Cumberland County, Maine - John L. Taylor ********************************************************************** USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: C. Wendland SilverDrusilla@aol.com Copyright © 2005 by C. Wendland Caitlin's Gold Award Project, Girl Scouts USA, Rio Grande Girl Scout Council, El Paso, Texas ********************************************************************** Biography John L. Taylor Biographical Review Cumberland County, Maine Boston Biographical Review Publishing Company 1896 Page 575-576 John L. Taylor, a progressive and prosperous farmer of Freeport, Me., was born in the town of Horton, Kings County, N.S., October 9, 1838, son of William and Lovina (Follett) Taylor. William Taylor was born in Scotland, January 10, 1801, and was an intelligent and thrifty farmer. He spent his early manhood on a farm in Nova Scotia; but, thinking that the United States offered better opportunities for advancement, he removed to Maine, locating first in Westbrook and then in Pownal, where he owned a good farm of about one hundred acres. He became a naturalized citizen of the United States, casting his vote with the Democratic party; and he joined the leading social organization of the day, the Masonic fraternity. His last years were spent at the present home of his son in Freeport, where he died in May, 1885. On April 9, 1836, he was married to Lovina Follett, who was born in Kings County, Nova Scotia, September 18, 1814. She is now living with her son, the subject of this sketch. Nine children completed the home circle of Mr. and Mrs. William Taylor, namely: John L.; Elizabeth J., born September 17, 1840, who lives on the homestead in Freeport; William, born December 22, 1841, who died December 12, 1894; Absalom, born January 5, 1844, a professional nurse, whose home is in West Medford, Mass..; Ellen R., born December 13, 1846, who lives in Lawrence, Mass.; Alexander, who was born January 16, 1848, and died December 12, 1891; Alfred A., who was born May 15, 1850, and died November 21, 1892; Julia F., born July 13, 1854, who lives on the homestead; and Charles E., born January 13, 1857, a professional nurse residing in Boston, Mass. John L. Taylor acquired the greater part of his education in Westbrook, Me. He went to work when sixteen years of age, engaging as a canvasser for a business firm, and was so employed for two years. This developed his taste for mercantile pursuits; and for many years after he was engaged in trade, selling miscellaneous goods in the New England and Southern States. In 1870 the family united their resources, and purchased the homestead in Freeport, conceding to him the position of general manager. Accordingly, disposing of his mercantile interests, he took up the pursuit of agriculture, in which he has been eminently successful. The estate is a valuable one, comprising about one hundred acres; and the house, which was built in 1891, is one of the finest residences in this part of the town. Here Mr. Taylor has a pleasant home with his mother and sisters; and here his father and his brothers, who have passed to the world beyond, spent their last years, united in filial co-operation. Mr. Taylor has worked very hard to attain the prosperity which is now his, and his success is due to his own energy and good judgment. Mr. Taylor votes the Republican ticket. He is an esteemed member of Freeport Lodge, No. 23, A. F. & A. M.; of Freeport Lodge, Knights of Pythias; and of the Independent Order of Red Men of Freeport. He attends the Universalist church, while his mother and sisters are respected members of the Methodist church.