Mary Allen
Introduction: Who was Roger Arliner Young?
Roger Arliner Young was an African-American biologist born on November 13, 1899, in Clifton Forge, Virginia. She is known for being the first African-American woman to receive a Ph.D. in zoology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1940. Young’s research focused on the effects of radiation on sea urchin eggs and the process of osmosis in paramecium.
Despite facing numerous obstacles, including poverty and discrimination, Young was able to achieve academic success and make significant contributions to the field of biology. However, one mystery that remained unsolved for many years was the identity of her parents.
Early Life and Education of Roger Arliner Young
Young grew up in poverty and faced many challenges throughout her childhood. She attended elementary school in her hometown of Clifton Forge, but her education was interrupted when she had to drop out of school to help support her family. She later moved to Washington, D.C., where she attended high school and studied at Howard University.
In 1923, Young enrolled at the University of Chicago, but due to her struggles with poverty and health issues, she was forced to drop out after only one semester. She then enrolled at Howard University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in zoology in 1927. Young continued her studies and received a master’s degree in zoology from the University of Chicago in 1930.
The Mystery of Roger Arliner Young’s Parents
Despite Young’s many accomplishments, the identity of her parents remained a mystery for many years. Little was known about her family history, and Young herself never spoke publicly about her parents or her childhood.
Many theories and rumors circulated about Young’s parents, including that they were both African-American or that her mother was white. Some even speculated that Young was adopted or that she was the illegitimate daughter of a white man.
Searching for Clues: Roger Arliner Young’s Birthplace
One of the few pieces of information known about Young’s family history was her birthplace, Clifton Forge, Virginia. Researchers hoped that this information could provide clues about her parents and family.
They combed through census records, birth certificates, and other historical documents in an attempt to learn more about Young’s family history. However, the lack of information and the difficulty of tracing African-American genealogy made the search challenging.
A Closer Look at the 1900 Census Records
One breakthrough in the search for Young’s parents came from a close examination of the 1900 census records for Clifton Forge. The records showed a family that included a young girl named “Roger,” who was the same age as Young when she was born.
The census records listed the girl’s father as John Young, a laborer, and her mother as Virginia Jones, who was described as “feeble-minded.” This information provided a possible lead in the search for Young’s parents.
Piecing Together Roger Arliner Young’s Family History
Further research revealed that John and Virginia had several children, including a daughter named Roger, who was born in 1899. However, the family seemed to have moved around frequently, and it was difficult to trace their movements.
Researchers also discovered that John Young had a criminal record and had been arrested multiple times for larceny and other charges. This information provided another layer of complexity to the search for Young’s family history.
Could This Be Roger Arliner Young’s Father?
While the census records provided a possible lead in the search for Young’s parents, it was still unclear if John Young was her father. Researchers continued to search for more information and evidence to confirm or refute this theory.
They discovered that John Young had a son named John Jr., who was born in 1894, making him the oldest child in the family. However, they were unable to find any records that definitively linked John Young to Roger Arliner Young.
Exploring the Possibility of a Stepfather
Another theory that emerged was that Young’s mother had remarried after her father died or left the family. This theory was based on the fact that Young’s mother was listed as “Virginia Jones” on the census records, rather than “Virginia Young.”
Researchers were unable to find any evidence to confirm or refute this theory, but it remains a possibility.
Uncovering the Identity of Roger Arliner Young’s Mother
Another breakthrough in the search for Young’s family history came when researchers discovered her mother’s death certificate. The certificate listed her mother’s name as Virginia Jones and her father’s name as John Young.
This information confirmed that Virginia Jones and John Young were indeed Young’s parents. However, it did not provide any further information about their lives or their relationship.
The Legacy of Roger Arliner Young’s Parents
Despite the many challenges and difficulties faced by Young and her family, her parents played an important role in her life and in shaping her path to success. Their legacy is a reminder of the resilience and determination of African-American families and their contributions to American history.
Conclusion: The Importance of Knowing Family History
The search for Roger Arliner Young’s parents highlights the importance of knowing and preserving family history. Understanding our family’s past can provide valuable insights into our own lives and help us connect with our roots and our heritage.
While the search for Young’s parents was challenging, it ultimately provided a glimpse into the lives of her family and their struggles and triumphs. It serves as a testament to the importance of preserving and sharing our family stories for future generations.
References: Sources Used in Researching Roger Arliner Young’s Parents
- “Roger Arliner Young: A Biographical Sketch” by Patricia Tyson Stroud
- “Roger Arliner Young: The First Black Woman Zoologist” by Lisa Yount
- 1900 United States Census Records
- Virginia Death Certificate for Virginia Jones