The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1872-02-05
The Death Of Colonel James H. ylor.

The death of Colonel James b. Taylor,
which took place on Saturday evening, was
severe shock TO the whole community. In The
maturity, Of mind. and body, In vigorous
health, of remarkably abstemious habits, and
content in the enjoyment of q lie Of faithful
and intelligent mercantile labor, he may well
have looked forward to long years Of u'einl
prosperity. Called second time TO take part
In the government of the city, he had already
obtained a commanding influence among his
colleagues. His. busy brain was filed with
plans of improvement for the Charleston 10
which he had dwelt for more than four de-
cades. There was no halting or hesltat.
ing in his private or public career.
He was looked upon as q staunch
citizen, who, whether in commerce
or in the direction i. of municipal affair.",
would work uutlringy and Increasingly to
achieve an honorable success. No man In
Charleston seemed less likely to serve as
melancholy example Of the uncertainty OF
life. Yet while, his CHEEKY words were ringing
in the ears OF, his business friends, while the
pressure of his hand was still felt by him who
had accompanied the fated man to his very
door, while his stalwart form sill fingered on
the retiua OF those to whom he had just ex-
posed his broad plans for the business season,
the shadow OF death was over and around
him, and the span of his days was well-nigh
run. without warning, without an instant OF
preparation, with no opportunity of bidding
his family last farewell, the strong man was
oofS frnm
his lips; In anInstant he was insensble; before
an hour he was dead. Well may we pray, in
the words of the litany, to be saved from sud-
den death.
Colonel Taylor was born In Sunderland,
Massachusetts, on March 23, 1911. He came
South and settled In Charleston in 1880, being
first employed In the house OF William B.
Harvard & Co., of King street. Afterward he
entered the house of Dick & Holmes In Vendue
Range. He then engaged In the dry goods
business on his own account, and, still later,
became the senior member OF the auction firm
of Taylor, Levy & Co. He also did business in
Broad street, as an Insurance agent. During
the war he was mainly engaged In the auction
business, and, at the close of the war, found
himself the possessor Of considerable prop
erty. He was then admitted as partner In
the firm of G. W. Williams & Co.,: where, at
the head Of the factorage business of that
mammoth house. he remained until his death.
Colonel Taylor always paid especial atten-
tlon to industrial enterprises. He was one of
the founders Of the manufacturing company
| whose buildings are now used as an almshouse;
he was treasurer, for many years, of the
highly successful Granlteville Manufacturing
Company, and was a(lewards the president of
the Batesyille Manufacturing Company.
In 1882 be became member of spirited
military company called the Northern Yolun.
teers, OF which he was chosen captain. During
| the Confederate war he was a captain of the
Home Guard, being beyond the age of active
service in the field. He was, also, aide.de-
camp to Major. General Schnierle, whence he
received his title Of colonel.
Colonel Taylor was member of The Presby-
terlan Church, and au earnest worker in all
charitable undertakings. When the Howard
Association was formed, Colonel Taylor be-.
came one of its most active members. Al
though Northern man and unacclimated, he
declined to flee from the yellow fever, and be-
| fore he was out Of danger himself, he was
busily engaged in nursing the desolate aud
poor. In recognition Of his high merit, he
| was elected president of the Howard Associa-
lion at its reorganization last summer. Dur.