Randolph County, Indiana
J. Vining Taylor
A man of naturally sound judgment and shrewd perception, gallant and thoughtful in his relations with those with whom he comes in contact, characteristics of the typical and well-bred Southerner, is J. Vining Taylor, well known official of The National Hay Association of Winchester, Randolph county. He has so ordered his career as to be eminently eligible to representation in a work of the province of the one in hand. He has risen through his exemplary personal habits, his fidelity to duty, his industry, his desire to deal fairly and promptly with his fellow men, and his name stands high in business circles with which he has come into relationship. His domestic and social relationships have ever been of the most pleasant character, and the fact that his surroundings are such as to make life enjoyable is due solely to his individual merits, his affable and courteous treatment of others and his strict adherence to justice in all his dealings.
Mr. Taylor was born in Richmond, Virginia, July 18, 1877. He is a son of Theodore F. and Florence I. (Goddin) Taylor. The father was a native of Lockport, New York. The mother was a daughter of John M. Goddin, a Southern planter, of Henrico county, Virginia. These parents are now making their home in Washington, D. C. Theodore F. Taylor was one of the substantial and influential citizens in Henrico county, Virginia, and for many years was treasurer of that county. For some time he was engaged in the wholesale commission business in the city of Richmond. He is now a public accountant and auditor for W. D. Moses & Company, of Washington City.
J. Vining Taylor was reared in Richmond and educated in the public schools. But he left school when twelve years of age and went to work for the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad Company as messenger boy in his native city. He remained there with that company for a period of ten years, during which period he worked up to the position of chief clerk of the local freight department. The road changed presidents, G. W. Stevens being elected president in 1898, at which time the main offices of the company were moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, and Mr. Taylor was transferred to the latter city as chief clerk in the freight claim department, in which he remained eighteen months, giving his usual high grade service. His eyes failing, he obtained leave of absence for six months and came to Winchester, Indiana. Here his health improved and he was induced to remain, and he became connected with the Goodrich Brothers Hay & Grain Company, with whom he remained for a period of nine years in the capacity of book-keeper and cashier. He also found time to perform the duties of assistant secretary of The National Hay Association, of which he was elected secretary and treasurer on July 29, 1909. Soon afterward he severed his connection with the Goodrich Brothers and devoted his time to his new duties with the National Hay Association, which responsible position he still holds in a manner that reflects much credit upon himself and to the satisfaction of his employers. It is the largest association of its kind in the world, becoming international by including Canada in its operations. The association is composed of nearly one thousand members, representing the hay, straw and grain interests in nearly every state in the Union and Canada.
On July 1, 1912, Mr. Taylor engaged in business with his brother-in- law, John C. Bates, in the gents' furnishing business in Winchester. He is also a stockholder in the Goodrich Brothers Hay & Grain Company, also has other business interests there.
Mr. Taylor was married in Winchester on August 10, 1899, to Elizabeth A. Johnson, daughter of Thomas H. and Viola E. (Jobes) Johnson, a prominent and influential family of Winchester, where Mrs. Taylor grew to womanhood and was educated. To our subject and wife one daughter has born, Maurine Viola Taylor.
Fraternally, Mr. Taylor is a member of the Masonic Order and the Knights of Pythias and Sons of Veterans; he also belongs to the Illinois Commercial Men's Association, Travelers' Protective Association, the Winchester Business Men's Association and the Randolph Club, having been secretary of the last named for about four years. He and his wife belong to the Presbyterian church, in which he is a deacon, and they are both active in church and Sunday school work, and prominent in the social life of the city. Politically, he is a Republican and is well informed on current issues.
Past and Present of Randolph County, Indiana, 1914.
Contributed by Gina Richardson