William W. Taylor
Born: 11 September 1853
Called to Presidency of the Seventy: 7 April 1880
Died: 1 August 1884
Called to Presidency of the Seventy: 7 April 1880
Died: 1 August 1884
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Biographical Articles
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 1
Juvenile Instructor, 1 March 1877, From a Young Missionary
Contributor, August 1884, William W. Taylor
Juvenile Instructor, 1 March 1877, From a Young Missionary
Contributor, August 1884, William W. Taylor
Jenson, Andrew. "Taylor, William Whittaker." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 1. pg. 199-200.
TAYLOR, William Whittaker. one of the First Seven Presidents of all the Seventies from 1880 to 1884, was the son of President John Taylor, and Harriet Whittaker, and was born Sept. 11, 1853, in Salt Lake City, Utah. With the exception of the time spent on a mission to Great Britain, he resided in the Fourteenth ward (where he was born) constantly from birth to death. After leaving school he obtained employment in the manufacturing establishment of Messrs. Folsom, Romney & Taylor, and succeeded in obtaining considerable knowledge of the business and of the carpenter's trade before he was called on a mission to Europe. While yet a youth he became a Teacher in the Ward and in the Sunday School, where he lived, performing the duties of each to the entire satisfaction of his superiors. Though naturally of a sedate turn of mind, religiously inclined, and free from all levity, he had a keen sense of humor and could appreciate pleasantry with great enjoyment. A little incident is related by an intimate friend which fully exemplifies his high sense of probity and honor. When a mere boy he, with a companion, went to the old adobe yard, where a skating pond had been prepared, for entering which a charge of 25 cents was made. William and his friend were anxious to get on the pond to skate, but they had no money. They succeeded, however, without the knowledge of the proprietor, in effecting an entrance. When William thought of what he had done, he felt condemned, and to satisfy his conscience resolved to repay the man with the first money he could earn. In course of time he earned a dollar, and he immediately took it to him and insisted upon his taking a four-fold payment for the wrong he had done him. At the April conference, 1875, he was called on a mission to Great Britain; he was ordained a Seventy and set apart for that mission Oct. 11, 1875, by Orson Pratt, and on the 26th of the same month, he took his departure. He returned home Oct. 16, 1877, bringing with him the love and confidence of the Elders and Saints with and among whom he labored. He filled his mission to England with that zeal and fidelity which were characteristic of him in all his labors. Shortly after his return, at a meeting of the Priesthood of the Salt Lake Stake of Zion. held Nov. 3. 1877, he was chosen as Stake clerk and clerk of the High Council. This position he filled till the time of his death. He was a sample clerk, possessing the rare faculty of seizing all the salient points of the case under discussion and presenting them in a terse and condensed form. No one could fail, after reading his minutes, to get a clear conception of every point involved and the arguments of both sides, and it was rarely they had to be corrected. At the death of Albert P. Rockwood. the question arose as to who should be appointed to fill the vacancy made by his departure in the First Council of Seventies. The residents in attendance at a certain meeting mentioned various names, and as they did not readily unite upon any one. President Joseph Young, who had favored the selection of Wm. W. Taylor for the position, suggested that all the names be written on separate slips of paper and be placed in a box. and that one of the brethren should draw each slip separately, while he should sit with his back to the box: and when the slip should be drawn that the spirit indicated held the name that should be selected, he would mention it. Seymour B. Young drew the slips without, of course, giving any indication as to the name written upon each. One slip was drawn. The response from President Joseph Young was "Go on." Another was drawn, with the same response. A third was drawn, and Brother Seymour B. Young was told he need not draw any more, for that was the right one. An examination of the paper disclosed the name of Wm. W. Taylor, and those present agreed to his nomination, and it was afterwards agreed to by all the authorities and sustained at the general conference. Consequently, Elder Taylor was ordained and set apart as one of the First Seven Presidents of Seventies. After the settlements of the Saints had become numerous and widespread in the mountains, the organization of the several quorums of Seventies, which had been effected when the people were living in a limited area, was felt to be unsuited to the new condition and circumstances in which the Seventies were placed. When Elder Taylor took his place as one of the seven presidents of that body, he devoted much thought to the subject, and to the best method of correcting the inconveniences which arose, from having the members of the different quorums living so wide apart and scattered among the different Stakes. President John Taylor’s attention having also been drawn to the subject, he received a revelation, in which instruction was given in regard to the proper method of reorganizing the Seventies. None were more delighted by this word of the Lord than Wm. W. Taylor. He took hold of the labor with the utmost earnestness and zeal, and scarcely a Sunday passed after the revelation was received that he was not engaged in some of the Stakes, giving the Seventies instructions and helping them to perfect the organization upon the plan suggested by the Lord. The devotion and wisdom which he exhibited in his labor called forth the praise of the l)residing authorities and the admiration of his fellow servants of the Seventies. At the general election for members of the legislative assembly of Utah, in 1883, he was elected a member of the council, and in him his constituents felt they had a representative who could be trusted to stand by and defend their rights and interest to the utmost extremity. He never faltered in the discharge of his duty, and was inflexible in demanding for the people every right which belonged to free men. In February. 1884, he was elected assessor and collector of taxes for Salt Lake City, to which office he devoted himself with assiduity and energy. In the evening of Saturday, July 26, 1884, he was attacked with bilious colic, which caused his death Friday morning, Aug. 1, 1884, in Salt Lake City. (See also "Deseret News," Vol. 33 (weekly), p. 470.)
TAYLOR, William Whittaker. one of the First Seven Presidents of all the Seventies from 1880 to 1884, was the son of President John Taylor, and Harriet Whittaker, and was born Sept. 11, 1853, in Salt Lake City, Utah. With the exception of the time spent on a mission to Great Britain, he resided in the Fourteenth ward (where he was born) constantly from birth to death. After leaving school he obtained employment in the manufacturing establishment of Messrs. Folsom, Romney & Taylor, and succeeded in obtaining considerable knowledge of the business and of the carpenter's trade before he was called on a mission to Europe. While yet a youth he became a Teacher in the Ward and in the Sunday School, where he lived, performing the duties of each to the entire satisfaction of his superiors. Though naturally of a sedate turn of mind, religiously inclined, and free from all levity, he had a keen sense of humor and could appreciate pleasantry with great enjoyment. A little incident is related by an intimate friend which fully exemplifies his high sense of probity and honor. When a mere boy he, with a companion, went to the old adobe yard, where a skating pond had been prepared, for entering which a charge of 25 cents was made. William and his friend were anxious to get on the pond to skate, but they had no money. They succeeded, however, without the knowledge of the proprietor, in effecting an entrance. When William thought of what he had done, he felt condemned, and to satisfy his conscience resolved to repay the man with the first money he could earn. In course of time he earned a dollar, and he immediately took it to him and insisted upon his taking a four-fold payment for the wrong he had done him. At the April conference, 1875, he was called on a mission to Great Britain; he was ordained a Seventy and set apart for that mission Oct. 11, 1875, by Orson Pratt, and on the 26th of the same month, he took his departure. He returned home Oct. 16, 1877, bringing with him the love and confidence of the Elders and Saints with and among whom he labored. He filled his mission to England with that zeal and fidelity which were characteristic of him in all his labors. Shortly after his return, at a meeting of the Priesthood of the Salt Lake Stake of Zion. held Nov. 3. 1877, he was chosen as Stake clerk and clerk of the High Council. This position he filled till the time of his death. He was a sample clerk, possessing the rare faculty of seizing all the salient points of the case under discussion and presenting them in a terse and condensed form. No one could fail, after reading his minutes, to get a clear conception of every point involved and the arguments of both sides, and it was rarely they had to be corrected. At the death of Albert P. Rockwood. the question arose as to who should be appointed to fill the vacancy made by his departure in the First Council of Seventies. The residents in attendance at a certain meeting mentioned various names, and as they did not readily unite upon any one. President Joseph Young, who had favored the selection of Wm. W. Taylor for the position, suggested that all the names be written on separate slips of paper and be placed in a box. and that one of the brethren should draw each slip separately, while he should sit with his back to the box: and when the slip should be drawn that the spirit indicated held the name that should be selected, he would mention it. Seymour B. Young drew the slips without, of course, giving any indication as to the name written upon each. One slip was drawn. The response from President Joseph Young was "Go on." Another was drawn, with the same response. A third was drawn, and Brother Seymour B. Young was told he need not draw any more, for that was the right one. An examination of the paper disclosed the name of Wm. W. Taylor, and those present agreed to his nomination, and it was afterwards agreed to by all the authorities and sustained at the general conference. Consequently, Elder Taylor was ordained and set apart as one of the First Seven Presidents of Seventies. After the settlements of the Saints had become numerous and widespread in the mountains, the organization of the several quorums of Seventies, which had been effected when the people were living in a limited area, was felt to be unsuited to the new condition and circumstances in which the Seventies were placed. When Elder Taylor took his place as one of the seven presidents of that body, he devoted much thought to the subject, and to the best method of correcting the inconveniences which arose, from having the members of the different quorums living so wide apart and scattered among the different Stakes. President John Taylor’s attention having also been drawn to the subject, he received a revelation, in which instruction was given in regard to the proper method of reorganizing the Seventies. None were more delighted by this word of the Lord than Wm. W. Taylor. He took hold of the labor with the utmost earnestness and zeal, and scarcely a Sunday passed after the revelation was received that he was not engaged in some of the Stakes, giving the Seventies instructions and helping them to perfect the organization upon the plan suggested by the Lord. The devotion and wisdom which he exhibited in his labor called forth the praise of the l)residing authorities and the admiration of his fellow servants of the Seventies. At the general election for members of the legislative assembly of Utah, in 1883, he was elected a member of the council, and in him his constituents felt they had a representative who could be trusted to stand by and defend their rights and interest to the utmost extremity. He never faltered in the discharge of his duty, and was inflexible in demanding for the people every right which belonged to free men. In February. 1884, he was elected assessor and collector of taxes for Salt Lake City, to which office he devoted himself with assiduity and energy. In the evening of Saturday, July 26, 1884, he was attacked with bilious colic, which caused his death Friday morning, Aug. 1, 1884, in Salt Lake City. (See also "Deseret News," Vol. 33 (weekly), p. 470.)
"From a Young Missionary." Juvenile Instructor. 1 March 1877. pg. 58-59.
From a Young Missionary.
WE select the following from a letter written from Leeds, England, by Elder Wm. W. Taylor, to his former teachers and schoolmates of the 14th Ward Sunday school.
"It was one year last October since I left, homo to come to this country: I arrived at Liverpool on the 13th of November, and was assigned the day following to labor in the Leeds Conference, under the presidency of Elder Lorenzo Brown, and in company with Elder Edward W. Clark, of Santaquin. They were good, fatherly men and rendered me every assistance that was for my good I often used to tell them I was afraid they would spoil us with indulgence; but whether they did or not, I shall always remember with pleasure my association with them here.
"When I first came, I was given the wrong address, and experienced some difficulty in finding any of the Saints; but was cordially welcomed when I found them. The day after my arrival at Leeds being Sunday, I went to the Leeds Sunday school and delivered my first address in England to the children, and I can assure you I did not weary their patience. I was called upon twice more during the day and began to feel a little more settled.
"Brothers Brown and Clark were absent from Leeds when I came, and I did not see either of them until Wednesday night, when Brother Clark came; and I do not think I was ever more pleased to meet any one in my life, although I had never seen him before. Brother Brown came back on the day following, when Brother Clark and I were sent to Bradford to labor among the Saints, and do as much preaching to others as we could. Brother Clark had some bills printed, announcing that W. W. Taylor and E. W. Clark, of Salt Lake City, would preach at Clayton, on the principles of the gospel. We spent the week in visiting among the Saints, and on Sunday, according to appointment, went to Clayton. The house was very well filled in the afternoon, and they gave good attention while I was speaking, but during Brother Clark's remarks they became uneasy. Some of the boys began shuffling their feet and laughing. They were encouraged and invited to create a disturbance by a Methodist local preacher. I was invited to the house of a gentleman in the village, who introduced me to several of his friends as "a gentleman from Salt Like City." Being a man of considerable influence, he sent us a policeman in the evening, and we had a very orderly meeting though the house was quite crowded.
"When I first went to Clayton, I felt very timid about standing before a congregation of strangers; for I could not refer to a single passage in the Bible, though I had read it through several times; but when I stood up to speak, things came to me that I had forgotten, as well as many arguments that I had never heard before, and I really astonished myself, so powerfully did the Spirit work through me. Although it is very embarrassing for an inexperienced person to stand before a congregation to teach them principles pertaining to their salvation, I do not think there is anything that could give a person greater joy than to stand up and speak under the influence of the Spirit of God; for, under its influence everything is made plain to our minds and a person is enabled to say just what he should, and say it, too, in such a way as to touch the honest in heart wherever they hear it. I can say for one that I have received some of the greatest testimonies of the truth of the gospel, while standing to preach to others, and have also understood many of the principles of the gospel more plainly than ever before; and many arguments in support of chem have then come to me that I had never before thought of; so that I can testify truthfully, that if my labors here have benefited no one else, the experience lam gaining will amply repay me for any loss of time or the association of friends and family I may have to endure.
"Brother Clark went with me for some time after my arrival and introduced me among the Saints; afterwards (as soon as I was thought competent) I was sent off alone, making my own appointments as I thought fit. Since then I have been traveling and preaching wherever opportunity offered, and have always felt blessed in serving God and endeavoring to proclaim His word.
Brothers Brown and Clark have since returned home; Brother L. D. Young is now laboring here with me.
"There are a great many things here that would interest you, no doubt; and I think there is one thing you would learn by coming here; that is, to appreciate your mountain home; for I do not think you can properly appreciate them until you see the crowded up condition of the people here in the centre of some of the larger cities, where there is no place for the children to play near horns, without going into the streets, and then they are in constant danger of being killed by a cart or some other conveyance running over them. One poor little girl about two years old, who was just learning to toddle nicely, want outside while her mother turned her back; she was dead when they brought her in again; a horse had knocked her down and stepped on her head. This was near where we stay, and is considered a very quiet part of the town. In walking through town, you will see little boys and girls crying newspapers and matches. They would be glad of some of the old clothes that many of you would be ashamed to be seen in, and would consider themselves, if they had them, well dressed. Of course, this is only the very poor, but even the working classes (to which the Saints generally belong) are not in the condition that any of you would like to be in. I know many quite young children who go out every morning before six o'clock to work in the factories, and by this means they manage to save enough means to keep them going when they are out of work, that is, if they are very careful. Some of them are not very careful. I used to visit one family of the Saints pretty often, and was always cordially welcomed and urgently invited when leaving, to call again. I learned afterwards that they used to pawn their clothes when I went, to get me a good dinner. As soon as I learned this, I endeavored to make my calls between meals. I sometimes wonder if I, under such circumstances, could as cordially welcome persons with whom I had .scarcely any acquaintance and no relationship, excepting the gospel covenant. And yet they .say they are blessed in entertaining God's servants, and look upon us as the ancient Israelites looked upon the ark of God—wherever that rested the people were blessed. I can assure you it is very encouraging to us to .see that our labors are recognized and .sustained by "Our Father." I would not exchange this assurance for the position and salary of the greatest man on earth, for I am sure his position could not give him any more satisfaction."
From a Young Missionary.
WE select the following from a letter written from Leeds, England, by Elder Wm. W. Taylor, to his former teachers and schoolmates of the 14th Ward Sunday school.
"It was one year last October since I left, homo to come to this country: I arrived at Liverpool on the 13th of November, and was assigned the day following to labor in the Leeds Conference, under the presidency of Elder Lorenzo Brown, and in company with Elder Edward W. Clark, of Santaquin. They were good, fatherly men and rendered me every assistance that was for my good I often used to tell them I was afraid they would spoil us with indulgence; but whether they did or not, I shall always remember with pleasure my association with them here.
"When I first came, I was given the wrong address, and experienced some difficulty in finding any of the Saints; but was cordially welcomed when I found them. The day after my arrival at Leeds being Sunday, I went to the Leeds Sunday school and delivered my first address in England to the children, and I can assure you I did not weary their patience. I was called upon twice more during the day and began to feel a little more settled.
"Brothers Brown and Clark were absent from Leeds when I came, and I did not see either of them until Wednesday night, when Brother Clark came; and I do not think I was ever more pleased to meet any one in my life, although I had never seen him before. Brother Brown came back on the day following, when Brother Clark and I were sent to Bradford to labor among the Saints, and do as much preaching to others as we could. Brother Clark had some bills printed, announcing that W. W. Taylor and E. W. Clark, of Salt Lake City, would preach at Clayton, on the principles of the gospel. We spent the week in visiting among the Saints, and on Sunday, according to appointment, went to Clayton. The house was very well filled in the afternoon, and they gave good attention while I was speaking, but during Brother Clark's remarks they became uneasy. Some of the boys began shuffling their feet and laughing. They were encouraged and invited to create a disturbance by a Methodist local preacher. I was invited to the house of a gentleman in the village, who introduced me to several of his friends as "a gentleman from Salt Like City." Being a man of considerable influence, he sent us a policeman in the evening, and we had a very orderly meeting though the house was quite crowded.
"When I first went to Clayton, I felt very timid about standing before a congregation of strangers; for I could not refer to a single passage in the Bible, though I had read it through several times; but when I stood up to speak, things came to me that I had forgotten, as well as many arguments that I had never heard before, and I really astonished myself, so powerfully did the Spirit work through me. Although it is very embarrassing for an inexperienced person to stand before a congregation to teach them principles pertaining to their salvation, I do not think there is anything that could give a person greater joy than to stand up and speak under the influence of the Spirit of God; for, under its influence everything is made plain to our minds and a person is enabled to say just what he should, and say it, too, in such a way as to touch the honest in heart wherever they hear it. I can say for one that I have received some of the greatest testimonies of the truth of the gospel, while standing to preach to others, and have also understood many of the principles of the gospel more plainly than ever before; and many arguments in support of chem have then come to me that I had never before thought of; so that I can testify truthfully, that if my labors here have benefited no one else, the experience lam gaining will amply repay me for any loss of time or the association of friends and family I may have to endure.
"Brother Clark went with me for some time after my arrival and introduced me among the Saints; afterwards (as soon as I was thought competent) I was sent off alone, making my own appointments as I thought fit. Since then I have been traveling and preaching wherever opportunity offered, and have always felt blessed in serving God and endeavoring to proclaim His word.
Brothers Brown and Clark have since returned home; Brother L. D. Young is now laboring here with me.
"There are a great many things here that would interest you, no doubt; and I think there is one thing you would learn by coming here; that is, to appreciate your mountain home; for I do not think you can properly appreciate them until you see the crowded up condition of the people here in the centre of some of the larger cities, where there is no place for the children to play near horns, without going into the streets, and then they are in constant danger of being killed by a cart or some other conveyance running over them. One poor little girl about two years old, who was just learning to toddle nicely, want outside while her mother turned her back; she was dead when they brought her in again; a horse had knocked her down and stepped on her head. This was near where we stay, and is considered a very quiet part of the town. In walking through town, you will see little boys and girls crying newspapers and matches. They would be glad of some of the old clothes that many of you would be ashamed to be seen in, and would consider themselves, if they had them, well dressed. Of course, this is only the very poor, but even the working classes (to which the Saints generally belong) are not in the condition that any of you would like to be in. I know many quite young children who go out every morning before six o'clock to work in the factories, and by this means they manage to save enough means to keep them going when they are out of work, that is, if they are very careful. Some of them are not very careful. I used to visit one family of the Saints pretty often, and was always cordially welcomed and urgently invited when leaving, to call again. I learned afterwards that they used to pawn their clothes when I went, to get me a good dinner. As soon as I learned this, I endeavored to make my calls between meals. I sometimes wonder if I, under such circumstances, could as cordially welcome persons with whom I had .scarcely any acquaintance and no relationship, excepting the gospel covenant. And yet they .say they are blessed in entertaining God's servants, and look upon us as the ancient Israelites looked upon the ark of God—wherever that rested the people were blessed. I can assure you it is very encouraging to us to .see that our labors are recognized and .sustained by "Our Father." I would not exchange this assurance for the position and salary of the greatest man on earth, for I am sure his position could not give him any more satisfaction."
"William W. Taylor." Contributor. August 1884. pg. 434-435.
WILLIAM W. TAYLOR.
We are called again to mourn the loss of a friend and brother, whose association has been to those best acquainted with him a source of the greatest pleasure and comfort; whose agreeable disposition made him one of the most lovable of men, and whose splendid character won from all who met him the sincerest respect. Elder William W. Taylor, though but thirty years of age at the time of his death, had already made for himself a name that will long be remembered and cherished by those among whom he lived and labored. Early in life he displayed the rare qualities of head and heart that lie at the foundation of a great man's career. He was in a remarkable degree a lover of truth and all principles of probity and honor for their own sake. To him there was no greater pleasure than the practice of those principles, and he rarely if ever lost an opportunity of proving his devotion to them. The instance quoted in the editorial of the Deseret News of his absolute fidelity to principles of honor serves as an illustration of his life's practice and as an example of his teachings to his fellow men: "When a mere boy, he with a companion went to the old adobe yard, where a skating pond had been prepared, for entering which a charge of twenty- five cents was made. William and his friend were anxious to get on the pond to skate, but they had no money. They succeeded, however, without the knowledge of the proprietor, in effecting an entrance. When William thought of what he had done, he felt condemned, and to satisfy his conscience resolved to repay the man with the first money he could earn. He earned a dollar, and he immediately took it to him and insisted upon his taking a four-fold payment for the wrong he had done him."
William Whittaker Taylor, the son of President John Taylor and Harriet Whittaker Taylor, was born September 11, 1853, in the Fourteenth Ward, Salt Lake City, Utah. He resided in the same Ward all his life, and was never absent from the Territory, except on brief visits, with the exception of the time spent upon a mission to Great Britain. During his school days, and at a very early age in life Brother Taylor evinced strong religious convictions and a desire to be useful in the work of the ministry. Thus at an age quite unusual, he became a teacher in the Sabbath school, and performed the duties of Teacher in the Ward for several years, before being called to go upon his mission abroad. He was also chosen by Elder Edward W. Davis and regularly sustained by the general conference as first counselor in the presidency of the Elders' quorum, an office which he faithfully filled to the satisfaction of his brethren. It was in this office and while attending the meetings of the Elders' quorum in the years 1874-5, that we became personally acquainted with Brother William, and formed a friendship that has been constant and to us one of the most gratifying and profitable of our lives.
At the October conference, 1875, Elder Taylor was called to go upon a mission to Great Britain, leaving home on the 26th of that month. He spent nearly two years abroad, returning October 16, 1877, during which the duties of a missionary, a messenger of life and salvation, were performed with that zeal and energy which was characteristic of him in all his labors. He won the esteem of the Saints abroad, and was a favorite among the Elders associated with him. No blemish attached to his ministry among the people there, and he bore to them a faithful testimony, warning the wicked and teaching them repentance, while comforting the faithful with words of encouragement and an example of purity and integrity that is remembered by them and has its influence to this day, and will for all time to come.
On returning home he was appointed clerk of the High Council of Salt Lake Stake of Zion, and was sustained as a home missionary in the Stake. The laborious duties of the former office were well and carefully performed, though often requiring him to labor long hours both day and night, the sessions ;of the High Council generally being in the evening and frequently lasting until midnight. In recording the proceedings of these Councils and taking the minutes of Stake conferences, missionary and quorum meetings, etc., he became an expert, and leaves lasting evidence of his capability, in this respect, in the carefully preserved records made by him.
In April, 1850, Brother Taylor was chosen to be one of the First Seven Presidents of the Seventies, succeeding in that office Elder A. P. Rockwood, deceased. To his careful attention and indefatigable labor may be fairly ascribed much of the success that has attended the local organizations of the Seventies, brought about since the instructions were received to fill the quorums and put them in order. He was well adapted for this work and will be remembered for his assiduous connection with it.
In political matters, Brother William had, for one of his age, unusual experience, having attended many conventions, labored several times as an officer of the Territorial Legislative Assembly, and at its last session, as a member of the Council, in which capacity he displayed excellent judgment and rendered most satisfactory service to his constituents. He was elected last February to the office of Assessor and Collector of Salt Lake City, which office he held at the time of his death. On the Saturday previous to his demise, he performed the last public labor of his life, as delegate to the convention for the nomination of county officers.
On Tuesday morning, August 5, 1884, at 4 o'clock, Brother William peacefully passed away. He had been confined to his bed but a few days, and his sufferings were not prolonged, but from the beginning of his illness he had no faith that he would recover. Prest. George Q. Cannon and other brethren administered to him and seemed to have strong testimony that their prayers would avail, but it was ordered otherwise, and his noble spirit, called to a higher sphere, could not be retained on earth.
"In the morning of his days, in the midst of a career of great usefulness, at a time when his services were in great demand here, and when his future earthly life appeared full of bright promise, he has been called away to labor in a higher and more extended sphere. His family and friends and associates will miss him. Their grief is profound, and would be inconsolable if it were not for the promise and comforting hopes of the Gospel. That glorious plan, however, assures us that in leaving this state of existence, he goes to enter upon a better one, and that there he will find opportunity for the fullest exercise of the choicest qualities which made him so loving and attractive while here. That God who gave him life has seen fit to call him hence, and it is for us who remain to bow in humble submission to the will of Him who rules both in heaven and on earth, and will in all eternity."
WILLIAM W. TAYLOR.
We are called again to mourn the loss of a friend and brother, whose association has been to those best acquainted with him a source of the greatest pleasure and comfort; whose agreeable disposition made him one of the most lovable of men, and whose splendid character won from all who met him the sincerest respect. Elder William W. Taylor, though but thirty years of age at the time of his death, had already made for himself a name that will long be remembered and cherished by those among whom he lived and labored. Early in life he displayed the rare qualities of head and heart that lie at the foundation of a great man's career. He was in a remarkable degree a lover of truth and all principles of probity and honor for their own sake. To him there was no greater pleasure than the practice of those principles, and he rarely if ever lost an opportunity of proving his devotion to them. The instance quoted in the editorial of the Deseret News of his absolute fidelity to principles of honor serves as an illustration of his life's practice and as an example of his teachings to his fellow men: "When a mere boy, he with a companion went to the old adobe yard, where a skating pond had been prepared, for entering which a charge of twenty- five cents was made. William and his friend were anxious to get on the pond to skate, but they had no money. They succeeded, however, without the knowledge of the proprietor, in effecting an entrance. When William thought of what he had done, he felt condemned, and to satisfy his conscience resolved to repay the man with the first money he could earn. He earned a dollar, and he immediately took it to him and insisted upon his taking a four-fold payment for the wrong he had done him."
William Whittaker Taylor, the son of President John Taylor and Harriet Whittaker Taylor, was born September 11, 1853, in the Fourteenth Ward, Salt Lake City, Utah. He resided in the same Ward all his life, and was never absent from the Territory, except on brief visits, with the exception of the time spent upon a mission to Great Britain. During his school days, and at a very early age in life Brother Taylor evinced strong religious convictions and a desire to be useful in the work of the ministry. Thus at an age quite unusual, he became a teacher in the Sabbath school, and performed the duties of Teacher in the Ward for several years, before being called to go upon his mission abroad. He was also chosen by Elder Edward W. Davis and regularly sustained by the general conference as first counselor in the presidency of the Elders' quorum, an office which he faithfully filled to the satisfaction of his brethren. It was in this office and while attending the meetings of the Elders' quorum in the years 1874-5, that we became personally acquainted with Brother William, and formed a friendship that has been constant and to us one of the most gratifying and profitable of our lives.
At the October conference, 1875, Elder Taylor was called to go upon a mission to Great Britain, leaving home on the 26th of that month. He spent nearly two years abroad, returning October 16, 1877, during which the duties of a missionary, a messenger of life and salvation, were performed with that zeal and energy which was characteristic of him in all his labors. He won the esteem of the Saints abroad, and was a favorite among the Elders associated with him. No blemish attached to his ministry among the people there, and he bore to them a faithful testimony, warning the wicked and teaching them repentance, while comforting the faithful with words of encouragement and an example of purity and integrity that is remembered by them and has its influence to this day, and will for all time to come.
On returning home he was appointed clerk of the High Council of Salt Lake Stake of Zion, and was sustained as a home missionary in the Stake. The laborious duties of the former office were well and carefully performed, though often requiring him to labor long hours both day and night, the sessions ;of the High Council generally being in the evening and frequently lasting until midnight. In recording the proceedings of these Councils and taking the minutes of Stake conferences, missionary and quorum meetings, etc., he became an expert, and leaves lasting evidence of his capability, in this respect, in the carefully preserved records made by him.
In April, 1850, Brother Taylor was chosen to be one of the First Seven Presidents of the Seventies, succeeding in that office Elder A. P. Rockwood, deceased. To his careful attention and indefatigable labor may be fairly ascribed much of the success that has attended the local organizations of the Seventies, brought about since the instructions were received to fill the quorums and put them in order. He was well adapted for this work and will be remembered for his assiduous connection with it.
In political matters, Brother William had, for one of his age, unusual experience, having attended many conventions, labored several times as an officer of the Territorial Legislative Assembly, and at its last session, as a member of the Council, in which capacity he displayed excellent judgment and rendered most satisfactory service to his constituents. He was elected last February to the office of Assessor and Collector of Salt Lake City, which office he held at the time of his death. On the Saturday previous to his demise, he performed the last public labor of his life, as delegate to the convention for the nomination of county officers.
On Tuesday morning, August 5, 1884, at 4 o'clock, Brother William peacefully passed away. He had been confined to his bed but a few days, and his sufferings were not prolonged, but from the beginning of his illness he had no faith that he would recover. Prest. George Q. Cannon and other brethren administered to him and seemed to have strong testimony that their prayers would avail, but it was ordered otherwise, and his noble spirit, called to a higher sphere, could not be retained on earth.
"In the morning of his days, in the midst of a career of great usefulness, at a time when his services were in great demand here, and when his future earthly life appeared full of bright promise, he has been called away to labor in a higher and more extended sphere. His family and friends and associates will miss him. Their grief is profound, and would be inconsolable if it were not for the promise and comforting hopes of the Gospel. That glorious plan, however, assures us that in leaving this state of existence, he goes to enter upon a better one, and that there he will find opportunity for the fullest exercise of the choicest qualities which made him so loving and attractive while here. That God who gave him life has seen fit to call him hence, and it is for us who remain to bow in humble submission to the will of Him who rules both in heaven and on earth, and will in all eternity."