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Part III: The Youle Family

Youle was a well-known family name in New York among founders and cutlers. I have been able to piece together a short family genealogy of the family. Unfortunately, I cannot 100% verify that the links I have made to family members are correct. If anyone has more info on the Youles I would be very interested in reading about it. While a lot of research states that John and James Jr were sons of James – there is some conflict about this. While James Jr certainly could be a son, I believe that John, George, James, and Joseph were all brothers with perhaps another John as a nephew. The Colonial Newsletter article is what is perplexing about the ties between the brothers/nephews/sons. The article states that James was killed in his shop and left behind a wife June (I believe her name was Jane) and that Jane died young and left three underage children: Timothy, Thomas and June (again possibly Jane). In sum, I believe James, Joseph, George and John were brothers – and there was a John, James Jr, Joseph, George Jr. in the subsequent generations.

James Youle – Was a cutler from Sheffield that started Bailey and Youle cutlers in 1777 in NY. The firm split during the Revolution. James Youle persisted in the business of instrument maker. He also fashioned other metal work such as swords, firearms, skates, but gave importance to surgical instruments. Youle was killed when in 1786 at the age of 46 when his grindstone shattered and a piece hit him in the chest. Had two sons, James, Jr. and John.

Family - Wife was Jane Youle and sons James Jr., Timothy, Thomas and John.

John Youle – Son or brother? In the NY City directory of 1791 a John Youle, ironmonger, is listed at the corner of Beekman Slip and Water Street. An advertisement in the local newspapers after the Revolution stated the following: "the New Invented Friction Cogg for Blocks cast and sold by John Youle at Beekman-Slip; being a new and easy method for hoisting a heavy weight." Another advertisement listed that John offered “a fresh and general assortment of Hardware, Ironmongery, cutlery, which he will dispose of very reasonable by wholesale or retail.” John is also listed in 1795 as having a patent for cabooses.

Family - Daughter Mathilda who married Hon. Asher Tyler

James Youle – Son of James. In the 1791 NY City Directory a James Youle, cutler and gun smith, is listed on Little Dock Street. James’ business was known by its sign of the cross-knives and gun. James fashioned edged weapons, firearms and all kinds of surgeon’s instruments.

Family - Married Catharine Clemens in 1787

George Youle – another brother? In a January 1800 advertisement in the New York-Daily Advertiser, George announced that he “manufactures lead pipes to convey the water from the logs in the street into the house.” George also held several patents for cabooses. There is also a George Youle listed as requesting a letter of marque from James Monroe in 1812. George is also referred to as a pewterer and plumber. He was a director of the Mechanics’ Insurance Co. in 1822. He died in 1828.

Family – Married Satty Neill.
Daughters Mary, Augusta, Euretta, Eleanor, and Josephine.
Son Joseph committed suicide in 1820 at the age of 24.
Eleanor married Augustus Van Amninge
Euretta married Samuel Halsey
Grandson George Youle, Jr.

Dr. Joseph Youle – another brother? Was a Dr. member of the Medical Society of NY. Married Jane Byvanck in 1778. Died 1795, one daughter Maria Josephine married John Oothout. Youle graduated with a degree in medicine from Columbia College in NY in 1793.

Thomas Youle – son of James. Died in 1819 at the age of 41 years. There was a Thomas Youle listed as pewterer in New York in 1815. And a Youle & Co. under Thomas Youle for 1811.

Timothy Youle – son of James – married Nancy Twybell in 1797.

All of the above was pieced together using google books and the New York Times index.

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