My Genealogy Hound

J. W. Taylor, a prominent manufacturer of jeans and woolen goods, and proprietor of a grist-mill, was born in September, 1833, in White County, Tenn., of Irish descent. His father, Creed A. Taylor, was born about 1809, in Virginia, and immigrated to White County about 1818. His death occurred in 1857. The mother, Sarah (Walling) Taylor, was born about 1811 or 1812, a daughter of Joseph and Katie Walling. She died in 1866, while on a visit to relatives in Arkansas. Our subject was reared on a farm and educated in the county schools. After farming a short time he engaged in the grist-mill business in 1863, and has met with unusual success. He added wool-carding machines to his business. In 1876 he put in five looms, and several more since that time, until he now has ten, with a capacity of 250 yards per day. The mill has a fine central location; is on Calf Killer River, six miles south of Sparta; is known as the Tebo Woolen Mill. Mr. Taylor has between $17,000 and $18,000 invested and is doing an extensive and lucrative business. He is a self-made man, his possessions being the fruits of his own efforts and industry. His eldest son, Creed A., is a partner in the mill. In 1862 our subject married Miss Margret Smallman, a cousin of the distinguished Judge Smallman, of Warren County. To their union four sons and six daughters have been born. Previous to the war Mr. Taylor was a Whig, and is now a Democrat. He and his wife are consistent and esteemed members of the Christian Church.