George
William Taylor was born November 22nd 1808 at his family home
“Solitude” in High Bridge, New Jersey, the son of Archibald Stewart and Nancy
Ann (Bray) Taylor. He graduated from Partridge's
American Literary, Scientific and Military Academy in Middletown, Connecticut. After graduation Taylor went to work at his
father’s company Taylor Iron & Steel Company. In 1827 He joined the United States Navy,
serving until 1831, when he went back into family business. When the Mexican American War started Taylor
served under General Zachary Taylor in the 10th US Infantry. Following his service in the Mexican American
War, he spent a time looking for gold in California, before returning to New
Jersey and the iron company.
When the
Civil War started Taylor help recruit what would become the 3rd New
Jersey Infantry. He would be their
Colonel. The 3rd would become
a part the famed “First New Jersey Brigade” and Taylor and the 3rd
would see action at First Bull Run and many battles during the Peninsula
Campaign. Taylor was promoted May 9th
1862 to Brigadier General and given command of the 1st New Jersey Brigade. On August 27th 1862 while Taylor’s
Brigade was deployed at Manassas Junction near Bull Run Bridge, he was wounded
in leg by an artillery shell.
Taylor died
August 31st 1862 in the Washington, DC area. His body was sent by train to Clinton, New
Jersey. He is buried in the Riverside
Cemetery in Clinton, New Jersey.
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