Robert Taylor
Robert Taylor, of Prairie Township, is one of the prominent citizens of Holmes County. He was born in Mifflin County, Penn., September 8, 1826, a son of Henry and Jane (Barfort) Taylor, natives of Ireland, who came to America in their youth. In April, 1839, they came with their family to Holmes County, where the father died the following November, leaving his wife with a large family to rear in a new country, and with but limited means. The mother died in 1864. Of a family of twelve children, but three are living: Sarah, wife of Joseph Thompson, of Wayne County; Martha, wife of Mr. Ditmars, of Holmes County, and Robert. Robert Taylor has always given his attention to agricultural pursuits. In early life he had to work for his own livelihood and assist his mother in the care of the younger children, and his education was necessarily limited. When he started for himself, he rented some land, and as soon as able bought a few acres. He made subsequent small purchases until now he has 492 acres, 172 being in his homestead, 160 acres in other parts of the county, and 160 acres in Wayne County. His improvements on his homestead are among the best in the township. His residence was erected at a cost of $2,000, and his barn at a cost of $1,100. Mr. Taylor has been an influential man in his township, and has held several offices of trust. He served fifteen years as treasurer, and ten as trustee. He is public spirited, always taking an active interest in the establishment of schools and churches. He is a member of the United Presbyterian Church; in politics, a Democrat.
Mr. Taylor was married March 5, 1857, to Eliza Herron, a native of Indiana County, Penn., born in 1838, a daugther of William and Hannah (Wells) Herron; the former a native of Pennsylvania, of Irish descent, the latter a native of England. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have had eleven children, five of whom are living: Jessie (who married Elmer Ditmore and has one child, Blanche), William, Edgar, John and Blanche H.
From Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Wayne and Holmes, Ohio, J. H. Beers & Co., Chicago, 1889