As governor, John Young supported the expansion of the Erie Canal, established an independent court of appeals, opposed the Mexican War, and pardoned tenant farmers who were imprisoned for participating in the anti-rent movement. A supporter of President Zachary Taylor, Young was appointed by Taylor as Assistant United States Treasurer, where he served from 1849 until his death in 1852. His public service also included terms in the New York State Assembly and the United States House of Representatives.