TAYLOR, Elliott P. - 1912 Bio (1845-1944)

TAYLOR, TANNER, STRONG, CARPENTER, GRANT, MCLAIN, BILLINGSLY, STRONG

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 10/3/2007 at 16:11:48

History of Jefferson County, Iowa -- A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement, Vol II, Published 1912, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 27-29

Elliott P. TAYLOR.

The life record of Elliott P. TAYLOR is an interesting and varied one, telling the story of a man who is versatile in his achievements, faithful in the pursuit of his calling and prudent in the choices which he has made. His most conspicuous efforts have been devoted to his country in the days of war by his loyal service in the army, in the days of peace by the faithful performance of his duties as postmaster of Glasgow during an unbroken period of eighteen years. He was born in Aurora, Illinois, in December, 1845, his parents being Dr. Samuel W. and Jane (TANNER) TAYLOR, who came of Irish ancestry, the father being a native of Ohio and the mother of Illinois. Dr. TAYLOR obtained his education at Hughes Medical College of Keokuk, Iowa, and upon receiving his degree entered upon the practice of his profession in Illinois and Keokuk, Iowa. In 1853 he became a resident of Jefferson county, locating at Glasgow, where he established a flourishing practice, and continued his ministrations of the sick for the rest of his life. During the war he gave his services to the soldiers of the Union army and was made a commissioned officer, serving as a surgeon in the Fourth Iowa Cavalry until 1864. His death occurred July 5, 1899, almost half a century after the demise of his wife, who departed this life in 1850.

Elliott P. TAYLOR was given excellent home training and attended school both in Keokuk and in Jefferson county. When only sixteen years of age he was fired with enthusiasm by the thrilling rumors of war which reached their little town in Iowa and thereupon enlisted in Company M, Fourth Iowa Cavalry. They saw active service, Mr. TAYLOR being mustered out at the close of the siege of Vicksburg. He reenlisted immediately and continued his service during the remainder of the war. He returned to Glasgow and here for a short time engaged in agriculture, renting a farm for this purpose until he bought a tract of forty acres in Henry county, Iowa. He discontinued agricultural labors upon being appointed to the position of postmaster of Glasgow and for the remarkable period of eighteen years attended to the duties of this office with a conscientious diligence and efficiency. During this time and dating back to his association with farming interests he was also engaged in buying and selling stock, carrying on a business from which no inconsiderable profit accrued. Upon retiring from the office of postmaster he removed with his family to Fairfield, Iowa, and there assumed the management of the Gantz Hotel, which he conducted for one year. Pleased with his results in the hotel business, he returned to Glasgow and there opened up a hotel, which he has managed on his own account ever since. It is a most attractive place, cheerful and pleasant in the interior and surrounded by a neat and well cared for lawn. He also owns a valuable residence property here. Mr. TAYLOR possesses business talent and executive ability and in the efficient conduct of his hotel gives evidence of his ability to manage.

On November 6, 1867, Mr. TAYLOR was united in marriage to Miss Clara E. STRONG, a daughter of John and Julia (CARPENTER) STRONG, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of New York. Mrs. TAYLOR was born August 19, 1849, in Jefferson county, Iowa, the family having come here to live in 1844. The father had followed agricultural pursuits in Ohio and on coming here entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in Henry county. This farm he cultivated for a number of years, selling it at length in order to remove to Fairfield, Iowa, where he worked at the cooper's trade for a number of years. He then moved to Knox county, Illinois, and there again pursued agricultural labors. In 1857 he returned to Glasgow and here worked at the cooper's trade until his death October 30, 1866, at the age of fifty-seven years. His wife survived him more than four decades, passing away September 5, 1908, at the advanced age of ninety-two years. Mr. and Mrs. E. P. TAYLOR were the parents of six children: Jennie, the wife of James GRANT, a farmer of Cedar township; Julia, the wife of Professor C. D. McLAIN, of Iowa Wesleyan College at Mount Pleasant; Bernice, the wife of Ralph A. BILLINGSLY, a resident of Glasgow; Clifford, managing a general store in Glasgow under the firm name of Helfenstien & TAYLOR; Maude, who died in infancy; and Jesse, who died September 15, 1889, at the age of fourteen years.

The TAYLOR family holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and politically Mr. TAYLOR gives his support to the republicans. He is an Odd Fellow, being a member of Lodge No. 45 of Glasgow. In memory of army days he maintains pleasant relations with old-time comrades in the A. R. Pierce Post, G. A. R., of Glasgow. He is not the only member of his family, however, who has won honor on the battlefield, his wife's brother George STRONG having met with like distinction. In memory of his service and the fact that he was the first volunteer of his company and the first one to die his comrades have honored his name by incorporating it in the name of one of the posts of their order, the George Strong Post, G. A. R., of Fairfield. In the enjoyment of a fair competence, which puts him beyond the reach of the uncertainties and cares met with in the struggle for a livelihood, Mr. TAYLOR lives quietly and in comfort, in the enjoyment of good health and a buoyant spirit.

[Transcriber's note: The G.A.R. is the Grand Army of the Republic, the fore-runner of the American Legion.]

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.