Oscar H. Taylor ¹

  General Notes:

From the Hamilton News dated Friday January 4, 1935;

Short History of Life of Oscar H. Taylor

Oscar H. Taylor, born January 20, 1853, passed away at his home in Hamilton, December 25, 1934.

Between the above dates is the life of a man, who, through his many acts of kindness to those in need of financial help, endeared himself to no small number of persons in this vicinity.

Mr. Taylor was born in Franklin township. Dekalb county, Ind., and largely through his own labor secured his education by attending the public schools and what was called in his day "select" school. He later attended Valparaiso Normal, now Valparaiso University. At the age of sixteen years he had fitted himself for teaching and his first assignment was in the school where he had once been a pupil. Eleven years he spent at teaching and then the call to the farm came. He purchased a farm in Franklin township in 1882 where he labored for many years.

On April 25, 1878, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage with Miss Libbie Leas, a daughter of John and Susan Leas. To this union three sons were born; John L., Benna B, and Russel H. all residing in Hamilton. The widow, three sons and one sister, Mrs. Ida M. Leas, of Waterloo, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren remain of the immediate family. A sister, Mrs. John Wilcox preceded him in death.

After following his occupation as a farmer until 1905, Mr. Taylor decided to enter the business world and purchased the Hamilton Bank of Oliver P. Learned and he and his family moved to Hamilton that fall. He has been assisted in the institution by his three sons who will continue the business. On Thanksgiving day, 1931, he retired as an active member in the bank owing to failing health. Since that time his health has gradually failed until death relieved him of his sufferings on Christmas day.

His pleasure came from quietly going about his business affairs and in the same quiet manner helping many of those in need which seemed to be one of his greatest desires throughout his life. His familiar figure around his place of business and around the town will be greatly missed.

A host of relatives and friends will join the family in mourning his going.

Funeral services were held at the late home at 1:30 Friday afternoon in charge of Rev. A. A. Turner, assisted by Rev. L. E. Clayton. Burial in the Hamilton Cemetery.

NOTE: Oscar Hamilton Taylor was the son of John Taylor, Jr. and his wife, Sarah Ann McEnterfer

  Noted events in his life were:

• Occupation: Owner of Hamilton Bank.

Oscar married Elizabeth Sophia (Libbie) Leas, daughter of John Leas IV and Susanna Shimpff, on 25 Apr 1878. (Elizabeth Sophia (Libbie) Leas was born on 25 Apr 1857, died on 13 May 1950 in Hamilton, Dekalb County, Indiana, USA and was buried in Hamilton Cemetery, Hamilton, Steuben County, Indiana, USA.)