John Stansel Taylor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Stansel Taylor
|
|
---|---|
![]() Picture of Senator Taylor from Tampa Bay Library Consortium Archives
|
|
Born | Near Largo, Florida, U.S.
|
March 25, 1871
Died | August 1936 |
(aged 65)
Occupation | Politician, businessman |
Spouse(s) | Flossie Campbell |
John Stansel Taylor was an important politician and businessman from Largo, Florida. He grew and packed citrus fruits. He became the very first State Senator for Pinellas County, Florida.
John Taylor was born near Largo on March 21, 1871. At that time, Largo was not yet a town. The area was part of Hillsborough County, Florida. His parents were early settlers of the Pinellas Peninsula. John was one of the first people born in the Largo area.
He was one of four family members who served in the Florida State Legislature. John Taylor owned a lot of land in Pinellas County. He had many citrus groves and a plant to pack the fruit. Largo was even called "Citrus City" because of this.
John Taylor was also the President of the Florida Citrus Exchange. He was part of the State Citrus Commission. Many people called him "the father of Pinellas County." He passed away in 1936. Today, Taylor Lake Park in Pinellas County is named after him.
Contents
Early Life and Family
As a child, John Taylor worked on his family's citrus groves. He also helped at their fruit packing plant. On May 2, 1901, he married Flossie Campbell.
In 1903, John Taylor built his own citrus packing plant. It was located in Largo, at the corner of Missouri Avenue and Bay Drive.
Political Career and Achievements
John Taylor served as a representative for Hillsborough County. He was in the State Legislature from 1905 to 1910. During this time, he strongly supported making Pinellas a separate county.
In 1911, he became the mayor of Largo, Florida. In 1913, he helped Largo become the first Florida town to use a council-manager government. This means a city manager runs the daily business, not just the mayor.
Creating Pinellas County
John Taylor continued his fight to separate the Pinellas Peninsula. He wanted it to be its own county, separate from Hillsborough County. He spoke to the Legislature and led a big meeting in Largo. At this meeting, the "Pinellas Declaration of Independence" was read. This important paper was written by W. L. Straub, an editor for the St. Petersburg Times.
The Legislature agreed to create Pinellas County. It officially began on January 1, 1912. In September 1912, Pinellas County elected John Taylor to the Florida Senate. He won against his opponent with 384 votes to 307.
County Commissioner and Senate President
John Taylor also served as the leader of the Pinellas County Board of Commissioners. He held this position from 1915 to 1923. As a commissioner, he helped improve how road building contracts were given out. He pushed for a county-wide road system. At the time, Pinellas roads were not very good, and building new ones was a big debate.
In May 1924, he became the president of the "Citrus City" Growers Association. In 1925, he became the President of the Florida Senate.
Later Political and Business Life
During his time as Senate President, there was a big discussion in Florida. People debated whether evolution should be taught in public schools. Senator Taylor was against teaching evolution. He used his power as Senate President to try and get a bill passed. This bill would have stopped evolution from being taught. However, people who disagreed found out and stopped the bill from passing. In 1928, he tried to become governor but was not successful.
In 1929, he became president of the Florida Horticultural Society. John Taylor's citrus groves and packing plant were very important to Largo's economy. They helped the town during the Great Depression. In 1931, his packing plant burned down. He quickly rented space from another packer. Then, he built a new plant on Seminole Boulevard. This is where Largo Central Park is now.
His business interests also included being president of the Bank of Clearwater. He was also a director of the People's Bank of Clearwater and Largo. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He was also a leader at Largo First Methodist Church. In 1932, he was a member of the Democratic National Committee. In 1935, he was elected president of the Florida Citrus Exchange. He continued to serve in the Florida Senate and support the citrus industry until his death.
Death
John Taylor had a heart attack while traveling to promote Florida citrus. He passed away at home a week later in August 1936.