BIO: William G. TAYLOR, Beaver County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Banja & Joe Patterson Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/beaver.html http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/beaver/bios/bbios.htm Index for this bio book. _________________________________________________________________ BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES. This Volume Contains Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Beaver County, Pennsylvania. Buffalo, N.Y., Chicago, Ill.: Biographical Publishing Company, 1899, pp. 259-266. _________________________________________________________________ REV. WILLIAM G. TAYLOR, D. D., of Beaver, Pennsylvania, whose portrait appears on the opposite page, has done as much to advance the education, elevate the morals, and give prosperity to the people under his charge as any other man in Western Pennsylvania. It is appropriately and truly said of him that "he loves to undertake things others arc afraid to touch, and with pluck, tact, labor, patience and perseverance, succeeds." His intellectual faculties are uncommonly clear, forcible, and powerful, rendering him a superb organizer; his reasoning is clear and right to the point. He possesses the happy faculty of making deep thoughts so plain that even the uneducated think them simple truths; he is preeminently adapted to treat of moral and religious subjects, and is a natural theologian, minister, Sabbath school and Bible class teacher. In fact, he is an expounder of moral truths, and is peculiarly fortunate in making appropriate and happy illustrations. These characteristics of Dr. Taylor make him a natural educator of the young. He is not a bargain driver, but is capable of prompt and instant comprehension of the facts involved in active business matters of any kind, and is most likely to succeed. He is a keen judge of human nature, and can lay, plans and think for others, attending to a great variety of affairs simultaneously, with rapidity and ease, and apparently without the least confusion. Dr. Taylor is of Scotch-Irish origin, and is a son of James and Margaret Taylor. He was born at Pittsburg, Pa., March 3, 1820, and had nine brothers, six of whom died in infancy. The other three lived to advanced age; one, a half brother, was Rev. J. B. Walker, D. D., an author of note; the other two were successful and prominent manufacturers and merchants of Pittsburg, for over forty years. Dr. Taylor also had three sisters who reached old age. The father of the subject hereof was one of the Irish patriots who settled in Pittsburg, in 1798. He was a druggist, and was most anxious to have William G. succeed him in that business, and began training his son while yet in childhood for that purpose. James Taylor was ambitious, however, beyond his strength; and his career was cut short by death in August, 1827. Thus the education and training of William G. was left entirely to his mother. Mrs. Taylor, although a woman who possessed only the common education of those days, had a vigorous and poetical mind, plenty of good common sense, devout piety, and implicit trust in God. She was a strict disciple 260 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES narian, and rigidly enforced the rules of obedience, industry and study. She believed that the youth should have plenty of work, study, and play, - leaving no time for idleness, and bad habits. These inculcations developed, in time, into the fixed habits, the untiring industry and studiousness and the unconquerable energy, which characterized Dr. Taylor in his manhood. During the intervals between school-terms he was kept at work in some business house from the time he was nine years old, and at a later period in life he always found employment readily in such concerns, during his college and seminary vacations. He loved to teach and excelled in discipline; his versatility of talent, education, and training, fitted him for the ministry, the educator's task, and for the arena of business. Dr. Taylor left the manufacturing and mercantile life in Pittsburg, in which he was engaged as a partner and business manager, to finish his education, and to prepare himself for the ministry, with the view of laboring among the churches which were unable to pay a full salary or were broken down, or involved in some kind of difficulty. For this unusual department of church work he felt that he had an especial adaptation, and his invariable success proved that he was not mistaken in his calling. The subject of this biography graduated at Jefferson College (now Washington and Jefferson) in 1847, and took a full course in the Western Theological Seminary, from which he graduated in 1849. He was licensed to preach the Gospel by the Presbytery of Pittsburg, in April, 1848, and was ordained by the same presbytery as an evangelist in April, 1849, with a view of laboring among the broken down, feeble churches, or those unable to support a pastor, or working in new fields. He was invited to become assistant-editor of the Prairie Herald Publishing Company, of Chicago, Illinois. This company published two religious weeklies, and worked off on their small power press two dailies, and one monthly, and two quarterly, journals. In connection with the company was a bookstore, in which Dr. Taylor found additional employment; he also assisted the pastor of the Third Presbyterian church in his pastoral duties as the latter was in feeble health. The intense labor occasioned by his various duties, together with an attack of chills and fever, finally broke down his health and he sought rest in assuming charge of a small New England congregation; but the chills and fever continued and at last compelled him to go back to Pittsburg, his native city. On his return, he commenced his work on unbroken ground, at Mt. Washington, on the hill above South Pittsburg, assuming charge of that field, in April, 1851. There a good Sabbath school was organized, and the foundation laid for a flourishing church. About that time, the Presbyterian church of Beaver, having declined from one hundred and ninety-six members to forty-two, gave Dr. Taylor a call, for half time. He accepted the charge, devoting his full time, however, as that was necessary. in order to insure success. A BEAVER COUNTY 261 neighboring church of three hundred members, all active, zealous workers, was gathering into its folds, as many as possible who formerly belonged to the Presbyterian church. But under the labors of Dr. Taylor and his faithful few, a reaction took place in favor of the old church, its edifice was handsomely repaired, and in the course of four years its congregation and membership were increased one-half, and a good Sabbath school was organized. The church of Tarentum had been in trouble for several years, and needed special labor; there was some discord, and difficulty in raising the salary, although for only half time, as the Bull Creek church raised the other half, - the same minister serving both flocks. The calls for Dr. Taylor to assume these charges being unanimous, were accepted by him, and he entered upon his work. Soon harmony was restored and a missionary point at Natrona was added to this field. In four and a half years, each of these churches was enabled to command the full services of a pastor, and one of them was able to build a parsonage. This ended the necessity for Dr. Taylor's labors in that sphere. His next field was at Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania. This church had been without a pastor for twenty years, and lacked unity, and ability to support a pastor half of the time. Commencing in May, 1861, Dr. Taylor gave his full attention to this charge, restoring harmony, and very soon bringing the church into better condition; he remained there for four years. In 1865, the pastor of North Branch church left, and Dr. Taylor took that place for his extra service, in order to unite the two churches in one pastoral charge to support a pastor. Soon these churches were prepared to make a call for full time, and, his work in them being done, were placed in the hands of Rev. R. J. Cummings, D. D., with a salary of $1,000. Soon the church was able to build a fine new church edifice at New Sheffield, near the old church. His next field of labor was the old disbanded church of Concord, on Southern avenue, now Pittsburg, Pa. With eleven Christian workers and no Sabbath school, he commenced work and succeeded in building and paying for a new church and Sabbath school rooms, and establishing a Sabbath school which enrolled two hundred and fifty pupils in four years, with a good library. For ten and one-half years, Dr. Taylor was principal and chaplain to the Soldiers' Orphan School, and preached twice every Sunday. This was the great work which has made him famous as an organizer, educator and character builder, and was done in connection with the Phillipsburg Soldiers' Orphan School, an institution practically established by his efforts. The labors performed by him in connection with this school will be briefly described at the close of this sketch. On April 15, 1849, Dr. Taylor was united in marriage with Charlotte Thompson, a daughter of John and Mary Thompson, of Allegheny, Pennsylvania. This estimable and thoroughly educated lady and devoted wife, has been a valuable companion and assistant to him in filling his various charges. Their 262 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES home was rendered doubly attractive and happy by the addition of the following children: Mary M.; Charlotte E.; James W.; Ellen S.; John T., and Harvey J. Mary M. is the widow of C. Martin, a lawyer. They had three children, namely: William T., Erwin S., and Charlotte E. Charlotte E., the second daughter, now deceased, was the wife of T. L. Kerr. James W. is a machinist, of Beaver, Pa. Ellen S. is the wife of William J. Stewart. They have three children: William J., Herbert T., and Ethel T. Mr. Stewart is a stockholder and superintendent of the Fallston Fire Clay Company. John T. is a capitalist and real estate dealer, of Monaca. He married Ida M. McDonald and has four children: Jean K., Vera, William G., Jr., and Ida M. Harvey J. married Hester L. Potter, and has two children: James S., and Harold A. Dr. Taylor owns, perhaps, the finest modern house in Beaver. It was built in 1897 and 1898, and is situated on East Third street. His former home was built in 1854, and is near his present residence. He also owns several other houses in Beaver. He values money for its use only; he is regarded as a man of great wealth, all of which has been made in a legitimate business way, and not by speculation, or the neglect of his professional calling. As early as 1847, he commenced making investments in real estate, and his close economy gave him means for any good investment which his keen foresight pronounced good. He has always been a liberal giver, is public-spirited, and has assisted others to prosperity. It was principally in this way that his handsome competency was secured. His observation and experience are to the effect that moral character, integrity, temperance, courtesy, industry, economy, value of time, and public spirit are the highest way to success in life. From boyhood, Dr. Taylor took strong grounds on the temperance, the Sabbath, and anti-slavery, as well as religious, questions. He felt from his anti-slavery views, as well as for the unity of the government, a deep interest in the Civil War, and immediately after the firing upon Fort Sumter (in fact, the same evening), he commenced recruiting for the conflict. He was deeply interested in the great work of the Christian commissions at home and in the field. The Beaver county commission, of which ex-Chief-Justice Agnew was chairman, placed Dr. Taylor in charge of the work in Beaver county. Dr. Boardman, the United States secretary of the commission, made the statement that Beaver county was the banner county of the Union in the ratio of its population to the amount raised. Dr. Taylor's labor in this capacity was entirely gratuitous. His enterprising spirit, courage and foresight prepared him to take the risk of progress and improvement. The subject of this biography was one of the seven who met at the call of Mr. Nelson to organize the Beaver County Agricultural Society. He was also one of the principal organizers of the Beaver Female College and Musical Institute. With Prof. Blees, he was the first to publicly advocate the necessity for a county superintendent of public schools, BEAVER COUNTY 263 and conducted the first teachers' institute for Hon. Thomas Nicholson, the first county superintendent of Beaver county. He and Mr. Mair, of Rochester, Pa., were the originators of the Sabbath School Institute, and held the first institute in Rochester, and the second in the East Liberty Presbyterian church, Pittsburg. These annual institutes are now generally held. He was for years a member of the Prison Society of Western Pennsylvania. Dr. Taylor served as director of the Third National Bank, and also of the Germania Savings Bank, of Pittsburg, and is a trustee of the Western Theological Seminary, of Allegheny, Pennsylvania. He earnestly pressed the necessity for, and the claims of, the Pittsburg & Lake Erie R. R., when that company was securing the right of way and stock subscriptions. He was also a director of the Freedom & Beaver Street Railway. Dr. Taylor has a very large and well selected library; books on theology, biblical criticism, commentaries, practical religion, controversial, a large reference library, works on metaphysical subjects, on science and philosophy, physiology, biography, history and many miscellaneous works. He has given at various times over 1,000 volumes to other libraries and individuals. HISTORY OF PHILLIPSBURG SOLDIERS' ORPHAN SCHOOL. This was a new and most difficult field which opened for the labors of Dr. Taylor. The county superintendents of Beaver, Allegheny and Washington counties, together with Colonel Quay, recommended Dr. Taylor's appointment as principal, to open the first regular and exclusively soldiers' orphan school in Western Pennsylvania. Many friends of the Union and of the soldiers' orphans, knowing the Doctor's fitness for work of the kind, urged him to accept the trust. But there were very serious difficulties in the way, namely: The state would provide neither ground, buildings, books nor furniture; the uncertainty of the necessary appropriations was another obstacle; it would require $20,000 for the purchase of farm, buildings, furniture, house supplies, school room, books, and apparatus, etc.; the small amount allowed each orphan for board, clothing, schooling, books, etc., was insufficient. This amount was according to age, - for those under ten years of age, SI15 per year, and for those from ten years of age to sixteen, $150 per year. This was all the allowance made to meet all demands, including those of teachers, employees and medical attention. The work of caring for one hundred and fifty orphans would require twenty assistants, to be paid, also, out of this amount. These obstacles made considerable risk in the undertaking, but Dr. Taylor took the risk and succeeded. It was difficult to obtain a suitable location in the congressional district. At last the former "Water-cure," later used as a summer resort, was purchased. It was repaired and refurnished throughout, and was enlarged by a dwelling 34 by 44 feet; girls' hall, 20 by 41 feet, with high ceiling, - the hall 264 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES including laundry, bakery and additional cook room; an additional building, a school room, 27 by 44 feet; a boys' hall, 24 by 46 feet; and a chapel, 26 by 46 feet. In addition to this, 210 acres of land was purchased, - the plant costing in all $48,000. This amount was all furnished by Dr. Taylor. This made literally a family home. The next difficulty was to obtain and train teachers and help for this new and peculiar work, which required some time and changes. All the buildings were handsomely and tastefully furnished, as taste is essential to culture in girls and boys. The music rooms were carpeted with Brussels carpet and furnished with chairs, and a piano and organ, and the chapel was provided with an organ. EDUCATIONAL. The state prescribed eight grades as the extent of the educational course. To this Dr. Taylor found he could add four grades of a mathematical and scientific course, and one-fourth of the orphans were able to finish these four grades. The average annual progress of the school, on examination of the state committee, was one and five-eighths grades, while one-third made two grades, and an average standing of from 92 to 95. No one was promoted unless his or her standing was at least 75. HYGIENE. The laws of health and life were practically understood and carried out by Dr. Taylor, as the result shows. Food was given for bone-making, muscle, nerve, and brain. All clothing was fitted and adapted, perfect cleanliness of body, house, school rooms and work houses was required, and out-houses were thoroughly ventilated and supplied with an abundance of light. The following regulations were enforced: Nine hours of regular sleep; two hours of moderate, but diligent, work on fixed details; two hours of exercise, play or amusement, and, for boys, one hour of military drill, morning and evening; clean, warm feet; good shoes with common-sense heels, fitted by Dr. Taylor personally. Thus six hundred orphans were cared for, and it may be mentioned that two hundred of them required medical attention, on being received. Only four of the six hundred died in ten years, and three of these were incurables. All the rest, on examination by the state surgeon at the time of their discharge when sixteen years old, received the grading of "100," as to health, - with the exception of one thought to be incurable, who was marked "95,"-and she is now in perfect health. INDUSTRY. With the aid of his excellent and well educated wife, his constant and efficient assistant, who was the recipient of a remarkable domestic training in all the branches of house-keeping and household economics, Dr. Taylor was able to originate a system of industrial details of labor, and to have recitations daily in classes under competent teachers, for thirty days in each department. By this method each girl in the institution, without losing a BEAVER COUNTY 265 recitation in school, acquired an intelligent system and practical knowledge of the domestic work, such as scrubbing, washing, ironing, house-cleaning, dining-room work, cooking, baking, mending, darning, plain family sewing and fine dressmaking, all of which work was subject to the daily inspection of either Mrs. Taylor or the Doctor. Every room and department was open for the scrutiny of visitors daily, except Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and all visitors were furnished with a guide to accompany them. All the surroundings and training in the work department were designed to form and confirm habits of system, to instil industry, refine the tastes and manners, and give beauty and ease to the person. These results can not be secured without regular habits of industry. The effects of this culture and training manifested themselves everywhere-in private, in public, at church, and in their success and influences in after-life. MORAL, RELIGIOUS, AND GENERAL INSTRUCTION. Dr. Taylor had a Bible class of all the scholars and employees of the institution, and also of his own family. He preached Sabbath morning, he taught the Sabbath school in the afternoon, and lectured in the evening on religious biography, Bible history, and archaeology. During the week, he also gave table talks each day, - talks about ten minutes in length on some subject, historical, moral, or economical, - on government, on passing events, or on incidents that occurred in school. In addition to this, teachers of the institution were required, in evenings and on the Sabbath, to read, for the benefit of the scholars, an average of seventy-five volumes per year. By this method, their intelligence was increased, and their conscience educated to become the guiding and controlling motor of their lives and conduct. Dr. Wickersham, state superintendent of public instruction in Pennsylvania, in writing to Dr. Taylor about the institution, said: "I read, twice a year, the history of the fifty boys and girls you wrote at my request, and it seems to me you have found out the true secret of elevating our race." Each teacher was required to be a model to the scholars. Dr. Taylor's success in giving education, culture, self-control and good habits to his scholars, is commented on in the report of Prof. Beamer's lecture in the M. E. church; he said, in conclusion: "In my entire experience as a public lecturer, traveling through the United States, Canada, and Europe, I have never seen such perfect development of the physical organization as there is in the entire body of the children of the Phillipsburg Soldiers' Orphan School, under the care of Dr. Taylor, and as is presented tonight by the one hundred and fifty boys and girls here present. I have never seen in my experience on both continents, such perfect discipline and order as is here shown tonight by these attentive children, whose happy countenances testify that this discipline is the result of proper government, and not of fear. As a soldier of the war that made them orphans, I am happy to meet them, and 266 BOOK OF BlOGRAPHlES thrice happy in seeing their home, their training, their education, and their preparation and prospects for usefulness in life."