Taylor, W.W.

ROYCE, THOMAS, TAYLOR, ATTRILL, ROSSELLAR

Posted By: BCGS
Date: 1/18/2010 at 10:27:24

W.W. Taylor needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, for as cashier of the Plainfield Savings Bank he is ranked among the leading business men of that town. He was born in Fairfield township, Grundy county, Iowa, June 1 1864, and is a son of William Henry and Alvira P. (Royce) Taylor, the former born on the Isle of Wight, November 26, 1836, and the latter a daughter of Orlen and Maria (Thomas) Royce, natives of Essex county, New York. The great-grandfather of the subject of this review, Andrew Taylor, followed the sea for many years and when he retired from active life located in America. His son, William Taylor, was born upon the Isle of Wight. He married Miss Louisa Attrill, a daughter of Thomas Attrill, of Welsh ancestry. This family came to America when the father of the subject of this review was twelve years of age, and they located in Canada, where the grandfather engaged in farming, dying at the age of seventy-five.

William Henry Taylor began his independent career when he was seventeen years of age and engaged first in farm labor in Wisconsin. He afterward learned the shoemaker's trade, engaging in this occupation until his marriage, after which he began farming on a small scale in Grundy county. He met with excellent success and became in time one of the leading farmers in that locality, as well as one of the most representative and progressive citizens. He filled many positions of trust and honor and was a power in politics, his influence being always on the side of reform and advancement. He died February 29, 1896, at the age of sixty.

W.W. Taylor was educated in the district schools of Grundy county and afterward studied for two years in the State Normal School at Cedar Falls. When he laid aside his books he turned his attention to teaching following this occupation for eight years in Fairfield and Beaver townships, Grundy county, and rising by the force of his ability and energy to the position of county superintendent of schools. He was elected in 1891 and twice afterward re-elected, serving six years. He was also editor of a local teacher's paper, the Grundy County Teacher, and well known in educational circles. In 1898 he came to Bremer county and with others organized the Plainfield Savings Bank, of which he has since been cashier. He has aided in making this one of the most solid and conservative financial institutions in this section of the state, and has himself become widely recognized as a farsighted and resourceful financier.

On the 18th of October, 1896, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Della May Rossellar. Her father came to Bremer county in 1854 and afterward returned to New York state, where his marriage occurred. He came again to this part of Iowa in 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have become the parents of three children: Polly Alvis, Emma Aletha and Mary Attrill. Mr. Taylor widely and favorably known in Plainfield and holds the esteem and confidence of a large circle of friends. Success has attended his well directed efforts until he now occupies an enviable position in business circles of Plainfield.

History of Bremer County, Iowa Vol. II 1914