Okolona messenger. (Okolona, Miss.) 1900-current, 1904-11-30
OKOLONA, MISS, WEDNESDAY, NOV. 80, 1904

as rapid as possible, and hence 1t is but natural
that should rejoice, one and all, at every change,
every move that promises assistance in the work all
desire to see pushed forward as rapidly possible.
It really that this particular section Of the
Southland has than just for rejoicing Of
late. Recent changes in the management of the
Mobile & Ohio railroad, Of the most aggressive
feeders for this central section, is especially worthy
OF mention in this connection. This paper has al
ready commented upon the happy selection Of Col.
r. L. Russell as the head Of this popular rail
road because Of his own personal acquaintance and
popularity with all who have business with the road
and yet the congratulations would be incomplete If
we failed to 60 farther and notice personally Col.
RusselPs right hand mar, under the new regime. We
have reference to the newly appointed General Man
ager of the road, Mr.. Richard V. Taylor
The extent of Mr.. TaylOr's personal acquaintance
may not have extended as far as others heretofore
connected with the entire length OF the road but
that his selection is very wise one, and that under
his general management the people will have ample
opportunity to congratulate themselves because OF
bis unquestionable capabilities there can be no
doubt.
In vercatiOn OF this it is only necessary to trace
hurredly the life OF this manager from his boy
hood Gays to the present, and note few OF the
more salient points OF his characteristics.
Richard v. Taylor was born at Newburn, North
Carolina, Of one Of the old time Puritan families,
! from which point he moved with his parents a
boy just after the war. The father had lost his
worldly goods through that great ravage OF the
Southland under which so many their last dollar
fade away and he located in Mobile, where he and his
sons went to work with will and with hearts full Of
resolution and hope When still ssmall boy Ricn
ard went to work at Enterprise, Kiss. where he learn
ed tho cooper trade and made barrels for the turpen
tine gathers Of that section. Afterward he followed
the same trade at Chunchua, Alabama. In 1878 he
was given a subordinate position in the Office Of
the auditor Of the Mobile Ohio railroad at Mobile
and at the end Of three years was assigned to desk
in the same ONCE. So efficient he proved himself
that in two or three years more be promoted to
chief book keeper, and little later to assistant
auditor When the auditor, Mr.. Geo. Layetee,
died in 1885, Taylor was advanced to his place and
has been the auditor Of ell the roads vast business
from that time until his appointment last month to
the position of General Manager
i For % years he has been close to and Immediately
ia touch with Col E. L. Russe in all the positions
be has occupied with the company and priced By
that gentleman most highly for his many excellent
/ gu lties and most phOnominal gifts a railroad
mau, acQuainting himself with all the details we'll
all the items entering into the construction and
operation OF the great system. II there is accute
Judge OF men and their fitness IN railroad work, in
the entire country, that man is Col. Russell, and
when the opportunity came he was not slow TO see
that this devoted, painstaking, capable gentleman
behind the cOmpany's finances was placed in posi-
| ton where he would be able to exercise well as
und erstand the interests he had ever shown in the
cOmpany's affairs.
| Mr. Taylor may rightfully be called an al round
railroad man, being able by his powers OF analysis
to comprehend at glance the most minute detail of
everything which may come under his supervision
as General Manager. He knows to q penny the
exact cost of every item that enters into the con-
structiOn Of railroad its rolling stock, its train
service, its executive and operative departments,
TO that OF the net cost carrying given article
from one point on the road to another Always
being attentive and observing he is also in theory
Il Al.
though he had built every foot Of it. and there can
be no question but he will make ideal manager
from the start.
In addition to Mr.. Taylor's special fitness for the
position Of General Manager, he is an aable cOur-
teous gentleman any one will be glad to know
intimately and he will soon be as we'll known to all
patrons Of the road as any other official, and to
know him will be to recognize his worth in every
way. Though dignifed and in a way reticent, those
with whom he comes in close touch prize him highly
and find him very eompaniOnable, as well as always
ready to take up q proposition that comes to him
and handle it il pleasant way.
i Some idea OF the blood ia MF Taylor's veins may
be essayed by referring to the fact that his brOther
Of the bright legal lights Of the nation is author
Of the great text book English Constitution" 8
work on international law adopted not only in this
country but in England as q standard,
General Manager Taylor in the prime Of life and
fully equipped for growing duties that viii come mp
on him, comes to as at an important time as sug-
lgested In the beginning Of this article and the
patrons Of the Mobile B Ohio will learn to regard
him higher and appreciate him more and more as he
shall push forward the good work he undertakes.
Socially he is everything that he is in business
way, and his high appreciation Of humor as we'll as
his loyalty to The South viii quickly carry him
into those circles essential TO be made friendly
toward section, that Il is really and truly day
Of rejoicing over the rising Of such brilliant star