George Taylor (politician, around 1716)
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George Taylor (born around 1716 in Ireland , † February 23, 1781 in Easton , Pennsylvania , USA ) was an Irish-British-American metalworker and executive. As a signatory to the United States Declaration of Independence for Pennsylvania, he is one of the founding fathers of the United States .
George Taylor's father was a distinguished Protestant clergyman of unknown denomination, perhaps an Ulster-Scottish Presbyterian clergyman from Ulster . Taylor emigrated to the 13 colonies as a debt servant in his early twenties . He became a metalworker in Warwick blast furnaces and Coventry forges with a Mr. Savage. It is believed that when Savage learned that Taylor was educated, he made him an executive. Taylor was elected to the Provincial Parliament in 1764 and was a member of the Correspondence Committee and the Security Committee . He was called to the Bucks County Militia with the rank of Colonel , but never served on active duty.
In 1775 he was called as a delegate to the Continental Congress , replacing a member of the Pennsylvania delegation who refused to support independence. He arrived too late to vote for independence, but in time enough to sign the Declaration of Independence. Taylor returned to Pennsylvania in March 1777 to serve on the Supreme Council, but resigned after only six weeks in office due to poor health.
Taylor married Mr. Savage's widow, Anne. He had two legitimate children and five illegitimate children from a relationship with Naomi Smith, his housekeeper.
He is buried in Easton Cemetery.
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| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Taylor, George |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | Irish-British-American metalworker and executive |
| DATE OF BIRTH | around 1716 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Ireland |
| DATE OF DEATH | February 23, 1781 |
| Place of death | Easton , Pennsylvania , USA |