Stephen Van R. Young, a farmer, was born in Delaware County, Ohio, October 26, 1831, and is a son of Elijah and Amy (Larkins) Young, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of New York State, both of English descent.  They were among the pioneers of Delaware County, where they settled at an early day.  Our subject received an ordinary education, and early adopted the occupation of a farmer.  In 1856, he went to California and spent four years and a half in the mines, with moderate success.  In 1861, he returned to Ohio and married Miss Berthena Belfield, a native of England, and a daughter of William Belfield, who came to America in 1843, and settled in Columbus, Ohio.  Mr. and Mrs. Young have had three children, viz.: Willis E., Lutell, and Maggie C., deceased.  The family are all members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  Mr. Young is a Republican, a strong temperance man, and a life-long farmer, now owning ninety-five acres, nearly ten of which are in the corporation of Richwood.  He was President of the School Board when the new schoolhouse was built, and donated a part of the ground for a site.  He came to Union County and settled on the farm, where he now resides, living in a log cabin, which has since been replaced by a handsome brick residence.