Orlando L. Taylor

BENNETT, DUFF, ROLLINSON, ROLLSTIN, TAYLOR

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson (email)
Date: 6/28/2006 at 21:22:20

Five hundred and twenty acres of splendid land pays tribute to its owner, O. L. Taylor, a prosperous and up-to-date farmer of Madison township. He was born in that township in October, 1873, of the marriage of Henry and Hannah (Rollinson) (Rollstin) Taylor both natives of Hull, England. When nineteen years of age Mr. Taylor emigrated to the United States and continued his journey westward until he reached the Mississippi valley, settling in Union township, Madison county, Iowa. After residing here a short time he returned to England, where he was married and where he remained for about two years. He then brought his wife to Madison township, this county, and for some time worked as a farm hand and as a stonemason, which trade he had learned in England, and, since he was a good workman and lived economically, he was able to add to his capital as time passed. He laid the foundations of many of the barns in the township and gained a reputation for painstaking work. At length he bought eighty acres of land from the government, paying two dollars per acre, and concentrated his attention upon farming. From time to time he added more land until he became the owner of nine hundred and twenty acres, all under cultivation and well improved. In 1907, having gained a competence, he retired from active life and removed to California, where he resided until his death, which occurred on the 14th of June, 1912. His wife passed away in July, 1909.

O. L. Taylor, who was reared in this county, laid the foundation of his education by attending the district schools and was later a student in the Earlham Academy. After his school days were over he began working on the home farm in the employ of his father. He so continued for eleven years and then traded in eighty acres which he owned on his present home farm of one hundred and sixty acres. By cultivating that land in accordance with the best methods of agriculture and by managing the financial phase of farming wisely he added to his resources and from time to time purchased other land until he now owns five hundred and twenty acres located on sections 8 and 17, Madison township. His place is well improved and everything is kept in the best of repair. The residence an excellent stone house, was built by the father of our subject. Mr. Taylor of this review does general farming, but gives considerable attention to the raising of Poland China hogs and Shropshire sheep.

Mr. Taylor was married on the 28th of March, 1904, to Miss Stella Duff, a daughter of Thomas and Montana (Bennett) Duff, natives of Ohio and of Madison township, this county, respectively. In 1858 Mr. Duff emigrated to Iowa and located in Madison county, acquiring land which he has since operated. His wife is also living.

Mr. Taylor is a republican and for eight years has held the office of school director in which capacity he has found opportunity to advance the interests of the public-school system. He cooperates with the work of the various churches and is generous in his support of all good works. His life has been such that he has not only gained material prosperity, but has also won the unqualified respect and high regard of his fellowmen.

Taken from the book, “The History of Madison County, Iowa, 1915,” by Herman Mueller.