C. S. L. A. Taylor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
C. S. L. A. Taylor
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| Born | 1849 South Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | November 17, 1934 (aged 84–85) Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch |  North Carolina National Guard |
| Years of service | 1887–1907 |
| Rank |  Lieutenant Colonel |
| Commands held | 3rd North Carolina Volunteer Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Spanish–American War |
| Spouse(s) |
Augusta Wheeler
(m. 1869; died 1904)Ella Louise Pickens
(m. 1905) |
| Children | 5 |
| Other work | Barber, ballroom dancer, firefighter |
Charles Samuel Lafayette Alexander Taylor, known as C. S. L. A. Taylor, was an important American leader. He was a lieutenant colonel in the North Carolina National Guard and a dedicated firefighter. He is remembered as one of the first African American colonels during the Spanish–American War. He led the 3rd North Carolina Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Taylor was also a very important person among the firefighters in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Contents
Early Life and Freedom
Taylor was born in 1854 in South Carolina. He was born into slavery. For most of his childhood, he was enslaved in Union County, North Carolina. He worked as a shoemaker. During the American Civil War, he was forced to keep making shoes. He often used cloth or wood because leather was hard to find.
After the war, Taylor gained his freedom. This period was called Reconstruction. He went to schools run by the Quakers. He then opened his own barber shop. It was located on East Trade Street in Charlotte, North Carolina.
A Leader in Firefighting
Taylor also became a firefighter. He was the secretary of the Neptune Volunteer Fire Company. This group was made up of former slaves and freedmen. He became very involved in fire service groups. On May 12, 1891, he became the Financial Secretary. This was for the North Carolina Colored Volunteer Firemen’s Association. He held this job for 18 years. Later, in the late 1920s, he became the president. He stayed involved with the organization until he passed away.
Taylor became well-known in Charlotte. From 1885 to 1887, he served as an alderman. This meant he helped govern the city. He represented the third ward. He also taught ballroom dancing.
Military Service and Leadership
Taylor was also a military leader. In 1887, he created an all-black military group. It was called the Charlotte Light Infantry. This group was part of the North Carolina National Guard. Taylor served as the captain of this group.
When the Spanish–American War began, his group joined a larger one. It became part of the Third North Carolina Regiment. This happened on April 1, 1898. Taylor was later promoted. He became a Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment. This was a very high rank.
Family and Community
Taylor was married twice in his life. He first married Augusta Wheeler in 1869. They had three sons together. After Augusta passed away in 1904, Taylor married Ella Louise Pickens in 1905. They had two daughters. They also took care of James Franklin Richardson. James later became a state senator.
Taylor was a member of several important community groups. He belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. And he was a Freemason.
