• Twelfth Governor of New South Wales.

• Born in India, the son of English parents.

• Not given the title of Governor-general that Denison and FitzRoy enjoyed because of intercolonial jealousy.

• Position of Governor now seen as ‘vice-regal’ and not political. The colony was expected to nurture their own democracy so when Young became involved in an argument between the legislative Council and the Legislative Assembly over the election of the council, the Secretary of State, Newcastle, disapproved.

• Had the royal prerogative to pardon prisoners. This prerogative was beyond the reach of political influence.

• Reflected the active role of the Governor in the early days by frequently advising on policy and seeing at least one of his ministers daily.

• Saw the role of the colonial governor as a "cipher".

• Keenly aware of the social responsibilities of Government House and was active in good causes including the Sydney Ragged Schools, the Society for the Relief of Destitute children, the House of the Good Shepherd, the Female School of Industry and the Sydney Female Refugee Society.

• Appealed for non-sectarian sympathy and tolerance.

• Left Sydney in 1867.

• Later became Governor-general in Canada.

• Died in Ireland in 1876.

John M Ward, 'YOUNG, SIR JOHN', Australian Dictionary of Biography, vol. 6, ed. Bede Nairn, pp 455 –457 (Melbourne University Press).