Dickinson Co., KS AHGP-Portrait and
Biographical Record of Dickinson, Saline, McPherson and
Marion Counties-John H. Taylor
Portrait and Biographical
Record of Dickinson, Saline, McPherson and Marion
Counties
Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1893
JOHN H. TAYLOR, one of the leading and
influential farmers of Dickinson County, residing
on section 33, Rhinehart Township,
was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on the 28lh of
April, 1857, and is the eldest son of John and Margaret
Ann (Hart) Taylor. In 1873 the father came
to Kansas and purchased a section of land in Dickinson
County, at $4.33 per acre.
The subject of this sketch acquired his education
in the public schools of his native city, and after
coming to Kansas in 1876, began to make a farm
on section 33, Liberty Township, but for about
three years remained on his father's farm. He is
now the owner of one of Dickinson County's finest
farms. This desirable place is entirely surrounded
by a hedge fence, nine miles in length. About
two hundred acres are planted in corn, and about
one hundred and fifty acres in wheat. Mr. Taylor
gives much of his attention to stock-raising, making
a specialty of Shorthorn cattle of which he has
a herd of twenty registered thoroughbreds. He has
engaged in breeding these animals for about six
years, and at every fair at which he exhibits his
stock carries off premiums. He has altogether about
one hundred and fifty head of cattle, and forty
head of horses. He breeds Percheron horses, and
has a fine imported stallion, "Vigoureux," which
he purchased at a cost of $4,500. A valuable
improvement on the place is the fine orchard,
which covers about twenty acres, two-fifths of
this amount being planted in apple trees. Buildings
have been erected at a cost of 820,000, In
1876 a large stone barn was built, and a second
stone barn was erected in 1882. In 1884 the beautiful
home was completed. It is an elegant stone
structure, 40x40 feet, and two stories in height,
and was erected at a cost of 810,000. The lower
floor is finished in black walnut, and the upper in
yellow pine. The wood was all shipped from Cincinnati,
having been finished in the planing-mills
there. The house is conveniently arranged, supplied
with all modern improvements, and is neatly
and tastefully furnished.
In the spring of 1881, Mr. Taylor was married
to Miss Emma Hollinger, daughter of Joseph
S. Hollinger, of this county. After a short
married life, she passed away on the 3d of January,
1882. Our subject was again married, August
20, 1884, his second union being with Miss
Fannie Converse, of Salina, Kan., daughter of Nathan
P. Converse, and a native of Massachusetts.
Unto them have been born four children, Howard,
Irene, Ruth and Leon. Their pleasant home is
the abode of hospitality, and Mr. Taylor and his
estimable wife rank high in social circles, being
warmly esteemed for their many excellencies of
character. They both hold membership with the
Methodist Episcopal Church of Hiawatha, and take
quite an active interest in church work, contributing
liberally to its support.
In politics, Mr. Taylor was first a Republican,
but in later years has affiliated with the People's
party. Throughout his life he has made the most
of his opportunities and advantages, and now has
one of the finest farms and most desirable residences
in the county. His life has been well and worthily
spent, and his career has been a busy and useful
one. He is widely known throughout the county,
and none are held in higher regard than John H.
Taylor.
(c) 2009 Sheryl McClure for
Dickinson County KS AHGP