loving Bro.,
                               Joe.







[Letter to Robert Younger]

                          H.M.S. Boadicea,
                          Colombo, Dec. 23/89

Dear Sir,

   It is my sad task to write you about that which you have to some extent been prepared
for by Arthur Colton's letter. Your son Joseph Younger passed quietly away at 9.30 on the
evening of Thursday, Dec. 12th. On our arrival at Trincomalee some 12 days previously, he
had been sent ashore to the Sick Quarters, which are very comfortable and much better
than on board ship. He had been sick for days then, suffering from an ulcer in his leg
and diarrhoea. The latter turned to Dysentery just before he was sent on shore. He
battled bravely against the dysentery for a week, and I think would have got the  better
of it, when a sharp attack of fever set in, under which he gradually sank. The last two
days he could scarcely be called conscious. He indeed recognised people that he knew well
but nothing more. I saw him every day whilst in hospital, and a more satisfactory case of
sickness I have never visited. I must tell you that although a Wesleyan he had helped me
on board in the choir, and frequently came to my Bible-class and Sunday evening service,
and had offered to help me in other Christian work. I shall miss him much. A man I
believe thoroughly respected by his shipmates. In the early part of his illness he
suffered a good deal of pain, but not towards the end. He suffered more from weekness;
but his mind was at rest. He had found peace through Jesus. "I should like to go to
Jesus" he said. He felt resigned to God's will. If God had work for him to do, he
felt sure that He would raise him up again. It was a pleasure to talk to him and pray
with him. He belonged to a Benefit Club which we have on board, and soon I shall be able
to send you £15 to which you are entitled under his death. You will also receive a
packet of photos and some documents relating to Provident Association. These things must
come somewhat unexpected by reason of the distance that your son was from England.
Doubtless it will be a great trial to you. God will help you to bear it. But you will
find great comfort in the thought that as he lived a Christian life so he died a
Christian death, seeking pardon where alone it can be found, and having a full trust in
his Saviour. A few hours before he died the ship left for Madras. He was left behind in
Trincomalee where he was buried by the soldiers on the 13th of Dec.

                    Yours very faithfully, J.W.Clarkson
                                           Chaplain R.N.
                                           HMS Boadicea