From "HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY,"  Vol. I, page 454.
Brant & Fuller, 1890.


GEORGE R. TAYLOR

George R. Taylor, a prominent dry goods merchant of Wheeling, was 
born in 1824, in the western part of Maryland.  He first engaged in 
the dry goods business when about sixteen years of age, with the 
house of Lowndes & Clary, at Frostburg, Md., and remained with that 
firm for about four years as a clerk.  In 1844, he changed his 
residence to Wheeling, and there three years later, became one of the 
firm of Mawl & Taylor, dealers in dry goods.  This firm continued 
until 1861, doing a good business, and in the latter year, Mr. Taylor 
purchased his partner's interest.  Since that time there have been 
some changes of partners, but the business is now and for several 
years has been in the hands of Mr. Taylor.  His taste, and adaptation 
to the business, close application to the demands of the 
establishment, long experience and  unusual skill and foresight as a 
buyer, have conjoined to build up the business from year to year, 
until this is now the largest retail dry goods store in the state.  
Though a veteran in the trade, Mr. Taylor's prosecution of business 
is now characterized with as much activity as at any time during his 
long career.  The space occupied by this great establishment deserves 
mention, occupying as it does, three floors on Main and one and a 
half on Market street, and extending entirely through the square from 
street to street, making a floorage 264 feet deep.  Mr. Taylor's 
business career has been too active to permit him to take part in 
political affairs or to hold office.  He is a faithful member of the 
First Presbyterian church, and has been, ever since coming to 
Wheeling.  He was married, in 1848, to Martha Eckert, of Washington, 
Penn., and three children have blessed their union. 


(Linda Fluharty)