My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE JAMES TAYLOR is the editor and proprietor of the Knobnoster Gem, which he purchased in 1890, and still continues to publish. He has had several years’ experience in journalism, and possesses ability in this direction. The Gem is a weekly five-column quarto, devoted to the advancement of this region and the promotion of the welfare of the people. In politics it is independent, favoring Democratic principles, but in local matters supporting the best men, irrespective of party ties. Among its supporters are numbered most of the leading business and professional men of this vicinity, and under the present management the list of its subscribers is constantly increasing.

The editor of this popular paper was born in Kentucky, June 13, 1851, being the second child of George Y. and Louisa W. (McCormick) Taylor. His paternal ancestors were of Irish extraction, and his father was a native of the Emerald Isle, spending his early life there, and emigrating thence to America in 1835. For some years he sojourned in Kenton County, Ky., and from there, in 1851, came to Missouri, establishing his home in Lewis County, where he continued to reside until his death, in 1875. His wife, a most estimable lady, was a native of Kentucky, and survived her husband a number of years, passing away in 1887.

In the public schools of Lewis County the subject of this notice received the rudiments of his education, and later he attended a college at Monticello, this state. Upon completing his studies he entered upon the profession of a teacher, which he followed, with marked success, for a period of fourteen years, being in Missouri for eleven years of that time, and in Dallas, Tex., for three years. As an instructor he was judicious, discriminating, energetic and capable, and in every position occupied by him he gained the confidence of the people, and his pupils made rapid advancement in their studies.

Retiring from the teacher’s profession in 1888, Mr. Taylor entered the newspaper business, in which he has met with a success that is equally gratifying. His first venture was as editor and proprietor of the Sweet Springs Herald, which he purchased in 1888 and continued to publish for two years. On disposing of that paper he came to Knobnoster and has since successfully engaged in the publication of the Gem.

The marriage of Mr. Taylor occurred in 1880 and united him with Miss Minnie MaGee, of Monticello, Mo. Unto their union a daughter and son have been born, Reba and Charles Y., both of whom are with their parents. The family is identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Socially Mr. Taylor is connected with Knobnoster Lodge No. 245, A. F. & A. M., and is its present Secretary. Politically his affiliations are with the Democratic party, of which he is one of the local leaders, and with the principles of which he is in hearty sympathy. While a resident of Lewis County, he was elected County Superintendent of Schools, in 1875, and filled that responsible position for four years, rendering satisfaction to the people and reflecting credit upon his own ability.