Taylor, James, 1769-1848

James Taylor, the son of Col. James Taylor, was born on Apr. 19, 1769 in Caroline County, Virginia. He was educated at Rappahannock Academy. In 1788 Taylor was commissioned as surveyor of Caroline County and was made deputy sheriff. He moved to Kentucky in 1792 and settled on the forks between the Licking and Ohio Rivers, founding the town of Newport. He made a fortune in Kentucky land transactions. On June 4, 1812, Taylor paymaster and quartermaster general of the western army under William Hill. He refused to participate in the surrender of Detroit. Taylor married Keturah Moss Leitch in 1795 and they had eleven children. James Taylor died in Newport, Kentucky on Nov. 8, 1848.

From the description of James Taylor papers, 1774-1879. (Detroit Public Library). WorldCat record id: 297224127

James Taylor was born to a prominent Virginia family, related to both James Madison and Zachary Taylor. Taylor attended Rappahannock Academy and became surveyor of Caroline County, Virginia, in 1788. He later served as deputy sheriff and elector in that county. After moving to Kentucky, he established a plantation, Bellevue, where the city of Newport was subsequently founded. Taylor became clerk of the newly formed Campbell County in 1794. Acquisition and sales of land in northern Kentucky and Ohio permitted Taylor to amass a large fortune. He was commissioned a brigadier general and later a major general in the Kentucky militia. Gen. Taylor became quartermaster-general for the Northwest Army in the War of 1812. Taylor was a prominent member of the Episcopal Church, a member of the Colonization Society, and an honorary pallbearer for Daniel Boone during the re-interment ceremonies in Frankfort in 1845. His son, Col. James Taylor, inherited his father's land estates and became known as one of Kentucky's foremost businessmen. Gen. James Taylor died on November 7, 1848.

From the description of James Taylor and family papers, 1783-1845. (Kentucky Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 41141176

Newport, Ky. farmer, land speculator, and officer of the Kentucky militia.

From the description of James Taylor : miscellaneous papers, 1799-1851. (Filson Historical Society, The). WorldCat record id: 49324072

From the description of James Taylor : added papers, 1792-1894. (Filson Historical Society, The). WorldCat record id: 49324070

From the description of James Taylor papers, 1774-1888. (Filson Historical Society, The). WorldCat record id: 49324073