Los Angeles County, CA, Biographies

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives 
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm


ELI TAYLOR 
 
was born in Alexandria, Virginia, and is the son of Thomas and Sarah (Talbott) 
Taylor, both natives of Maryland, and both died when Eli was an infant. He was 
reared by Eli Talbott, a gentleman from Maryland. Mr. Taylor learned the trade 
of carpenter and architect; served an apprenticeship of five years, first in 
Washington under John Thoams, and then in Baltimore under J. L. Hayghe. For 
several years he was in the employment of the Government as an architect. He 
started from Alexandria, Virginia, in 1850, for California, and came as far as 
La Grange, Missouri, where he tarried until 1851, when he again took up the line 
of march for the Golden State, reaching Sacramento Valley after a journey across 
the plains with ox and mule teams, which took about six months. He worked at
his trade in that part of the State for two years, then continued his travels to 
Portland, Oregon, Washington Territory and British Possessions, after which he 
moved to Los Angeles and continued work at his trade. In 1862 Mr. Taylor was 
married to Miss Martha Hunter, of Los Angeles. She is a daughter of Jesse D. and 
Keziah Hunter, who were of the first people in Los Angeles. Mr. Hunter was a 
military man, and well known by nearly all the old settlers. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor 
have seven sons: John H., Eli, Jr., Albert, George W., William H., Edgar C. and 
Jesse P. Both Mr. Taylor and his wife are members of the Christian church. 
Socially he is an I. O. O. F., and politically a Democrat. Mr. Taylor is a man 
well beloved by his neighbors, and respected by all who know him. Five years ago 
he had the misfortune to lose his eyesight; but he is still the same sociable 
and agreeable companion that he was before, and his conversation is instructive 
and entertaining.
 
An Illustrated History of Los Angeles County, California �  Chicago, The Lewis 
Publishing Company, 1889   Page 661
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler