Mark Cole
George Taylor was born in Ireland in 1716, the son of a clergyman.
His father apparently bestowed upon him an excellent education – and by Taylor’s account, it was, perhaps, too much of a good thing: not wanting to follow his father’s plan of becoming a physician, Taylor fled on a ship to Philadelphia. He became an indentured servant along the way in order to pay for his ticket.
When he arrived in Pennsylvania, he went to work in an iron forge. The owner eventually discovered that Taylor had an education and made him a clerk.
After that, Taylor rapidly improved his lot in life. He succeeded in business, married a widow, and acquired a small fortune which he thereafter continually increased.
In mid-life, he began a study of government in order to become informed on the issues of his day. His personal deliberations and study put him firmly in the independence camp.
In 1764, George Taylor was elected to the Provincial Assembly in Pennsylvania and in that capacity, Taylor took part in drafting a document which firmly cautioned the King against transcending the limits of his office and encroaching upon the historic liberties of the colonial citizens.
When the Stamp Act was repealed in 1765, Taylor was chosen to help draft a letter of congratulations to King George III.
In 1775, Taylor was elected to the Continental Congress as part of the Pennsylvania delegation. He served only until 1777 – time enough to place his signature on the Declaration of Independence.
There is little record of Taylor speaking in the Continental Congress. Perhaps he did not possess the eloquence of Richard Henry Lee, or the towering intellect of Adams.
But he knew how to vote and why; he knew where to sign his name when the chips were down. And he knew how to pledge his life, his fortune and his sacred honor.
Check out Mark’s book:
Lives, Fortunes, Sacred Honor: The Men Who Signed the Declaration of Independence
