ARTHUR J. TAYLOR. – The subject of this sketch, whose portrait appears herein, was born in Staffordshire, England, on the 18th of August, 1857 When but two years of age his parents brought him to America, locating at Richmond, Virginia. Their residence there was but brief, as they soon removed to Halifax, Nova Scotia, perhaps anticipating the political troubles of the next few years. When but a boy of twelve, Arthur came West, upon his own responsibility, to the Red River of the North, where he lived until 1884.
His next move, in April of that year, made him a citizen of Mason county, Washington Territory. In the following August, on the death of Mr. Wilson, Auditor of that county, Mr. Taylor was appointed to fill the unexpired term, – thus showing the rapidity of political preferment in America. The immigrant arrives in the spring. He is county auditor in the fall. But this was not all. The Republicans insisted upon Mr. Taylor filling the same place in 1887. The people of Mason county indorsed this and elected him, although the others on the same ticket were defeated. It is his sterling integrity which has given him so large a measure of public confidence and esteem.
His investments at Oyster bay, as well as in other localities, have been very successful, proving him not only a competent official but a financier as well.
Mr. Taylor was united in marriage on March 10,1888, to Miss Mayme E. Bell, a native of the Empire State.