John Smith Young (November 4, 1834 - October 11, 1916) was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Louisiana. He was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, but grew up in Arkansas on a family plantation. He attended Centenary College, graduating in 1855. After several years managing the plantation, he earned a law degree. He spent a year as a practicing attorney, before volunteering to fighting for the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. He rose to the rank of lieutenant.