Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society

John G Taylor

Rev. John G. Taylor was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on November 13, 1861. After his arrival in Canada, he became active in community affairs and was a charter member of the Woodstock Industrial Institute. He was well known nationally, but particularly known in the Chatham area where he solicited funds for the management of the institute. Rev. Taylor was an active member of the St. John Lodge #9 in Chatham. He also owned and maintained property in both Woodstock and Chatham.

For many years Rev. Taylor was interested in throughbred poultry and became well known for his Brown Leghorns, a breed in which he specialized. The Chatham newspapers record the many times he won honors at the larger shows in Canada and the recognition he recieved at an exhibition in Madison Square Gardens in New York.

Rev. Taylor died in Wookstock on August 19, 1925, and was survived by his wife, Margaret, one brother, Willis of Windsor, and three children, Sylvia Willey of New York City, William A. and Frank. He was buried in the Maple Leaf Cemetery in the city that would never forget him... Chatham. When the Woodstock Institute was closed and reopened as a recreational center, it was renamed the J. G. Taylor Community Center.

Sources:
Chatham Daily Planet, Sept. 11, 1918
Chatham Daily News, Sept. 18 and 24, 1925
Woodstock Industial School - minutes of board meeting