Nelson Taylor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nelson Taylor
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 5th district |
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| In office March 4, 1865 – March 3, 1867 |
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| Preceded by | Fernando Wood |
| Succeeded by | John Morrissey |
| Member of the California Senate from San Joaquin |
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| In office 1850–1856 |
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| Succeeded by | William D. Fairhead |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 8, 1821 South Norwalk, Connecticut |
| Died | January 16, 1894 (aged 72) South Norwalk, Connecticut |
| Resting place | Riverside Cemetery, Norwalk, Connecticut |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Mary Ann Taylor (1823 – 1908) |
| Children | Nelson Taylor Jr. (1854 – 1912) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Branch/service | United States Army Union Army |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Commands | 72nd New York Infantry Excelsior Brigade |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War American Civil War |
Nelson Taylor (born June 8, 1821 – died January 16, 1894) was an important American figure. He was a politician who served in the U.S. House of Representatives for New York. He was also a brave brigadier general in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Before that, he was a captain in the U.S. Army during the Mexican-American War.
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Early Life and Career
Nelson Taylor was born in South Norwalk, Connecticut. He went to what were called common schools. These were early versions of today's public schools.
In 1846, he joined the army as a captain. This was for the Mexican–American War. He was sent to California and finished his service in 1848. After the war, he stayed in California. He started a business in Stockton.
California Politics
Taylor became a member of the first California State Senate. He served from December 1849 to February 1850. He supported growing the California government. He also wanted a transcontinental railroad. This railroad would connect California to the East Coast.
He was asked to leave the Senate in February 1850. This was because he was often away for business in New York City. But it was made clear that this decision was not because of any bad behavior. Later, he was the President of the Board of Trustees for the State Insane Asylum. He held this role from 1850 to 1856. In 1855, he was elected sheriff of San Joaquin County.
In 1856, Taylor moved back to New York City. He then studied law at Harvard University. He finished his law degree in 1860. After that, he became a lawyer in New York City. He tried to get elected to Congress in 1860 but did not win.
Civil War Service
When the American Civil War began, Nelson Taylor joined the Union Army. He became a colonel in the 72nd New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment in July 1861. In March 1862, he took command of the Excelsior Brigade. This was an important group of soldiers.
Key Battles
Taylor led his troops in several major battles. He fought at the Battle of Williamsburg and the Second Battle of Bull Run. In September 1862, he was promoted to Brigadier General. This promotion came from General McClellan. He then joined the First Army Corps.
He commanded a brigade during the Battle of Fredericksburg. Here, he was praised for his bravery. He helped capture a key bridge early in the battle. Taylor's troops were on the front lines. They faced strong Confederate forces. Even when his men ran out of ammunition, he told them to use their bayonets.
During the battle, his commanding general, John Gibbon, was injured. Taylor took over the division. He tried to reinforce the Union lines. However, his troops suffered heavy losses. They were eventually forced to retreat. Even though it was a difficult battle, Taylor's actions earned him high praise.
Taylor left the army in January 1863. He then returned to New York City. He started his law practice again.
Serving in Congress
In 1865, Nelson Taylor was elected to the 39th United States Congress. He represented New York. He was a member of the Democratic Party. He was known as a "War Democrat." This meant he supported the Union's efforts in the Civil War.
Reconstruction Era
In Congress, Taylor served on the Select Committee on Freedmen. This committee dealt with issues after the Civil War. These issues were part of the Reconstruction period. He voted on many bills related to this time.
Taylor did not support the Freedmen's Bureau being continued in 1866. He believed it went too far. He thought it would make formerly enslaved people "superior" instead of just "equal." He also did not want to give financial help to the Southern states. However, he did support allowing Southern states to rejoin the Union. He also voted to protect the rights of African-Americans.
Taylor strongly supported building federal infrastructure in the West. He also wanted to help Native Americans who had lost their lands. He often voted to raise soldiers' salaries. He also supported paying soldiers who fought in the early parts of the war.
Taylor tried to be re-elected in 1866 but lost. He was defeated by John Morrissey.
Later Years
In 1869, Nelson Taylor moved back to South Norwalk, Connecticut. He continued to work as a lawyer there. He also served several times as the city attorney.
Nelson Taylor passed away in South Norwalk, Connecticut, on January 16, 1894. He was buried in Riverside Cemetery. His son, Nelson Taylor Jr., later became the mayor of South Norwalk. He also served as a Connecticut State Senator.
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Nelson Taylor
