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Also see [Railway Officials in America 1906]
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N. S. TAYLOR is the son of Daniel and Phcebe (Churchill) Taylor, and was born in Litchfield Co., Conn., in 1829.
When an infant his parents removed to Brockport, Monroe Co., N. Y., where they lived eight years, removing to Bangor,
Mich., Dee. 25, 1837, being among the first that made a permanent settlement there. As evidence of the unimproved
condition of the country then, Mr. Taylor states that they frequently supplied their table with venison by shooting
deer from the door, and often saw wolves near the house. The first winter was one of difficulties, but having taken
up one hundred and forty acres of land, he (Daniel Taylor) proceeded to improve it, and always took an active part
in all local improvements until his death, which occurred Jan. 9, 1865. His wife still survives, and has reached
the age of eighty-nine, residing with a daughter near Lawrence.
N. S. Taylor was the youngest of the sons, and after becoming of age passed three years traveling in the West.
Starting from Galena, Ill, went to California, where he arrived in 1852; remained four years, which were profitable
ones to him. Returning in 1856, purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land near the old homestead in Bangor,
and not only made fine improvements upon his own property, but has taken a prominent part in the general advancement
of the township; has acted as an official for the same in several capacities, but has been much interested in its
improvements, particularly in the erection of a Methodist church, contributing largely in that direction. Also
contributed to the erection of the Bangor furnace and the railroad, and to the establishment of the press. Was
a zealous supporter of whatever related to the Sunday-school interests, in fact using the means he had acquired
in promoting the general good as well as his own interests.
In 1876 he wedded Mrs. Mary Smith, a very estimable lady residing in Bangor, visiting on their wedding tour all
the principal Eastern cities and public resorts, and on their return purchased an elegant residence in the village
of Bangor. Also bought a banking institution, with its interests, which he made a financial success. After two
years an opportunity to dispose of this business was offered, which he accepted, and removed to his present residence
in Geneva.
Mrs. Taylor's parents, John and Eleanor (Parrish) McNett, were natives of New York, and moved to Monroe Co., Mich.,
afterwards to Texas township, Kalamazoo Co., where Mrs. Taylor was born. When seventeen years of age she was married
to Butler M. Smith, of Prairie Ronde, Kalamazoo Co.; moved to Kankakee, Ill., where their first son was born. After
remaining there two years removed to Bangor, and purchased a farm of two hundred acres. Here three boys and one
girl were born to them. They continued to reside on their farm until the death of Mr. Smith, who was a man not
only loved and revered by his family and friends, but respected by all that knew him.
FROM:
History of Berrien and Van Buren Counties, Michigan
With Illistrations and Biographical Sketches
of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers.
D. W. Ensign & Co., Philadelphia 1880
Press of J. B. Lippincoff & Co., Philadelphia.
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