Biography - FRANCIS M. TAYLOR

The agricultural interests of Macoupin county find a worthy and successful representative in Francis M. Taylor, who makes his home on section 6, Chesterfield township. His birth occurred in Greenfield, Illinois, on the 27th of January, 1850, his parents being Isaac and Mahala (Odell) Taylor. The father was born in Greene county, Illinois, in 1828, while the mother was a native of Kentucky. John Taylor, the paternal grandfather of our subject, removed from South Carolina to Kentucky and subsequently brought his family to Greene county, Illinois, taking up government land. The maternal grandparents of Francis M. Taylor were Reuben and Mary (Davis) Odell. Reuben Odell, who was a native of South Carolina, removed to Kentucky after his marriage and there resided for two years, while in the '20s he took up his abode in Greene county, Illinois. He participated in the war of 1812 and his widow drew a land warrant. Their children were nine in number. Betsy, now deceased, gave her hand in marriage to Jackson Easting, of Greene county, Illinois. John, who has also passed away, was a resident of Nilwood, Macoupin county. William, who is now deceased, made his home at Girard, Macoupin county. Peggy, who has passed away, was the wife of Dillingham Wooldridge, of Greene county. Mahala, the next in order of birth, became the mother of our subject. Jacob, who is deceased, resided at Greene county, Illinois. Isaac, who makes his home at Litchfield, Illinois, participated in the Civil war with the Twelfth Illinois Cavalry. Phillip, who is now deceased, likewise served as a soldier, being a member of Company G, One Hundred and Forty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Jackson, living at Chesterfield, Illinois, participated in the Civil war as a member of Company H, One Hundred and Forty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry.

Isaac Taylor, the father of Mr. Taylor of this review, was identified with general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career. Unto him and his wife were born eight children, as follows: John, a widower residing in Macoupin county; Francis M., of this review; Jacob J., who is deceased; Mary, the wife of Fred Kaw, of Shipman, Illinois; Nancy, Charity and James Madison, all of whom have passed away; and Alex, who is married and makes his home at Chesterfield.

Francis M. Taylor obtained his education in the public schools and assisted his father in the operation of the home farm until twenty-eight years of age. At that time he purchased forty acres of land in Chesterfield township, Macoupin county, and after a few years bought another tract of similar size. The land was covered with heavy timber when it came into his possession and he cleared every foot of it. He also erected the necessary buildings and has brought his farm under a high state of cultivation and improvement. He raises the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and likewise has a fine orchard of five acres.

On the 26th of February, 1879, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Ella McCall, who was born at Walkerville, Greene county, Illinois, in 1855. Her father, William McCall, whose birth occurred at London, England, in 1818, took up his abode in Greene county, this state, in the ’50s and here turned his attention to farming. He married a Miss Walker of Kentucky, who accompanied her parents on their removal to Greene county, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have no children of their own but reared the following: Lovie McCall, who is the wife of William Gracy, by whom she has two children; Albert Cummings, who was married and whose demise occurred in Missouri; and Alice Harris, at home. These three adopted children were relatives of Mrs. Taylor.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Taylor has supported the men and measures of the democracy, believing firmly in the principles of that party. He has held the office of road commissioner of Chesterfield township, ably discharging the duties devolving upon him in this connection. He has spent his entire life in this part of the state and enjoys a wide and favorable acquaintance here.

Extracted 18 May 2018 by Norma Hass from History of Macoupin County, Illinois: Biographical and Pictorial, by Charles A. Walker, published in 1911, Volume 2, pages 99-101.