Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 696 - 697 

WILLIAM S. TAYLOR, who is probably one of the most prominent and leading young farmers of Minneha Township, owns a large farm on section 24, where he is engaged in grain and stock raising. He is a native of Sheboygan County, Wis., born May 14, 1859. He remained in his native State until twenty years had rolled over his head, when he came to Kansas and purchasing the farm where he at present lives, took up his residence.

            David Taylor, the father of the subject of this sketch, occupies a very prominent office in Wisconsin, filling the exalted position of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of that State for the last ten years. He is a native of Schoharie County, N. Y., and was born March 11, 1818. After receiving a primary education in the district schools and the Schoharie Academy, he attended Union College and was graduated in 1841. Immediately after graduating he commenced the study of law at Cobleskill, Schoharie Co., N. Y. He has continued in the practice of his profession ever since. He went to Wisconsin in 1846 and located in Sheboygan County, and later removed first to Fond du Lac and then to Dane County, where he now resides. He was largely instrumental in the work of revising the statutes of the State of Wisconsin, of 1858 and 1878, and for some eleven years, while a resident of Sheboygan County, Judge of the Circuit Court. He was married, Oct. 31, 1848, at Convis, in Calhoun County, Mich., to Miss Mary E. Callender, a native of Livingston County, N. Y., who was born Sept. 13, 1828. To them was given a family of eleven children, seven of whom are living, as follows: John C., in the freight department of the St. Louis, Wichita & Western Railroad, at Chicago; William S., the subject of this sketch; Mary E., of the New England Conservatory at Boston; Jerry D., a graduate of the Law School, Madison, Wis., and in practice at Sault Ste Marie, Mich.; David J., attending the Chicago Dental College; Alice and Alma, at home.

            William S. Taylor owns 160 acres of land and controls 480 more belonging to others of his family. About 200 acres of this have been brought to a high state of cultivation through his activity, energy and business tact. The residence, barns, sheds, cribs, etc., are of a very substantial and handsome quality. The whole 640 acres are under fence, either hedge or wire. He possesses a young, though thriving orchard, and two streams of living water and two windmills, insure a constant and never ceasing supply of that element so necessary in the raising of stock. He gives great attention to the rearing of fine horses, graded cattle, Poland-China hogs, etc., and is very successful in his business operations. He is a young man yet, and possessing more than ordinary ability and a better education than common, he, no doubt, will take a high place in this country before his life of usefulness is over.

            Mr. Taylor and Miss Clara G. Trevelan were joined in marriage Dec. 31, 1884, at Fond du Lac, Wis., in which city the latter was born April 1, 1859. She is the daughter of John and Mary (Galsworthy) Trevelan, who were natives of England, and who came to this country many years ago. Her father is the oldest living pioneer in Fond du Lac County, Wis. He followed farming in his younger days, and by use of the abilities he possessed, and great energy and force of character, accumulated an easy competence. He is now living in the county of his adoption, retired from most of the scenes of active life, and simply manages his own investments. His wife died in February, 1875.

            Both Mr. and Mrs. Trevelan were members of the Episcopal Church. They were married in England previous to coming to this country, and were the parents of nine children, as follows: Elizabeth, Daniel, Julia, Ella, John, Emma, William, Etta and Clara. The last-named is Mrs. William Taylor, the wife of the subject of this sketch. Mr. Taylor has one child, a son, born Feb. 19, 1888.

[ Home ]