Jonathan Jewett Taylor (1846-1936)

TAYLOR, JEWETT, NELSON, KELLY

Posted By: Christine Gorball (email)
Date: 1/24/2011 at 10:17:23

Jonathan Jewett Taylor
September 5, 1846 - May 3, 1936

Jonathan Jewett Taylor was born September 5, 1846, near Oriskany Falls, N.Y. He passed away May 3, 1936, at his home near Forest City, Iowa, age 89 years, 7 months, 21 days. He was married November 21, 1872 to Sarah E. Jewett at Clark Mills, N.Y., who died 12 years ago this coming June. They moved to Forest City in February 1873 and bought the farm four and one half miles north west of town, where they resided until his death except for about three years, most which he spent at the painters trade in Northwood. He is survived by his son and three daughters: W.J. Taylor, on the home farm; Mrs. Nels Nelson, who resides in Forest City; Mrs. E.L. Kelley of Saginaw, Michigan; and Miss Grace Taylor, who resided in the old home with him, and lovingly administered to him in his declining years, also fourteen grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren.

Mr. Taylor became a member of the Congregational Church while a young man and before any churches were built in Forest City; they attended services in the old court house. They had to go to meeting in a lumber wagon and many times the wheels sank into the mud to the hubs. Later he became superintendent of one of the local Sunday schools. In his life and dealings with people he always tried to follow the teachings of the golden rule and lived a Christian life. He was active in promoting the institutions which have become especially valuable to the farming people of the community, being one of the organizers of farmers alliance, the local creamery, the rural mail routes and one of the earliest rural telephone lines. He was also active in advancing the science of farming through farmers institutes and short courses of study. He retained a keen interest in the operation of his farm up to a few days before his death having tested all the seed corn that will be used on the farm this year.

The funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 1 o'clock in the Hanson funeral home and at 2 o'clock at the First Methodist church. Services were conducted by Rev. H. O. Ward. Burial was made at the Oakwood Cemetery.

Source: Forest City Summit, May 1936

Winnebago Obituaries maintained by Cheryl Siebrass.
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