An early settler in Fayette county, and was a farmer much of his life. He was born near Cincinnati, Ohio, August 22, 1831. When four years old his parents moved to La Grange county, Indiana. He married Miss Harriet Walker, a native of Elkhart county, June 10, 1851. In 1857 they moved to Fayette county, Iowa, arriving on Sept. 29th. He purchased wild land in Harlan township, and settled upon it gradually buying additional land till he at one time owned 600 acres. He was county supervisor two terms, and several times township trustee. In 1882, he was elected representative in the state legislature on the Republican ticket and served on the agricultural committee and others. For many years he was a member of the board of trustees of Upper Iowa University. He was a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Taylor was considered a man of sound sense, much business ability and unquestioned integrity.