Samuel Taylor (1822[1]“Taylor and White Families,” Yates County Chronicle (Penn Yan, New York), July 13, 1871, NYS Historic Newspapers, accessed September 17, 2023-1885[2]Elmira Daily Advertiser (Elmira, New York), August 11, 1885, NYS Historic Newspapers, accessed September 22, 2023) was a farmer in the Town of Starkey, Yates County, New York in the mid-1800s. He was later a merchant and a boarding house proprietor in Elmira, New York.
Biography
Early life
On April 4, 1822, Samuel Taylor was born in the Town of Starkey, Yates County, New York.[3]“Taylor and White Families,” Yates County Chronicle (Penn Yan, New York), July 13, 1871, NYS Historic Newspapers, accessed September 17, 2023 He was the youngest of six children of John Taylor (1771-1857)[4]Find A Grave, “John Taylor,” Memorial ID 107656586, Dundee Presbyterian Cemetery, Dundee, Yates County, New York, accessed September 17, 2023 and Sarah Ackley (1778-1865)[5]Find A Grave, “Sarah Ackley Taylor,” Memorial ID 107656587, Dundee Presbyterian Cemetery, Dundee, Yates County, New York, accessed September 17, 2023.
Samuel Taylor was born into a farming family. John Taylor, a native of Sheffield, Massachusetts, had settled on a farm of 1800 acres in the Town of Starkey in 1808. Six years earlier, John had married Sarah Ackley, a native of East Hartland, Connecticut, whose family was living in Canandaigua, New York, at the time.[6]“Taylor and White Families,” Yates County Chronicle (Penn Yan, New York), July 13, 1871, NYS Historic Newspapers, accessed September 17, 2023
Aside from farm duties, Samuel likely spent a large amount of his youth in church. John Taylor served as a Deacon or Elder in the Presbyterian church for about 35 years. During his time in the Town of Starkey, John’s “best energies and most zealous efforts were devoted to the welfare of the Presbyterian Churches in Eddytown [now a ghost town in the Town of Starkey] and Dundee, to both of which he contributed largely of his means and exertions to establish, build up and sustain.”[7]“Taylor and White Families,” Yates County Chronicle (Penn Yan, New York), July 13, 1871, NYS Historic Newspapers, accessed September 17, 2023
Marriage
On June 19, 1850[8]“Taylor and White Families,” Yates County Chronicle (Penn Yan, New York), July 13, 1871, NYS Historic Newspapers, accessed September 17, 2023, Samuel Taylor married Mary E. Millius (1824-1886)[9]Chemung County (New York) Surrogate’s Court, Estate Papers no. 5686, Estate of Mary E. Taylor, Petition for Letters of Administration filed April 1, 1886, FamilySearch, accessed September 20, … Continue reading in Barrington, Yates County, New York. At the time of their wedding, Samuel was 28 years old, and Mary was 25. Mary was the eldest child of John B. Millius and Harriet Lapham (1803-1885)[10]Find A Grave, “Harriet Lapham Tuell,” Memorial ID 153181526, Lakeview Cemetery, Penn Yan, Yates County, New York, accessed September 20, 2023 and was a native of Dutchess County, New York.[11]“New York State Census, 1855,” Town of Starkey, Yates County, New York, image 345, family 28, Mary E. Taylor, FamilySearch, accessed September 20, 2023
Samuel and Mary’s family grew quickly after their marriage. Their first son, John Wells Taylor, was born on May 17, 1851. Their second son, Henry L. Taylor, was born September 12, 1854.[12]“Taylor and White Families,” Yates County Chronicle (Penn Yan, New York), July 13, 1871, NYS Historic Newspapers, accessed September 17, 2023 The 1855 New York State Census finds them living in the Town of Starkey, where Samuel was farming. Harriet A. Taylor, daughter of Samuel’s brother Joel, was also living with them at the time.[13]“New York State Census, 1855,” Town of Starkey, Yates County, New York, image 345, family 28, Samuel Taylor, FamilySearch, accessed September 20, 2023
The 1860 United States Census again finds Samuel, Mary, and their children living in the Town of Starkey.[14]“United States Census, 1860,” Starkey, Yates County, New York, page 45 (penned), dwelling 391, family 372, Saml Taylor, FamilySearch, accessed September 21, 2023 Living with them was Samuel’s mother, Sarah (Ackley) Taylor, who had moved in with them after the death of Samuel’s father in 1857.[15]Find A Grave, “John Taylor,” Memorial ID 107656586, Dundee Presbyterian Cemetery, Dundee, Yates County, New York, accessed September 17, 2023
The death of his mother in 1865[16]Find A Grave, “Sarah Ackley Taylor,” Memorial ID 107656587, Dundee Presbyterian Cemetery, Dundee, Yates County, New York, accessed September 17, 2023 brought with it big life changes for Samuel. On March 23, 1867, Samuel and his brother Joel sold the 100 acre farm that had been occupied by their father at the time of his death.[17]Yates County (New York) County Clerk, Deeds v. 46, page 224, Peter Rolison land purchase from Joel A. Taylor, Lola Taylor, Samuel Taylor, and Mary Taylor, recorded April 12, 1867, FamilySearch, … Continue reading After 45 years of farm life, Samuel was moving to the city.
In Elmira, New York
Elmira, Chemung County, New York lies about 35 miles south of the Town of Starkey. Samuel Taylor’s brother in law, Henry E. Millius (c. 1826-1895)[18]Find A Grave, “Henry E Mellias,” Memorial ID 99805561, Woodlawn Cemetery, Elmira, Chemung County, New York, accessed September 22, 2023, had been a merchant in Elmira since the mid-1850s.[19]Elmira Advertiser, January 11, 1856, NYS Historic Newspapers, accessed September 22, 2023 In 1867, Samuel, Mary, and their two children moved to Elmira. By September of that year, Samuel had gone into business with Henry Millius, selling coal, lumber, and a variety of other items:
The 1870 United States Census lists Samuel as a “lumber dealer” in Elmira.[21]“United States Census, 1870,” Ward 6 Elmira, Chemung County, New York, page 10 (penned), dwelling 83, family 83, Samuel Taylor, FamilySearch, accessed September 22, 2023 Living with Samuel were Mary, John W., and Henry L. Also living with them was Mary’s sister Louisa Millius (1836-1909)[22]Find A Grave, “Louise R. Mellius,” Memorial ID 121831772, Lakeview Cemetery, Penn Yan, Yates County, New York, accessed September 22, 2023.
The last advertisement for Millius & Taylor appears in the Elmira Daily Advertiser on September 15, 1870.[23]Elmira Daily Advertiser, September 15, 1870, NYS Historic Newspapers, accessed September 22, 2023 No dissolution notice for the firm of Millius & Taylor appears in the Elmira newspapers, but Henry Millius seems to have started a separate business shortly afterwards, as advertisements for Millius selling kerosene oil start appearing in June, 1871.[24]Elmira Daily Advertiser, June 26, 1871, NYS Historic Newspapers, accessed September 22, 2023
Unlike Henry Millius, Samuel Taylor appears to have been done with being a merchant. The Elmira directory for 1872 lists him as running a boarding house.[25]Boyds’ Elmira and Corning Directory…1872-3 (Elmira, NY: Andrew Boyd and W. Harry Boyd, 1872), page 204, HeritageQuest, accessed September 23, 2023 The 1870 Census hinted at this possibility, as three non-family members were living with the Taylors at the time.[26]“United States Census, 1870,” Ward 6 Elmira, Chemung County, New York, page 10 (penned), dwelling 83, family 83, Samuel Taylor, FamilySearch, accessed September 22, 2023 The 1880 United States Census lists seven non-family members boarding with the four Taylors.[27]“United States Census, 1880,” Elmira, Chemung County, New York, page 9 (penned), page 325A (stamped), E.D. 73, dwelling 78, family 93, Samuel Taylor, FamilySearch, accessed September 23, … Continue reading
The Taylors moved several times while running their boarding house. In 1872, they were located at 15 William Street.[28]Boyds’ Elmira and Corning Directory…1872-3 (Elmira, NY: Andrew Boyd and W. Harry Boyd, 1872), page 204, HeritageQuest, accessed September 23, 2023 In 1874, they were at 309 William Street.[29]Boyds’ Elmira and Corning Directory…1874-5 (Elmira, NY: Boyd Cousins, 1874), page 238, HeritageQuest, accessed September 23, 2023 The next year, they were at 240 Lake Street[30]Boyds’ Elmira City Directory…1875-1876 (Elmira, NY: Boyd Cousins, 1875), page 244, HeritageQuest, accessed September 23, 2023, and in 1878, they were at 500 Lake Street[31]Boyds’ Elmira City Directory…1878-1879 (Elmira, NY: Boyd Cousins, 1878), page 241, HeritageQuest, accessed September 23, 2023. By 1884, they were at 400 William Street.[32]Elmira City Directory…1884-5 (Elmira, NY: Boyd Cousins, 1884), page 327, HeritageQuest, accessed September 23, 2023
In 1873, Samuel headed back to Yates County for a family reunion:
TAYLOR FAMILY PIC-NIC.–The second annual pic-nic and re-union of the John Taylor family, was held Aug. 20, 1873, at the residence of the late Rev. Samuel White, one mile west of Rock Stream.
Fifty-four were present, of whom four, Mrs. Henrietta White, Joel A., J. Wells, and Samuel Taylor, were the only surviving children of Deacon John Taylor. There were present also thirteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. Three children of the fifth generation are living in Michigan, of whom none were present. A telegram was received from Clark Bell, Esq.., regretting his detention by business in New York.
Seats and tables were prepared in the beautiful grove in front of the house. The weather being unusually pleasant, the company spent the greater part of the time in the open air, many of them amusing themselves in playing ball, quoits or croquet. The table was adorned with fruit, flowers and a vast supply and variety of cake and other edibles. After dinner speeches were made by J. Wells Taylor, C. T. White, G. W. Taylor, L. Vosburg and others, interspersed with singing by the children. The best of the entertainment was a declamation of “The Ambitious Youth,” by Frank Taylor, of Himrods. His effort gives promise of ability and success as an orator.
The officers of last year were continued. J. A. Taylor, Chairman; J. W. Taylor, Secretary; C. T. White, Historian; G. W. Taylor, of Bellona, was added as a committee of ways and means.
The next meeting was appointed on the last Wednesday of August, 1874, at the house of G. W. Taylor, Bellona.
“Taylor Family Pic-Nic,” Yates County Chronicle (Penn Yan, New York), September 18, 1873[33]“Taylor Family Pic-Nic,” Yates County Chronicle (Penn Yan, New York), September 18, 1873, NYS Historic Newspapers, accessed September 14, 2023
Around August 10, 1885, Samuel Taylor died in Elmira.[34]Elmira Daily Advertiser (Elmira, New York), August 11, 1885, NYS Historic Newspapers, accessed September 22, 2023 He was 63 years old at the time. A small service was held for him in Elmira on August 12th. Later, a funeral service was conducted at the Methodist Episcopal church in Dundee in his native Yates County. He was interred in a cemetery in Dundee.[35]Elmira Daily Advertiser (Elmira, New York), August 21, 1885, NYS Historic Newspapers, accessed September 14, 2023
Obituaries
DIED.
TAYLOR–In this city, Samuel Taylor, aged 63 years. Deceased leaves a widow and two sons, J. Wells and Henry L.
Prayer at residence, 400 William St., Wednesday morning at 9:00 o’clock. Interment at Dundee.
Elmira Daily Advertiser (Elmira, New York), August 11, 1885[36]Elmira Daily Advertiser (Elmira, New York), August 11, 1885, NYS Historic Newspapers, accessed September 22, 2023
The funeral of Samuel Taylor was observed yesterday morning at 9 o’clock from the residence, 400 William street. The Rev. O. A. Houghton officiated. The remains were taken to Dundee for interment.
Elmira Daily Advertiser (Elmira, New York), August 13, 1885[37]Elmira Daily Advertiser (Elmira, New York), August 13, 1885, NYS Historic Newspapers, accessed September 14, 2023
Dundee Observer: “The friends of the late Samuel Taylor, of Elmira, desire to express their deep obligations to all who rendered assistance at the burial of their deceased friend. And they especially thank the members of the M. E. church for opening their doors, the choir for excellent music and the Rev. Mr. Sanford, who so ably conducted the funeral services.”
Elmira Daily Advertiser (Elmira, New York), August 21, 1885[38]Elmira Daily Advertiser (Elmira, New York), August 21, 1885, NYS Historic Newspapers, accessed September 14, 2023
Children
Samuel Taylor and Mary Millius had two children:[39]“Taylor and White Families,” Yates County Chronicle (Penn Yan, New York), July 13, 1871, NYS Historic Newspapers, accessed September 17, 2023
- John Wells Taylor (1851-1914)[40]Find A Grave, “John W Taylor,” Memorial ID 99871875, Woodlawn Cemetery, Elmira, Chemung County, New York, accessed September 17, 2023 married Ada L. Watrous (1853-1926)[41]Find A Grave, “Ada L. Watrous Rood,” Memorial ID 42926117, Charlestown Cemetery, Charlestown, Portage Count, Ohio, accessed September 17, 2023 in Elmira on May 24, 1882.[42]“Marriages,” Elmira Daily Advertiser, May 25, 1882, NYS Historic Newspapers, accessed September 17, 2023 John had many occupations over the years, including bottle dealer[43]Williams’ Directory of Elmira City, and Business Directory of Horseheads, 1891 (Elmira, New York: J. E. Williams, 1891), page 454, HeritageQuest, accessed September 17, 2023[44]Williams’ Directory of Elmira City, and Business Directory of Horseheads, 1892 (Elmira, New York: J. E. Williams, 1892), page 400, HeritageQuest, accessed September 17, 2023, collector[45]J. E. Williams’ Elmira City Directory for 1885 (Elmira, New York: Advertiser Association, Printers, 1885), page 356, HeritageQuest, accessed September 17, 2023, and proprietor of a second-hand store[46]Williams’ Directory of Elmira City and Business Directory of Horseheads, 1890 (Elmira, New York: J. E. Williams, 1890), page 379, HeritageQuest, accessed September 17, 2023. In his later years, he worked as an auctioneer[47]Elmira, Elmira Heights, Horseheads and Chemung County Directory, 1912 (Elmira, New York: Elmira Advertiser Association, 1912), page 393, HeritageQuest, accessed September 17, 2023. John and Ada divorced in the 1890s, and Ada moved to Portage County, Ohio, where her mother was living.[48]“United States Census, 1900,” Charlestown Township, Portage County, Ohio, E.D. 73, sheet 3A (penned), page 38A (stamped), dwelling 56, family 58, Ada L. Watrous, FamilySearch, accessed … Continue reading John and Ada had one child: Frederick William Taylor (1883-1941)[49]Find A Grave, “Frederick William Taylor,” Memorial ID 168971489, Maple Grove Cemetery, Ravenna, Portage County, Ohio, accessed September 17, 2023.
- Henry L. Taylor (1854-1937)[50]Find A Grave, “Henry Taylor,” Memorial ID 99871849, Woodlawn Cemetery, Elmira, Chemung County, New York, accessed September 17, 2023 married Emmaret Loucks (1857-1936)[51]Find A Grave, “Emmaret Loucks Taylor,” Memorial ID 99871818, Woodlawn Cemetery, Elmira, Chemung County, New York, accessed September 17, 2023 in Cortland, New York on March 29, 1882.[52]“Taylor-Loucks,” Sunday Morning Tidings (Elmira, New York), April 2, 1882, NYS Historic Newspapers, accessed September 17, 2023 The 1900 United States Census[53]“United States Census, 1900,” Ward 1 Elmira, Chemung County, New York, E.D. 7, sheet 10A (penned), page 74A (stamped), dwelling 195, family 229, Henry L. Taylor, FamilySearch, accessed … Continue reading lists Henry as the proprietor of a book store, while he is listed as the proprietor of a wall paper store in the 1910[54]“United States Census, 1910,” Ward 1 Elmira, Chemung County, New York, E.D. 7, sheet 9B (penned), page 210B (stamped), dwelling 207, family 241, Henry L. Taylor, FamilySearch, accessed … Continue reading, 1920[55]“United States Census, 1920,” Ward 1 Elmira, Chemung County, New York, E.D. 8, sheet 4A (penned), page 65A (stamped), dwelling 73, family 95, Henry L. Taylor, FamilySearch, accessed … Continue reading, and 1930[56]“United States Census, 1930,” Ward 1 Elmira, Chemung County, New York, E.D. 8-8, sheet 2A (penned), page 72A (stamped), dwelling 25, family 28, Henry L. Taylor, FamilySearch, accessed … Continue reading United States Censuses. Henry and Emmaret had no children.
Research notes
- While Samuel was likely buried in Hillside Cemetery in Dundee, I cannot find any record confirming that. (09/23/2023)
- It seems likely that Dundee newspapers would have a more informative obituary for Samuel, but no Dundee newspapers appear to be available online for that time frame. (09/23/2023)
Records
Census records
- 1850 U.S. Census, Starkey Township, Yates County, New York
- 1855 New York Census, Starkey Township, Yates County, New York
- 1860 U.S. Census, Starkey Township, Yates County, New York
- 1865 New York Census, Starkey Township, Yates County, New York
- 1870 U.S. Census, Elmira, Chemung County, New York
- 1880 U.S. Census, Elmira, Chemung County, New York
Property records
Yates County, New York, deeds
| Deed Date | Record Date | Grantor | Grantee | Volume | Page | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1867-03-23 | 1867-04-12 | Joel A. Taylor and Lola his wife and Samuel Taylor and Mary his wife of Starkey, Yates County | Peter Rolison | 46 | 224 | The south 100 acres of lot 6 in Carpenter’s Location in the Town of Starkey, being the entire farm owned and occupied by the late John Taylor at the time of his death |
| 1867-10-01 | 1868-04-09 | Delos Andrews and Sarah his wife | Samuel Taylor of Elmira, Chemung County, New York | 48 | 212 | A parcel of land east of Washington Street in the Village of Dundee |
| 1868-03-28 | 1868-04-09 | Samuel Taylor and Mary E. his wife of the City of Elmira, NY | Thomas Robinson | 48 | 213 | A parcel of land east of Washington Street in the Village of Dundee |
Chemung County, New York, deeds
| Deed Date | Record Date | Grantor | Grantee | Volume | Page | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1869-04-20 | 1869-04-30 | Richmond Jones | Samuel Taylor and Henry E. Millius, copartners under firm name of Millius and Taylor | 48 | 265 | A lease for a parcel of land on the north side of Church Street, west of the Chemung Canal. This lease was annulled on March 3, 1870, per Chemung County Miscellaneous Records volume 3, page 224. |
City Directories
| Year | Place | Page | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1869 | Elmira | 125 | Taylor Samuel (Millins & Taylor), h 84 First |
| 1871 | Elmira | 191 | Taylor Samuel, house 84 First |
| 1872 | Elmira | 204 | Taylor Samuel, boarding house, 15 William |
| 1874 | Elmira | 238 | Taylor Samuel, boarding house, 309 William |
| 1875 | Elmira | 244 | Taylor Samuel, boarding, h 240 Lake |
| 1876 | Elmira | 217 | Taylor Samuel, boarding, h 240 Lake |
| 1878 | Elmira | 241 | Taylor Samuel, boarding, h 500 Lake |
| 1880 | Elmira | 263 | Taylor Samuel, boarding, h 500 Lake |
| 1884 | Elmira | 327 | Taylor Samuel, h 400 William |
| 1885 | Elmira | 356 | Taylor Samuel, h 400 William |
References