Richard Taylor (Confederate general)

Plantation Wealth And Political Rise

In 1850 Taylor persuaded his father to purchase Fashion. This large sugar cane plantation lay within St. Charles Parish in Louisiana. After his father died suddenly in July 1850 Taylor inherited the property. On the 10th of February, 1851 he married Louise Marie Myrthe Bringier from Louisiana. She was the daughter of wealthy French Creole matriarch Aglae Bringier. Steadily Taylor added acreage to the plantation and improved its sugar works at considerable expense. He also expanded its enslaved labor force to nearly 200 people. He became one of the wealthiest men in Louisiana for these holdings. The freeze of 1856 ruined his crop and forced him into debt with a large mortgage on the plantation. His mother-in-law Aglae Bringier financially aided Taylor and his wife. In 1855 Taylor entered local politics as an elected member of the Louisiana State Senate. He served there until 1861 while shifting political affiliations from Whig Party to American Party and finally to Democratic Party.

When was Richard Taylor born and where did he grow up?

Richard Taylor was born on the 27th of January, 1826 at Springfield plantation near Louisville in Kentucky. He spent his early life moving between frontier forts with his parents and five sisters.

What education did Richard Taylor receive before entering politics?

Richard Taylor attended private schools in both Kentucky and Massachusetts before studying at Harvard College in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He graduated from Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut in 1845 after joining Skull and Bones social club.

How did Richard Taylor lose his wealth during the Civil War era?

The freeze of 1856 ruined Richard Taylor's sugar cane crop and forced him into debt with a large mortgage on the Fashion plantation. His mother-in-law Aglae Bringier financially aided him and his wife to recover from these losses.

Which battles did Richard Taylor fight in during the Valley campaign?

Richard Taylor led timely assaults against strong enemy positions at the Battle of Front Royal on May 23, the First Battle of Winchester on May 25, and Port Republic on June 9. Stonewall Jackson used Taylor's brigade as an elite strike force during this campaign.

When did Richard Taylor surrender his department and where did he die?

Richard Taylor surrendered his department at Citronelle, Alabama to U.S. General Edward Canby on the 4th of May 1865. He died on the 12th of April 1879 in New York City after remaining active in Democratic Party politics.

Richard Taylor (Confederate general).

Plantation Wealth And Political Rise

Rapid Military Ascension

Victory In The Red River

Surrender And Political Opposition

Memoir And Historical Legacy

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