George W. Taylor (general) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George William Taylor
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| Born | November 22, 1808 High Bridge, New Jersey |
| Died | August 31, 1862 (aged 53) Alexandria, Virginia |
| Place of burial |
Presbyterian Churchyard
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| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
 United States Navy United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1827–1831 (Navy) 1847–1848; 1861–1862 (Army) |
| Rank |  Midshipman Brigadier General |
| Unit | Army of the Potomac |
| Commands held | 3rd New Jersey Volunteer Infantry First New Jersey Brigade |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
George William Taylor (born November 22, 1808 – died August 31, 1862) was an important general who fought for the Union Army during the American Civil War. He led a group of soldiers called a brigade in the Army of the Potomac. Sadly, he was badly hurt during the Battle of Manassas Station in Northern Virginia and died a few days later. A poem called "The General's Death" was even written about him.
Growing Up and Early Jobs
George W. Taylor was born at "Solitude," a big family home near High Bridge, New Jersey. His family had lived there for many generations. His father, Arch Taylor, was a well-known local businessman.
George went to a private military school in Middletown, Connecticut. After school, he joined his father's company, Taylor Iron Works. This company is very old, being the oldest metal factory in the United States. It's also one of the longest-running companies in the world!
In 1827, George joined the United States Navy as a midshipman. This meant he was training to be an officer. He served on a ship called the USS Fairfield from 1828 to 1831. They sailed around the Mediterranean Sea.
When his ship came back to the U.S., he left the Navy. He then worked in his family's business, which involved buying and selling goods.
Fighting in the Mexican-American War
When the war with Mexico started in 1846, George Taylor joined the United States Army. He became a Captain in the 10th U.S. Infantry. He served under General Zachary Taylor, who later became president.
While fighting in Mexico, George became known for being very organized and keeping his soldiers disciplined. He also became good friends with Philip Kearny, who would also become a general in the Civil War.
After the war ended, George left the army. He then joined the California Gold Rush! He spent three years mining for gold near San Francisco. After that, he went back to New Jersey and worked in iron manufacturing until the Civil War began in 1861.
Service in the Civil War
When the Civil War started, George Taylor helped gather and organize soldiers for the 3rd New Jersey Volunteer Infantry. In May 1861, the governor made him the first Colonel of this new group. His son, Archibald II, even served with him as his helper.
Colonel Taylor and his 3rd New Jersey soldiers fought in the First Battle of Bull Run. Later, his regiment joined three other New Jersey regiments. Together, they formed a famous group called the "First New Jersey Brigade."
Taylor's brigade was part of the VI Corps in the Army of the Potomac. They fought in many important battles, including the Seven Days Battles during the Peninsula Campaign.
In June 1862, his friend Philip Kearny was promoted to lead a larger group of soldiers called a division. Because of this, George Taylor was also promoted. He became a brigadier general on May 9, 1862. He then took command of the 1st New Jersey Brigade. He led them during the Seven Days Battles.
During the Northern Virginia campaign, General Taylor's brigade was sent to find out where Confederate troops were moving. On August 27, his brigade unexpectedly ran into Stonewall Jackson's entire army. Taylor was badly wounded in the leg by an artillery shell. He died in a hospital in Washington four days later.
His body was brought back to Clinton, New Jersey, by train. Hundreds of people came to his funeral. He was buried in Riverside Cemetery. A year later, his nephew was killed in the Battle of Chancellorsville and buried next to him.
