Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Taylor, John W ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/il/ilfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Deb Haines http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00003.html#0000719 February 29, 2008, 12:25 am Author: Past and Present of Will County, IL; 1907 John W. Taylor, living retired in Joliet, was born in Ogdensburg, New York, November 28, 1830. His parents were Oliver and Zipporah (Bates) Taylor. The father, a native of New Hampshire, was born in 1790 and followed the blacksmith's trade. His wife was born in Montpelier, Vermont, in 1798. In 1837 they removed westward, accompanied by their four sons and four daughters, intending to locate at Rockford, Illinois, but on reaching Joliet Mr. Taylor became ill and passed away ten days later, in August, 1837. The family therefore remained in this city. Emily, the eldest daughter, born in 1819, died in 1840. Sophia, born in 1822, is now the wife of John Robinson, a resident of New London, Wisconsin, and an honorary member of the Will County Pioneer Association. Curtis, born in 1824, went to California in 1859 and two years later to Australia, since which time he has never been heard from. Hiram, born in 1826, died in 1854. Dorcas, born in 1828, passed away in 1856. John W. is the next of the family. Enoch George, born in 1832, was a gold miner and died in Utah in 1872. Jane, born in 1834, is now the wife of Henry B. Day, of New London, Wisconsin. John W. Taylor was only seven years of age when brought to Joliet by his parents. He acquired a common school education in the schools of this city and on putting aside his text-books learned the carpenter's trade. In 1856 he began contracting and building on his own account and has always remained a resident of Joliet save for the period from 1856 until 1858, which he spent in Wisconsin, and also the period of his service in the Civil war. In 1862 he enlisted in Company D, One Hundredth Illinois Volunteer infantry. His first engagement was under General Buell in the campaign against General Bragg, whom the Union troops succeeded in driving out of Kentucky. Mr. Taylor's next engagement was under General Rosecrans, this campaign lasting until the battle of Chickamauga, when Rosecrans was superseded by General Thomas after the battle of Missionary Ridge. The latter entered the campaign at Knoxville and relieved General Burnsides. Subsequent to this time Mr. Taylor was transferred on the 19th of March, 1864, to the United States signal corps, where he remained until the close of the war, when he received an honorable discharge and special mention for the reliable and valorous manner in which he discharged every duty that devolved upon hi in. He received his discharge at Nashville, Tennessee, on the 30th of June, 1865, and returned to his home with a most creditable military record. He then resumed business in Joliet and for many years was a contractor and builder here with a large patronage. Many substantial structures of the city stand as monuments to his skill and enterprise and as an indication of his excellent handiwork. Mr. Taylor was married on the 15th of August, 1857, to Mary E. Miner, a daughter of W. S. and Sophia Miner. Her father was born in Litchfield, Connecticut, in 1812. Her mother was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Strong and was born in Litchfield, Connecticut, while her marriage was celebrated in Brooklyn. Mrs. Taylor was born in Orange, New York, and in 1852 came with her parents to Illinois, the family residing in Joliet until 1886, when the father went to the west. Several years later he took up his abode at Peoria, Illinois, where he passed away in 1898. having for many years survived his wife, who died in 1874. Two sons have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, George W. and Charles O. The former, born July 7, 1869, is now living in Los Angeles, California, where he is engaged in business as a contractor and builder. He married Josephine Hampton, of Davenport, Iowa. The younger son, born November 9, 1871, passed away in June, 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are now living in a comfortable home in Joliet and are much respected by all who know them. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, belonging to Bartleson post, and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades. He has passed the seventy-sixth milestone on life's journey and has made a most creditable record as one who in all life's relations has been faithful to duty and to a high standard of conduct. Additional Comments: PAST AND PRESENT OF WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS By W. W. Stevens President of the Will County Pioneers Association; Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1907 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/will/bios/taylor2729nbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/ilfiles/ File size: 5.0 Kb