Obituary of William Martin Taylor, Comanche County, KSGenWeb Digital Library

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THE WESTERN STAR, 4 January 1918

Obituary of WILLIAM MARTIN TAYLOR

DEATH OF WM. M. TAYLOR

Was One of Comanche co's Pioneer Settlers and Best-Known Citizens.

Wm. M. Taylor died at his home in this city shortly after noon on last Sunday, December 30, 1917. He had been in failing health for some time having not been able to do any work since last memorial Day. Several weeks ago he went to a Wichita hospital for medical treatment. He
underwent an operation, but it was found that the cause of his sickness could not well be removed. A cancerous growth about the gall bladder had made such progress that its removal was deemed inadvisable, hence his
relatives soon became resigned to the gravity of his condition. The best that medical skill could do and that loving hands could administer was done, yet he grew gradually worse. He was a patient sufferer and the end
came after a quiet lapse into sleep which continued for about 36 hours.

The funeral services were held from the Presbyterian church at 2 o'clock p.m. on Tuesday, the pastor, Rev. A.G. Alexander, being in charge, and Rev. Wyrick of the M. E. church and Rev. Babb of the Christian church
assisting. A large number of friends showed by their presence their esteem for the deceased, who was known in all parts of the county. Interment was in the Coldwater cemetery.

William Martin Taylor was born on a farm in DeWitt-co., Ill., on November 22, 1850. At the time of his death his age was 67 years, 1 month and 8 days. On February 1, 1872, in Wapella, Ill., he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Polley, who, with five children survives him. In the year 1875 the family moved from Illinois to Kansas, settling in Cowley-co. There they lived for nearly two years, after which they moved to near Argonia, in Sumner-co., where they lived for about seven years. In April, 1884, Mr. Taylor made a tour of this part of the state. That was nearly three months before there was a town in this county. In
August of the same year he moved his family out from Sumner-co., and thus they became pioneers in the settlement of Comanche-co. They first settled on a tract of government land two and one-half miles south of
Protection. Life in a new country thus became to this family a familiar experience. Adversities came, yet they stayed with the country and helped to transform the prairies into comfortable homes and thrifty farms. Mr. Taylor always took quite an active part in politics, and his side acquaintance over the county soon made him a potent factor in all elections. In 1891 he was the alliance nominee for sheriff and was elected, defeating I. G. Howard, the republican candidate, by five votes. Two years later he was re-elected to the office of sheriff, this
time as the populist candidate, defeating I. N. Powell, the republican nominee by a majority of 30. In 1895 Mr. Taylor moved back to his Protection-tp farm, but in the year 1903 returned to Coldwater, and here the family has continued to live.

Mr. Taylor was at heart kind and considerate. Many an old settler can testify to his generosity, and, his former neighbors speak of him as a true friend. In his home he was thoughtful of every interest of his family.

All the children are now residents of this county. They are: Joseph Perry, David Elmer, and William J. Bryan Taylor; also Mrs. Cora L. McIntyre, wife of F. M. McIntyre, and Mrs. Gladys M. Masterson, wife of
H. E. Masterson, all of this city. Two brothers, John Taylor of Protection, Thomas Taylor now of Oklahoma City, Okla., and one sister, Mrs. Baker, of McClain, Ill., also survive. During Mr. Taylor's sickness, the constant attention given him by his relatives, and
especially, his son, "Billie," the only child remaining at home, was evidence of the tenderest love and esteem.

Transcribed and Contributed by Shirley Brier

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