My Genealogy Hound

H. J. Taylor, cashier of the Rochester Savings Bank, is one of the substantial business men and representative citizens of Rochester, Oakland County. He was born in Oakland township, Oakland County, Michigan, July 19, 1849, and is a son of William G. and Ann (Axford) Taylor.

Abram Taylor, grandfather of our subject, came to Oakland County, Michigan, in 1832, bringing his children with him, his wife having previously died. He settled upon government land in Oakland County and here spent the remainder of his life, dying at the age of 82 years.

William G. Taylor was born in Warren County, New Jersey, in 1819, and was one of six children born to his parents, five sons and one daughter, of which number Ogden, of Orion, Michigan, is the sole survivor. William G. Taylor was about 16 years old when he accompanied his father to Oakland County, and he resided in Oakland township for many years. In 1867 he removed to Brandon and followed farming there the remainder of his life, dying in July, 1887, at the age of 67 years, as the result of an accident. He married Ann Axford, who was born in Oakland township, Oakland County, and was a daughter of John Axford, a pioneer of the township. She died in 1898, aged 72 years. To this union were born six children: C. V., a carriage manufacturer of Pontiac; Charlotte, wife of James E. Case, of Orion, Michigan; H. J., our subject; William A. and Alice, who are living on the old homestead; and Ellen M., wife of E. B. Sutton, of Armada, Michigan.

H. J. Taylor was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools of his district. At the age of 22 years he began life for himself, farming principally in Avon township until 1888, when he engaged in the hardware business in Rochester, for two years being associated with Cyrus Reimer. He then bought his partner’s interest, built a new store and conducted the business alone until the spring of 1899. Selling out his store, he bought a farm in Avon township, where he not only carried on farming but engaged in contracting until January 1, 1902. Upon that date he accepted the position of cashier of the Rochester Savings Bank, and has ably discharged its duties ever since. This institution is on a sound financial basis and is one of the best conducted banks in Oakland County.

Mr. Taylor is a Democrat in politics, and has frequently served in an official capacity. He was made supervisor in 1883, and from that date until 1902 served in all for a period of 15 years. He has been trustee of the village of Rochester for two terms, and is now serving his second term as village clerk. He was a candidate for the State Senate in 1900, but with the rest of his ticket met with defeat. He is vice-president of the Rochester Building Association, and has served in that capacity since its organization. He now owns the old homestead in Brandon township. He has a large probate business and has been called upon to handle many large estates.

Mr. Taylor was married December 21, 1882, to Florence May Anderson, a daughter of R. D. Anderson, now of Orion, and they have three children: S. Verne; Cyrus J.; and Harold A. Fraternally, our subject is a member of Lodge No. 5, F. & A. M., of which he has been treasurer for 10 years; Rochester Chapter No. 137, R. A. M.; Lodge No. 165, Order of the Eastern Star; and Lodge No. 96, Knights of the Maccabees. He is a man of pleasing personality, and has a host of friends.