William H. Taylor School History
Taylor School was named after
William Howland Taylor. Mr. Taylor took an active part in the matters
affecting public interest of New Bedford. Between 1832 and 1856, he
served as alderman on the Board of Alderman, was a member of the school
committee and chairman of the same for a few years. While serving as
chairman of the school board, the New Bedford High School was
established. He served as Chief Engineer of the New Bedford Fire
Department in 1844; was one of the charter members of the New Bedford
Port Society for the moral improvement of seamen, secretary of the same
for many years and later served as Vice President.
Mr.
Taylor was a charter member of the Acushnet Lodge, I.O, of O.F., was the
first Noble Grand; and held the office of District Deputy Grand Master.
He was a member of a committee in 1843 that purchased a burial ground,
which is now the Oak Grove Cemetery. He also was a trustee of the New
Bedford Five Cents Savings Bank. He also held the offices of justice of
the peace, notary public, and commissioner to qualify civil officers. At
the time of his death he was president of the Bristol County Mutual
Fire Insurance Company, which office he held for twenty-three years. Mr.
Taylor was considered one of the best known citizens of this city at
the time of his death.
Taylor School was built in 1898.
