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TAYLOR, ISAAC J., was born in Williams township, Sangamon county, October 12, 1830, and is the son of James and Mary (Kelley) Taylor, natives of South Carolina and Kentucky, respectively. Twelve children were born to them of whom five are living: Ninian R., Isaac J., Simeon M., Francis K., and Martin V. Mr. Taylor's education was obtained in the district schools of Sangamon county, and also by his own personal efforts. He began to work for himself while a young man of twenty, in opening up a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of prairie land in Williams township, which was improved and put under cultivation. Mr. Taylor was married to Margaret Halbert, October 16, 1851. By this union there were three children, two of whom are living, Alexander D., and Mary E., both born in Sangamon county. The first mentioned is a graduate of Rush Medical College, Chicago, Illinois. In 1875, he commenced practice at Cotton Hill, Sangamon county; moved to Williamsville in March, 1877. Mrs. Margaret Taylor was a native of Ohio, and the daughter of Dr. James and Nancy (Reynolds) Halbert, natives of Virginia. Mrs. Taylor was a member of the Christian Church until her death, May 16, 1863. May 27, 1864, Mr. Taylor was married to Mary A. McGinnis, the daughter of Thomas McGinnis and Mary Cunningham, who were born in Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor were blessed with five children, four boys and one girl, of whom John E., Leonard R., and James T., are living. Mr. Taylor began the business of a merchant, by forming a partnership with Alexander Fisher and opening a general store in Williamsville, in January, 1859. This partnership lasted two years, and then Mr. Fisher sold out his interest to I. J. Taylor and John Rush. This firm continued till March, 1862. Mr. Taylor withdrew from the mercantile business and returned to his former pursuits the next spring - farming - which he is still following. He was assessor in 1862, and commissioner of highways two terms. Is a member of the Masonic Order, Lavely Lodge, No. 203.