Life History on Roy Taylor

Roy Taylor was Vera's father.

The following is a transcribed history of his life, as written by Roy's sister, Mrs. Wayne Nielson, and later rewritten by Roy's granddaughter, June.  The scanned copy I'm transcribing from is the image directly below.  Some punctuation and spelling changes have been made by me in the transcription.  Photos/documents have been inserted by me.

From the personal albums of Doris Sessions

Life History of Roy Taylor

Roy Taylor, son of Martin VanBuren Taylor and Joannah Smith Jennings was born on the 18th day of February, 1872 at Levan, Utah.  Joannah "Smith" Jennings was named Smith because she was born in 1844, the year that the Prophet Joseph Smith was martyred.  Martin Van Buren Taylor was a polygamist and had four wives and when Roy was 12 years old his father moved his four families to Freedom, in Sanpete, Utah.

When he was 17 years old he left Freedom and went back to Levan where he worked for relatives or anyone he could get a chance to work for.  In 1894 he moved with his mother to Juab where he worked for the Union Pacific Railroad in the round house.  Later he was a fireman on the train running to and from Milford.  He worked at Delamar, Nevada and worked in the mills, and dust from the mills caused him to have a lung weakness, from which he suffered in later life.  He later went to Levan to live, He farmed in Levan during the summer and went to work in Eureka in the winter.  He married Roxa Althea Anderson at Juab, Dec 26, 1894.  Elmer Taylor performed the marriage ceremony.  They were later endowed and had their family sealed to them at the Manti Temple on April 14, 1909 after the birth of their 8th child.  At this time they were living at Chester, Utah.  He was a member of the school board in Chester serving in this capacity from 1908 until 1914.

"Roy Taylor with machinery"
From the personal albums of Cheryl Murray

To this couple was born 12 children; Zelma Helen, Cora Louise, Earldean Taylor, Roy LeGrand, Wilmar Rex, Sherman A., Leslie Duke, Vera Johannah, Ralph, Adella Francis, Doris Althea, Martin Verdon.  All of these children grew to maturity except Earldean who died at the age of 15 in Chester of a dropsey heart condition.  Mart Verdon was the only child after the family had settled in Lapoint.  He died in action over seas, Nov 29, 1944 during a bomber flight mission over Japan, in World War II.

In November 1915, the family moved to the Uintah Basin.  The first winter they lived at Hayden, Utah in a two-room log house.  The next year they moved to Lapoint and cleared the land and build the old brick home which was later bought by Della Nyberg.

"Our dad, Roy Taylor getting ready for the day's work.
With team, Daisy and May.
Ploughing was done with a hand plough, walking all day"
Photo & caption from the personal albums of Gene Nyberg

When the Lapoint Ward was organized, he was sustained on September 10, 1916 as counselor to Bishop.  He was ordained a High Priest by Don B. Colton, August 28, 1916.  On Dec 31, 1916 he was sustained as Bishop of the Lapoint Ward.  He served in this capacity for 8 years and 3 months.  The Lapoint Hall was build during 1920 while he was bishop.  This hall served as a place for the church gatherings and recreation such as dances, etc.  This building was later condemned and some of the material salvaged to build the present ward chapel.  He was set apart as Bishop by George Albert Smith who later became the President of the Church.

Certificate from the personal albums of Cheryl Murray

He served as a county commissioner for 6 years and in a new county there were many roads and bridges to be built and many hardships were encountered.  He was also elected as a school board member in 1930 where he served for 8 or 9 years.  During this time the Alterra High School was built.

After being released from the Bishopric he later served as first counselor in the Sunday School where he served for 5 years and was then called as a counselor to the bishop.  After 6 months he was released on account of poor health.  Many of his children can remember the family going to church in a white top buggy, and it was usually an all day affair on account of the traveling distance of most of the members of the ward.  He blessed a number of his grandchildren and was active almost to the end of his life as he went Ward Teaching only a few days before his death.

"Doris, Ralph, Vera, Della, with Bishop Taylor and Roxa in back- off to church"
From the personal albums of Gene Nyberg

He died of a heart attack on December 26, 1941, which was his 47th wedding anniversary at Lapoint, Utah.  He was buried at the Lapoint cemetery on December 29, 1941.

He died as he lived, a good latter-Day saint and was a friend to all who came in contact with him.  Many people received hospitality at his home and he was a true friend to the Indians and many enjoyed the tasty meals prepared by his wife.

"Frank Ninance and Roy Taylor.
Our dad was a real friend to the Indians"
Photo & caption from the personal albums of Gene Nyberg

Roy was a man who never passed man, woman or child, black or white that he did not speak or wave his hand, or shake hands with those he met.  Many people came to him for advice and council, not only the white settlers but the Indians too.  He was so thoughtful and looked after the welfare of everyone.  He never said anything bad about anyone, it made me think of the saying, "your name is safe with me".

(Taken from 2 copies of life sketches written by Mrs. Wayne Nielson, sister to Mr. Taylor.  Rewritten by Vera June Huber Wooley.)

Photo from the personal albums of Cheryl Murray