Weekly Watertown leader. [volume] (Watertown, Jefferson County, Wis.) 1908-1909, 1908-07-17
EX-G0V. TAYL0R IS
NOW 81 YEARS OLD
PIONEER CHAMPION OF GRANGER
MOVEMENT IN SECLU-
SION.
RETAINS FACULTIES WELL,
Man Who First Made Railroads Come
to Time Spending Declining Years
IN Home for Aged.
STILL REMEMBER OLD DAYS.

MADISON, Wis, July 11.-[Special.
In failing health ex-Gov. William r.
Taylor Of Wisconsin, who scOurged the
railroads in the early 7O's as champion
Of granger" movement, celebrated his
eighty eighth birthday yesterday, almost
alone at the GishoIt Home for the Aged,
l. semi-charitabIe institution near Madi-
son The superintendent Of the home
reports that while the governor retains
ali Of his faculties, during the past
year he has failed greatly in health.
But few people visit him. Some Of his
Madison friends and relatives go there
occasionally, but because Of his adj
Yanced age he appears more contented
when left alone.
At the GishoIt home, a beautiful or
binary farm house, the governor passes
his time sometimes reading the papers
and always willing to explain the fight
which he made against the railroads iii
1874 to compel them to obey the laws.
Home Is Large Farm.
The Gisholt Home for the Aged was
founded by the late John johnson, head
OF the big Fuller d Johnson Manufactur-
ing company, and the Gisholt Machine
company. When Mr.. johnson died he
left bequcst providing for an establish
ment for the home for the aged The
town of Burke, about ten miles from
Madison. l.. e. Edwin is superintendent
If an old resident can pay $500 he will
be cared for the remainder of his life
Early in December, 1908, after sell
Ing his homestead at Cottage Grove and
flirting with the proceeds on Chicago
markets for few days, ex-Goy. Taylor
entered the home with the assistance
Bf some of his Madison relatives, among
them being Justice Il. NJ. Bashford of
abe supreme court. Since then he has
visited in Madison frequently and usual
B attends gubernatOrial irauguratiOns
mt the capital Usually, however, his
Lfe is one of seclusiOn.
HIS Business Deals
Ex-Gov. Taylor lost his wealth
through unfortunate investments and
speculation. He was swept into office
during the Granger movement i'll 1873
The Democrats and Changers fused that
year and Taylor was put at the head vf
the ticket During his term the famous
4Potter" law was enacted creating a
commission to fix and regulate railroad
rates. 1t placed the roads under state
control, limiting the charges for the
transportation Of passenger and freight
aud classifying the freight. A howl
went up from the railroads. They took
the position of injured innocence. 1t
attempted to assert authority over them
md early in April they served formal
notice on the governor that they would
not obey the law. He promptly count
cred with proclamation, dated May l.
1891, i'll which he enjcined compliance
with the statutes, declaring he would use
the powers of his office to the limit in
forcing obedience. The case was taken
AUTO the courts and decision finally es-
tablished the right of the state to recu-
hate corporations, and paved the way for
the agitation and public sentiment that
IN ITS recrudescence is called La Fol
iettlSm' or the WISCONSIN Idea"
Retired to Private Life.
The succeeding Legislature rcpealed
End modified the law. Taylor was not
reelected and Harrison Ludington of
Milwaukee was called TO the executive.
CHAIR. While i'll politics Gov. Taylor be-
came interested III the cranberry business
with the late Gen. George f. Bryant of
Madison. For two years they made mon
ey and then for four successive wears
their marshes We're burned over, causing
them Il heavy loss
EX-Goy. Taylor never recovered from
his heavy losses. When lie left the gov
Rrnor's chair his farm was mortgaged for
$4,000. This burden was so heavy that
Il WAS never materially reduced until
the farm was sold. After selling his
farm he bought q home in Cottage
Grove. His wife by a second marriage
left him, alleging incompatibiIity of tenn
permanent and secured Il position as ma
tron of the state home for the feeble
minded at Chippewa Falls She is still
there. The only child living by the sec
end marriage is William Taylor, who is
now living near Cottage Grove.