b. in Danville, Kentucky; d. May 12, 1849, in Beardstown, Illinois. Taylor moved to Madison County, Illinois, where he married Elizabeth Burkhead. In 1819, they moved to Ball Township on Sugar Creek in Sangamon County, Illinois, and in 1822 they moved to Springfield, Illinois. After the incorporation of Sangamon County in 1821, Taylor was elected sheriff, a position he held for six years. After serving as sheriff, he was appointed receiver of the United States Land Office at Springfield. In 1832, Taylor was a member of the first Board of Trustees of Springfield. He formed a partnership with Seth Tinsley on June 4, 1834. In 1835, Taylor was a commissioner of the State Bank of Illinois. Later that year, he was elected as director of the bank. In 1836, Taylor served as a commissioner for the Beardstown and Sangamon Canal and for the Sangamon Fire Insurance Company. In 1837, Taylor dissolved his partnership with Seth Tinsley. Taylor was unsuccessful in his attempt to have Illiopolis, Illinois, made the state capital.