Worlds Fair Horticulturist and Superintendent of Union Dale
Ernest Sydney Youden was born in December of 1868 in Middlesex County, London, England. Mr. Youden first came to the United States to work as a horticulturist at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. It is thought that Youden came to Pittsburgh following the fair to work with the plant material purchased by Henry W. Phipps or on the Frick estate Clayton, though neither could be verified. He later took a position with the Allegheny City Department of Parks.
In 1902, Mr. Youden became the Superintendent of Union Dale Cemetery where he served until his death in 1961. Mr. Youden contributed to his profession and was a co-founder of the
Western Pennsylvania Cemetery Association, and the Cemetery
Association of Pennsylvania (1932), having served as president
of each professional association.