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Below is a family biography included in the Biographical Review Volume of Biographical Sketches of The Leading Citizens of Hampshire County, Massachusetts published by Biographical Review Publishing Company in 1896.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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SYLVESTER H. TAYLOR, a practical and prosperous member of the agricultural community, and a descendant of one of the pioneer families of Granby, first saw the light on the farm he now occupies, May 5, 1833. His father, Chester Taylor, was a lifelong farmer; and, with the exception of a short time spent in Southampton, pursued his independent vocation on the family homestead. He married Eunice Strong, a native of Southampton, and of the union nine children were born, namely: Dexter S., deceased; Lydia, who lived to the age of seventy-nine years; Job S., a resident of Lake County, Ohio; Thankful, now living in Ludlow, Mass.; Susan, who resides in Granby; William, deceased; Andrew J., deceased; Charles Henry of Granby; and Sylvester H. Neither of the parents is now living, the father having passed away August 4, 1854, and the mother ten years later.

Sylvester H. Taylor, the subject of this sketch, enjoyed but limited educational advantages, having been obliged from his early boyhood to assist in the manual labor incidental to life on a farm. However, in this way he received a practical training in the occupation that was to be his life work. In May, 1861, he married Miss Caroline F. Boynton, a daughter of Emery Boynton, and a native of Pelham, this county. Mr. Taylor brought his bride directly to the old homestead, and continued in the calling to which he was reared. On August 25, 1862, inspired by patriotic motives, he enlisted, under Captain William Perkins, in company H of the Fifty-second Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, then commanded by Colonel H. S. Greenleaf. With his regiment he took part in many engagements, including those at Irish Bend, La., and at Port Hudson. The term of his enlistment having expired, Mr. Taylor received his discharge August 14, 1863, and at once returned home. He was much debilitated at that time, and has never fully recovered his health since. His farm is a fine property, consisting of one hundred and thirty acres of fertile land, and in excellent cultivation. The greater part of the improvements have been made by him, and are convincing testimony of the perseverance and energy that have created them.

Of his marriage with Mrs. Taylor there have been born seven children, all of whom are well educated, some having completed their school life at the seminary in South Hadley. Their record is as follows: Edwin B., residing in Swampscott, Mass.; William, now deceased, formerly an employee of the Adams Express Company; Leon, living near the home farm; Jennie, a teacher in the school at Granby Centre; Homer, assisting on the farm; Carrie L.; and Mabel. Mr. Taylor has always had a pioneer’s liking for the chase, and in former years made a reputation for killing foxes. He is a stanch member of the Republican party, is prominent in local affairs, and faithfully and acceptably served in various offices, having been Assessor, Road Supervisor, and seven years a Selectman of Granby. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic, Post No. 183, of South Hadley Falls. In religious belief both he and his wife are Congregationalists.

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This family biography is one of numerous biographies included in the Biographical Review Volume of Biographical Sketches of The Leading Citizens of Hampshire County, Massachusetts published in 1896. 

View additional Hampshire County, Massachusetts family biographies here: Hampshire County, Massachusetts Biographies

View a map of 1901 Hampshire County, Massachusetts here: Hampshire County Massachusetts Map

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