WILLIAM TAYLOR, was born on a farm in Oxford, England, July 8, 1827. He lived there until he was about twenty-four years of age, when he came to the United States. He started January 1, 1851, and landed in New Orleans April 6, 1851. From New Orleans he took the steamer "Halleck Scott" up the Mississippi river to Alton, Illinois, remained one year, then came overland to this county, and began to work for George Carter; worked for him five years; rented land of him ten years, then bought a farm of eighty acres, in section thirty-six, where he now resides. He was married, at Alton, Illinois, December 19, 1851, to Miss Alice Harris. She was born in oxford, England, and was a daughter of Robert Harris, born in England, who came to the United States in 1851. He is now living in England. His wife, Elizabeth (Bagley) Harris, was born in England, and was the mother of seven children, five living, two in the United States, viz: Thomas and Mrs. Elizabeth (Harris) Taylor. She is living in England. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor had a family of seven children, six of whom are living, viz: Lucy A., Geo. H., Richard E., Wm. A., Fannie J., and Alice E. Mr. Taylor has his farm of eighty acres all under good cultivation and well stocked. He raises grain and stock for the market. In politics, he is a Republican, and cast his first vote for A. Lincoln for President. His father, Richard Taylor, was born in England; was a farmer, and a member of the M. E. Church; he died in England October 6, 1870. His wife, Ann Barb, was also born in England; she was a member of the M. E. Church, and had nine children; one is living - the subject of this sketch. When he arrived in this country he was without means, but by hard work and close application to business he has made himself as fine a farm of eighty acres as there is in the country.