J.P. Taylor was born at Augusta, Maine, in 1841. He came to Minnesota in 1884 and lived at Anoka, later at Elk River and Brainerd until 1900, when he moved to Bemidji. Colonel Taylor took his place among the business men of the city immediately upon his arrival, and did his share in helping build up the city. He was a conservative business man, and in his daily associations with his fellow townsmen was strong in his likes and dislikes, making many staunch friends. He was prominent politically, being a strong democrat, and his assistance was often solicited in matters political.
Col. J. P. Taylor, proprietor of the Columbia Saloon, was being prominently mentioned as a candidate for trustee. “In the event the saloon men decide that they will name a man to represent their interests in the council during the coming year, it is said that Col. Taylor will be their choice.” (Mar 2, 1904)
J.P. Taylor died in February 1907. Apparently Colonel Taylor had been affected with Bright’s disease for some time and had been failing, but being a man of great determination, he would not yield to the disease that had fastened itself upon him. Once the disease forced admission to the hospital, his condition deteriorated quickly. He was survived by a daughter, Mrs. John Goss of Cass Lake, and a son Bert Taylor.