Senator William Henry Taylor View All Years

HON. W. H. TAYLOR

MR. SPEAKER: Your committee appointed to prepare resolutions commemorating the life and services of the Hon. W. H. Taylor, late of Davis County, Iowa, beg leave to submit the following report:

William Henry Taylor, son of Dr. Albert and Sarah Wann Taylor, eldest of five children, was born in Decatur county, near Hartsville, Indiana, on February 8, 1847, and died at his home in Bloomfield, Davis county, Iowa, September 11, 1923.

In 1858, at the age of eleven years, he moved with his family to Pulaski, Davis county, Iowa. At the age of fourteen the death of his father made it necessary for him to support the entire family; the death of his mother in 1864 left him the care and support of his three sisters. In later years he was gratified to know that he was permitted to keep the family together. In addition to caring for them, he was able to attend Troy Academy and one term at the Keokuk Medical College.

When a mere lad, he offered his services to the Union army, but was unable to pass the physical examination because of his size; however, he joined the home guards and took part in many skirmishes against the marauding guerillas.

During the dark days following the war he was employed by Z. Cannon, at that time a merchant in Pulaski. Young Taylor drove the huckster wagon. Later he was employed in the store and became a partner. Afterwards the firm became Taylor & Milligan.

Mr. Taylor was instrumental in organizing and became the first W. M. of Eleusis Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Pulaski, where he continued his membership.

On June 21, 1871, he was married to Sarah L. Truitt, of Ottumwa. To them were born two children, William Bert and Alma Pearl. In 1876 he was elected clerk of the District Court and served three terms. Upon the expiration of his last term as clerk, Mr. Taylor successfully and successively engaged in the dry goods, hardware, and grocery business in Bloomfield, selling out the grocery business in 1892 following the disastrous fire of that year. During this time Mr. Taylor served as councilman, city treasurer and member of the school board.

In 1888 he was elected to the State Senate, serving but one term, and in 1892 was elected State Representative. He was appointed Indian Commissioner under Cleveland’s administration but resigned and refused to serve when advised that the position would necessitate constant separation from his family.

In the fall of 1892, Mr. Taylor and Baptist Hardy became associated together in the clothing business, which business became W. H. Taylor & Son a few years later. Mr. Taylor retired from active business life a number of years ago turning over the management of the business to his only son, W. B. Taylor.

Mr. Taylor was a devout and active member of the Methodist Episcopal church, having joined this denomination when a young man in Pulaski. He held many offices, both in the local church and in the conference. In the church he was a faithful, devoted, consistent christian, a pillar of strength and wisdom and his advice and counsel were often sought.

W. H. Taylor was ever a man true to his innermost convictions. He could always be found championing the cause of right and justice. He was a friend to those who needed friendship, a true neighbor, a clean conscientious business man, kind and courteous to everyone, a man with a personality that always made friends. In the community he was that type of citizen that insured constructive and wise leadership and he ever engaged his mind and best efforts in making the community bigger and better.

Whatever Mr. Taylor was, he was loyal—a loyal Democrat, a loyal Christian, a loyal husband and father, a loyal American citizen, and a loyal friend. By reason of his thoroughness he succeeded in his endeavors whether political, religious, or commercial; he left no task half done and for that reason his life seems singularly complete.

Now his life work is done. Our friend never saw a better day than that on which he was released from the bondage of a weary body. We do not mourn when the sailor comes in from the storm to the peaceful harbor, or when the wanderer at last reaches home; our sympathy is for ourselves and for his loved ones in their hour of sadness. But we all have the knowledge that his memory will be revered, and the good deeds characterizing his life will perpetuate his memory in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Therefore, Be It Resolved, By the House of Representatives of the Forty-first General Assembly of the State of Iowa, that the foregoing memorial be adopted as its appreciation of the life and character and public services of the Hon. W. H. Taylor.

Be It Further Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the Journal of this House and the Chief Clerk transmit a copy to the family of the deceased.

ARTHUR STOOKESBERRY,

D. FULTON RICE,

LAFE HILL,

Committee.

Unanimously adopted March 30, 1925.