WILLIAM BOWER TAYLOR. 1 



By William J. Lhees. 



The record of mortality of the past few years bears the names of an 

 unusual number of eminent scientific men whose contributions to 

 knowledge or whose, benefactions to mankind have elicited demonstra- 

 tions of sorrow in all parts of the civilized world. 



It is well to be reminded of the departure from our midst of associ- 

 ates who, though not of wide renown, have possessed sterling merit, 

 and whose useful lives and faithful performance of duty entitle them 

 to grateful remembrance. 



Arago, the distinguished secretary of the French Academy, called 

 the attention of his colleagues to the fact that the object of its meet- 

 ings to eulogize deceased members was not merely to celebrate the 

 discoveries of the more distinguished academicians, but also to encour- 

 age modest merit by appropriate recognition, and remarked that "a 

 scientific observer ignored or forgotten by his contemporaries was 

 frequently supported in his laborious researches by the thought that 

 he would obtain a benevolent look from posterity. Let us act," he says, 

 "so far as it depends upon us, in such a manner that a hope so just, so 

 natural, may not be frustrated." 



The outline is here presented of the quiet and beautiful life of one 

 whose deeds were unmarked by public notice or applause, unhonored 

 by high titles or station, but who had the respect and love of all his 

 associates, whose faithful and efficient discharge of every duty, whose 

 learning, versatility of resource, self-denying industry, and personal 

 attractiveness entitle him to a place among those whose names should 

 be remembered. 



William Bower Taylor, born in the city of Philadelphia May 23, 1821, 

 was the son of Col. Joseph Taylor and Anna Farmer Bower, both of 

 Philadelphia. 



Colonel Taylor was a bookbinder, and in 1821 was elected colonel of 

 the Seventy-ninth Regiment of Pennsylvania Militia, which commis- 

 sion he held for seven years. He was well educated, early in life 

 became interested in politics, and was elected to the Pennsylvania 



1 Delivered before the Washington Philosophical Society, May 23, 1896. 



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