Alford Young

Alford Young (abt 1839 - aft March 8, 1892) served as an under cook in Company M, 13th Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry. He is one of twenty-three black men known to have served with the regiment, all of whom served as company cooks.

Personal life
Alford Young was born about 1839 in Yancey County, North Carolina.

Civil War service
Young enlisted in Company M on August 1, 1864 in Bulls Gap, Tennessee for a period of three years. He mustered in on October 26, 1864 in Knoxville.

At enlistment he was 42 years old, 5' 10" tall, black complexion, black eyes, and black hair. Young's residence is given only as Tennessee and his occupation as a farmer.

According to the muster rolls Young was present every month throughout his service until he became ill on or about June 20, 1865; he had permission both from his company commanding officer and the regimental commander to be absent. Because he was not present with the regiment at muster out, Young was mistakenly listed as a deserter. On August 17, 1879, the Adjutant General's Office of the War Department removed the charge of desertion effective August 28, 1879, and to date from September 5, 1865. Records state that he was never paid and was owed $106.52 from the government for his service.

Later life
Young filed for an invalid's pension on March 8, 1892 while living in Tennessee. The location of his grave has been found.