John May Taylor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John May Taylor
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Tennessee's 8th district |
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| In office March 4, 1883 – March 3, 1887 |
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| Preceded by | John Atkins |
| Succeeded by | Benjamin A. Enloe |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 18, 1838 Lexington, Tennessee |
| Died | February 17, 1911 (aged 72) Lexington, Tennessee |
| Citizenship |  United States |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Amanda McHaney Taylor |
| Children | Mary Lou Taylor Harmon
William McHaney Taylor Nannie Taylor Jesse Taylor Daisy Taylor John M Taylor |
| Alma mater | Union University Cumberland School of Law |
| Profession | Attorney
Politician Judge |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Branch/service | Confederate States Army |
| Rank |  Major (CSA) |
| Unit | 27th Tennessee Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
John May Taylor (born May 18, 1838 – died February 17, 1911) was an important American politician and judge from Tennessee. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives, which is part of the United States Congress. He also held many other important jobs in his home state, like being a mayor and a judge.
Contents
About John May Taylor
Early Life and Education
John May Taylor was born in Lexington, Tennessee, on May 18, 1838. His parents were Jesse and Mary May Taylor. He went to school at the Male Academy in Lexington. He also studied at Union University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
In 1861, he earned a law degree from Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee. That same year, he became a lawyer and started his law practice in Lexington. On October 10, 1864, he married Amanda McHaney. They had eight children together.
Serving in the Military
During the American Civil War, John May Taylor joined the Confederate States Army. In June 1861, he was chosen as a first lieutenant. He was later promoted to captain. In 1862, he became a major in the Twenty-seventh Tennessee Regiment.
Local and State Politics
After the war, Taylor became involved in politics. He served as the mayor of Lexington in 1869 and 1870. In 1870, he was a delegate to Tennessee's State constitutional convention. This was a meeting to help write new rules for the state.
From 1870 to 1878, he worked as the Attorney General for the eleventh judicial circuit of Tennessee. This meant he was the main lawyer for that area. In 1880, he was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. He also served in the State house of representatives in 1881 and 1882.
A Voice in Congress
John May Taylor was elected as a Democrat to the U.S. House of Representatives. He served in the Forty-eighth and Forty-ninth Congresses. His time in Congress was from March 4, 1883, to March 3, 1887.
While in Congress, he led the Committee on Expenditures in the Department of the Navy. This committee looked at how money was spent in the Navy department.
Becoming a Judge
After his time in Congress, Taylor continued his work in law. He was a member of the State senate in 1892. In 1895, he was appointed as a judge for the criminal court in the eleventh judicial circuit. He was later elected to this position for a six-year term. He served until the court was closed.
In August 1902, Taylor was elected as a judge for the court of chancery appeals. The name of this court was later changed to the court of civil appeals. He was reelected in 1910 for an eight-year term. He continued to serve as a judge until he passed away.
Later Life and Passing
John May Taylor died in Lexington, Tennessee, on February 17, 1911. He was buried in the Lexington Cemetery.
