John Shackelford Taylor papers
Finding aid created by Sonoma State University Library staff using RecordEXPRESS
Sonoma State University Library
2021
Special Collections
1801 E. Cotati Avenue
Rohnert Park, California 94928
(707) 664-4152
specialcollections@sonoma.edu
http://library.sonoma.edu/specialcollections/
Title: John Shackelford Taylor papers
Dates: 1850-1948
Collection Number: Consult repository
Creator/Collector:
Taylor, John Shackelford, 1828-1927.
Extent: 2 boxes
Repository:
Sonoma State University Library
Rohnert Park, California 94928
Abstract: Taylor, an original forty-niner, had business interests in the Santa Rosa, California area. He established a popular resort,
White Sulfur Springs, and owned valuable land in downtown Santa Rosa. He built the most substantial business block at that
time, known as the Taylor Block. Collection includes legal and financial records, printed matter, creative works, and ephemera.
Donated by Taylor's niece, Hazel Taylor, in 1970.
Language of Material: English
Collection is open for research by appointment.
The library can only claim physical ownership of the collection. Users are responsible for satisfying any claimants of literary
property.
John Shackelford Taylor papers. Sonoma State University Library
Donated by Hazel Taylor.
Biography/Administrative History
John Shackelford Taylor (1828 - 1927), an original California forty-niner, was for years identified with the stock-raising
and business interests of Sonoma County. In the year 1853 he settled on 1,400 acres of land near Santa Rosa. On this land
was the White Sulphur Springs, a favorite Northern California resort. He also owned a valuable lot on Fourth Street, extending
through to Fifth Street, on which he erected one of the finest and most substantial business blocks of the city at that time,
known as the Taylor block.
Taylor was closely identified with every movement that was for the advancement of the county. He was one of the organizers
of the Santa Rosa Bank and he also served a term as president of Santa Rosa Bank. Mr. Taylor was also one of eleven men who
constructed a race track in Santa Rosa.
Scope and Content of Collection
Correspondence, legal and financial documents, printed material, creative works and ephemeral materials, 1850-1948 (1970),
created and collected by John S. Taylor document the life of an earlier pioneer to Sonoma County. The largest body of materials
is composed of legal and financial documents. The correspondence, a small body of material, between Taylor and other family
members regards the genealogy of the Taylor family. Approximately one third of the collection consists of Taylor's creative
works, printed materials and various documents about pioneer life in the west and in Sonoma County specifically.
Pioneers – California -- Sonoma County -- Sources.
Taylor, John Shackelford, 1828-1927.
Sonoma County (Calif.)
White Sulphur Springs (Calif.)