Julia Ditto Young (, Ditto; December 4, 1857 – April 19, 1915) was an American poet and novelist. Young's first literary effort dates back to her childhood days, and her first appearance in print was in local newspapers. The first money earned by her writing was in the amount of from Peterson's Magazine. She continued to write for Peterson's, and for several years wrote for Frank Leslie's publications. She was the author of a number of short stories, which were remarkable for the versatility of literary talent they displayed. Young also won flattering recognition with her poetry. In 1890, she published "Adrift, a Story of Niagara". A collection of verse, entitled Thistle Down, much of which had previously appeared in different journals of the country, was favorably received by press and public. Young died in 1915. Early life and education Julia Evelyn Ditto was born in Buffalo, New York, December 4, 1857. Her father, the late John A. Ditto, was a civil engineer, who twice served as city engineer of Buffalo. Her mother, Mrs. Margaret McKenna Ditto, became a successful painter in oils. Young was the niece of Margaret Emma Ditto, of Wellesley, Massachusetts, writer of humorous and original boys' stories. She was educated in the grammar and in the State Normal School of Buffalo (now Buffalo State College). Young's first literary efforts date back to her early childhood. Once, when she was about six years old, she complained to her mother with bitter weeping that her sister had purloined her chief treasure. "'Tis only a button tied to a string!" said the younger girl with scorn. "I don't care, it's my leading character, and my story can't go on without it!" was the reply. As soon as she had learned to write, she utilized her accomplishment to commit to paper a gloomy poem, "The Earl's Bride", as well as various verses and tales. Career After completing a thorough educational course, she married Robert D. Young, December 30, 1876. Mr. Young was a cashier of the Erie County Savings Bank. Two sons were born to them. The elder, Sydney, was born October 22, 1877, and died March 28, 1882; the younger was named Lawrence. Her first appearance in print was in the Buffalo Evening Post, of September 13, 1871, the opening words of the story, "Shriek upon shriek rent the air, mingled with yells," being startling enough to attract the