University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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Professor Fred Manville Taylor, Ph. D. HE subject of this sketch was born july 1 1, 1855, at Northville, Wayne County,'Michigan. His parents were both of New England stock, descendants of families that settled in Connecticut several generations ago. They are to be numbered among Michigan's pioneers, for they came here in the third decade of the century, while Michigan was yet in the territorial stage. The death of his mother when he was scarcely two years old left Mr. Taylor to the care of his maternal aunt, and the first eleven years of his life were spent in the home of his birth. Here he received instruction in a select school and for a portion of the time attended the school of the village. The remarriage of his father brought the family again together, and Mr, Taylor Spent two years in Houghton, to which charge his father, a Methodist minis- ter, had been appointed. He gave his attention mainly to the ancient lan- guages during his sojourn, studying Latin and beginning Greek in the High School. At the expiration of the customary three years of residence as pastor, Rev. Mr. Taylor moved with his family to Mt. Clemens, and here the son Completed his college preparation. In 1872 he entered upon the classical course in Northwestern University. A natural fondness for mathematical and philosophical study soon revealed itself, and the enlarged opportunities offered, encouraged the gratification of his tastes. It was not long before Mr. Taylor was recognized as easily pre- eminent in these lines. He entered with ardor into the varied college con- tests. His vigorous style of speaking and writing served him in good stead and gained him many honors. The Intercollegiate Literary Association suggested by Colonel Higginson in 1873, through the columns of Scribner's Monthly, admitted North- western University as the only western institution in january, 1876. The Contest of the succeeding fall included representatives from Cornell, Brown, Princeton, Bowdoin, Wesleyan, and other colleges. Mr. Taylor's recognized ability led him to be chosen to represent Northwestern in mental science and

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PR OFESSOR FRED MANVILLE TAYLOR, PH. D

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in essay writing. The wisdom of this choice was demonstrated when Mr. Taylor took first prize in essay writing and second in metaphysics. His interest in athletics and in general physical training was marked, and a students' movement which culminated in the erection of a gymnasium in 1876, found him at its head. He was graduated in 1876 and after a year of high school teaching at Wiiinetka, Illinois, spent some time in rest and biological study at Northville, Michigan. The fall of 1878 was devoted to district school teaching, and in the following spring and summer he returned to his philosophical studies under the direction of Dr, Cocker, of the University of Michigan. An expo- sition of Kant's Critique of Pure Reason secured for him the degree of Master of Arts from Northwestern in 1878. ' The following fall he was called to the chair of History and Belles Let- tres in Albion College, which he held without change for three years. He was then relieved of the English work and turned his attention to politics and economics. Mr. Taylor devoted the summer of 1882 to European travel. Upon leave of absence in the fall of 1884 he went to johns Hopkins Univer- sity and carried on investigations in politics and economics. During 1886-87 and 1887-88, while still at Albion, he pursued graduate work in philosophy, economics and history in the University of Michigan, and the degree of Doctor of Philosophy was conferred upon him in june, 1888. The most hearty praise of Mr. Taylor's thirteen years' work at Albion will only comply with the demands of simple justice. The department of History and Politics, which did not exist when he began his work, was his own creation, and the course of study laid down by him will compare favorably in strength and efficiency at present with those of much larger and better known institutions. His success as a teacher was marked. Those who came under his intiuence were aroused by his intense earnestness and captivated by his brilliant mental powers, and the impression which he made as an instructor will undoubtedly be a lasting one, The institution of which he for so long formed a part owes much to his wholesome influence. To him is to be accorded a goodly portion of the credit for the advancement of the school along liberal and progressive lines. Hardly a matter of general policy was inaugurated during his incumbency in which his intellectual strength and good judgment did not accord him a leading position, and he was always active both in shaping and executing projects of reform. ,