Joseph C. Taylor, M.D.


From Notable Men of Alabama: Personal and Genealogical, Volume 2 by Joel Campbell DuBose, Southern Historical Association, 1904; page 253
Submitted by Robin Sterling.


Joseph C. Taylor, M.D., physician and druggist, of Haleyville, was born on a farm in Fayette County, Alabama, December 14, 1864. During his boyhood he lived upon the farm, where he engaged in all kinds of hard work, and is one of the few men of his age who know how to “swing a cradle.” In this farm work he was never known to shirk, but he had dreams of a different life, and as soon as an opportunity offered made those dreams to become realities. His primary education was acquired in the common schools during the reconstruction period, where school opportunities were limited. He made the most of his changes, however, and in 1886, after attending one course of medical lectures, began practice at Samantha, in Tuscaloosa County. In 1888 he graduated from the medical department of the University of Alabama, then called the Alabama Medical College. Of the thirty-one members of his class he was one of seven who divided the class honors. He next located at Eldridge, in Walker County, remaining there until February, 1899, when he came to Haleyville. In Haleyville he soon made many friends and has built up a lucrative practice, in which he has been eminently successful in the treatment of diseases. He has been health officer of Winston county for several years; is now president of the board of censors of the county; has been president of the Winston County Medical Society, of which he is still a member; and belongs to the Alabama State Medical Association. Since 1903, he has also been the proprietor of a drug store. In public affairs he has always taken a keen interest, and has served as alderman and mayor of Haleyville. He now holds the office of city treasurer. Doctor Taylor belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Woodmen of the World, the Masons, and the Baptist Church, and holds the office of treasurer in several of these organizations. In March 1903, he was a delegate to the Woodmen’s convention at Pensacola, Florida, at which the four States of Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina were represented. On December 27, 1882, he was married at Kingsville, Alabama, to Theodosia, daughter of Allen and Abba (Guin) Sims. Mrs. Taylor died July 19, 1896, leaving two children, Lula Hazeltine and John W. The former is now the wife of John L. Mitchell, and the mother of two children, Ira and Lynn. At the time of her death, Mrs. Taylor was still a young woman and devoted member of the Baptist Church.

Note: Dr. J.C. Taylor was born 14 Dec 1864 and died 7 Aug 1919. Docia Taylor was born 18 Jun 1867 and died 19 Jul 1896. Both were buried in the Hillcrest Cemetery.


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