Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1901-07-17
JAMES TAYLOR DEAD
Passing of One of the Early
Settlers of Rock Is
land County.
TAYLOR RIDGE NAMED FOR HIM
Postmaster From l947 to 1862.
Held Number of Other
Offices.

neers of Rock Island county, is dead.
The end camo last night at his home
in Taylor Ridge. the village named in
his honor. Although Mr.. Taylor was
nearly centenarian, and his death
was not unlocked for, nevertheless his
loss will be severely felt all over the
county and particularly in the COM
munity of which he he had become so
important factor. Every body k ew
him and everybody liked him. His
life was the embodiment of all that
is mob in man. He was generous.
charitable, a staunch friend, one
whose acquaintance was priz d.
Mr.. Taylor was born in Forces
Scotland. November g. 1914 His
father, John Taylor, was tailor by
occupation. and also a native of
Forres. He was married in that
county to Jessie Roy, direct lineal
descendant OF the famous Robert Roy,
of Scotland. He emigrated to the
United States in 1852. and in 1859 re-
turned to England, where five years
later he died. The mother of James
died in her native country many
years previous to the demise of her
husband.
James, the son, emigrated to the land
of possibilities on attaining the age
of u years. He was the eldest IF 10
children and the only survivor at the
time of his death. lie was educated
in his native country. and on attain
ing a suitable age engaged to learn
- &. o.
ing in Canada he followed the trade
in Quebec for two years. In 1888 he
left Canada and went to Hamilton.
Ohio. where he continued to follow
his trade. for four years. In lS42.
realizing that to better his condition
in a financial way the west with all
it's facilities was a better field for
operation than the crowded east, he
came to Rock Island. arriving here on
the national holiday, July 4, 1912
His journey was made all the way by
team and wagon in company with his
younger brother, William. who died
mere in the fail of the same year.
Settles In Edgington.
In 1914 Mr.. Taylor went 10 Fig
ington township and procured 100
acres of land. de at once entered
vigorously upon the clearing Of his
land. At the time he located on his
homestead there were no settlements
for miles around. The coyotes,
wolves and Iodians were his only
neighbors. Having firm faith in the
future development of the country.
be stuck to it. and his accum ulatiops
are the evidences of the reliability of
his sound Judgment. BY energetic
effort and economy, coupled with the
active cooperation of his estimable
helpmeet, he had increas ed his acre
age to nearly 300 acres of valuable
aud.
Mr. Taylor was first united in mar
riage in the lsud of his nativity May
Z, 1886 to Miss Elsie Malcolm. Two
children were born to them. Mrs
Taylor died in Hamilton, Ohio. in 1889.
and Mr. Taylor was again united in
marriage September 20, 1910, to Miss
Rachel Van Camp. The issue of their
union was nine children: James, Sam
uel. John, Louise, Janette, William,
Flora. Matte and Catherine Those
surviving are James, # Galva; Sam
uel, Rock Island; John, Iowa; Mrs
j 4nette Flower Dubuque, and Mrs.
Ann Fry Ga child of the first union).
of Iowa. Mr.. Taylor's second wife
died some years ago.
Held Many omces
Mr.. Taylor about Is years ago re-
tired from active farming, sold the
homestead and moved his family into
the village of TAYLOR Ridge. He was
a member of the Presbyterian church.
He had held the office of assessor for
IL years. Is OF the same being cor
secutively; supervisor six years and
chairman Of the board fur years. |
and was the first postmaster appoint |
I'D by President James X. Polk in |
lS47. holding his position until 1862, |
1t what was then called 7 easant |
Ridge. the same being his residence.
Mr.. Taylor had also been president Of
he Old Settlers association and had |
leld many of the minor offices of his |
township. Politically. he was identi-
led with the democratic party.
Funeral services will be held at the
Taylor Ridge at II O'clock
and the remains will be
brought on a special train to South
Rock Island. where carriages will
meet it and take the funeral party TO
cemetery.
Dissolution Notice.
Notice is hereby given that the