History of Lincoln, Oneida and Vilas Counties

"History of Lincoln, Oneida, and Vilas Counties Wisconsin"

Compiled by George O.Jones, Norman S. McVean and Others. Printed in 1924 by H.C.Cooper. Jr. & Co., Minneapoli-Winona MN. ill. 787 pages. The first two hundred pages are history of the three counties, the remainder of the book is biographies.

Biography

Taylor, Douglas Arthur, son of Arthur and Mary E. (RICHARDSON) TAYLOR, and a soldier who gave his life for his country on the battle fields of France, was born in Rhinelander, Oneida County, Wis., May 11, 1893. In 1910 he was graduated from the Rhinelander High School and subsequently entered the University of Valparaiso, Valparaiso, Indiana. After one term, however, he withdrew and became associated with his father in business. From early boyhood he was keenly interested in military affairs. For six years he served as a member of Co. L., Second Regt., W.N.G., which period included service on the Mexican border. In June, 1917, he re-enlisted, and at Waco, Texas, in October that year, he was commissioned second lieutenant, and in February, 1918, went overseas. On landing in France he was at once sent to the front lines and was actively engaged in some of the most desperate fighting of the war, engaging with his company at Fismes, Chateau Thierry and Juvigny, and it was in the last mentioned action that he met his death on Aug. 30, 1918. His bravery in action and sense of duty commanded the admiration of those who were near him in battle. He was awarded the distinguished service cross by the United State Government for especial bravery in action. Two days after his death his promotion to the first lieutenancy arrived, so that as a matter of fact he died a first lieutenant. His death was a sad loss to his parents and friends and deprived the community of a bright and promising young man. One or two testimonials by his army companions may be added: "He was commended by his superior officers for gallantry and courage in the heroic part which he took in the allied drives across the Vesle." "He won high praise from superior officers for his bravery in action while he was on duty in the front line trenches." Herbert C. MEYER, of Oshkosh, in an account of the events just prior to Lieut. TAYLOR'S death, said: "My lieutenant, Douglas TAYLOR, of Rhinelander, came up to me and said, 'I will be killed today; I can feel that my fighting days are over.' Then he took a note-book and with a pencil made a few memorandums. It was only a few minutes after this that Lieut. TAYLOR was hit, Sergt. MEYER also being madly wounded by the same shell." As a memorial to Lieut. TAYLOR a scholarship fund was established by Rev. Charles WICKS of Rhinelander at Northland College, Ashland.

Transcribed by Susan Swanson, from page 227 (with picture); History of Lincoln, Oneida and Vilas Counties Wisconsin; Compiled by George O. Jones, Norman S. McVean and Others 1924, H. C. Cooper, Jr. & Co.

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