We’ve met Isaac Taylor before through his great-grandson, Jay Montgomery, who has generously shared stories and historical information about his family’s connections to Wetmore.
You may remember the tragic story of the Taylor brothers’ land dispute, which left Isaac’s brother Joseph dead.
If you missed it, be sure to read The Taylor Brothers Land Dispute
Recently, Jay shared more interesting discoveries about his great-grandfather’s involvement in local government.
Isaac Taylor: Road Overseer, 1890
In 1890, Isaac Taylor was elected Road Overseer for Precinct 1, which included the Wetmore area. [Silver Cliff Rustler, November 12, 1890]
Jay adds, “A “Road Overseer” was a county‑appointed official responsible for supervising the maintenance, repair, and improvement of public roads within a designated district. In the 1890s, Colorado’s road network was still largely unsurfaced and relied heavily on local maintenance. The Road Overseer was a key figure in keeping these vital transportation routes passable, especially in mining towns and rural counties where public transport was essential for commerce, mining, and daily life. I’m guessing that as a Teamster, Isaac really knew what the county needed as far as roads were concerned.”
A Run for County Commissioner in 190
Then in 1900 it appears that Isaac (Ike) Taylor is running for (County) Commissioner. Here are a few of the newspaper articles Jay found:
“The republicans met at the court house last Saturday and nominated the following county ticket. For representative, F. X. Miller; for commissioner, Isaac Taylor; for coroner to fill vacancy, J. S. Truex” [Silver Cliff Rustler, October 17, 1900]
“Ike Taylor – The candidate for Commissioner, is best known by his neighbors, the people among whom he has dwelt for years. By all of them, irrespective of political or religious proclivities, he is spoken of as an honest, conscientious, capable man; one who dares to do right, and would scorn to do wrong. He is just such a man as would be of incalculable benefit to the tax-payers of our county in the capacity of County Commissioner. He should be elected, and, we believe, will be. [Wet Mountain Tribune, October 20, 1900]
“County Ticket: For Representative, F. X. Miller, of Silver Cliff. For Commissioner District 1, Isaac Taylor, of Greenwood. for Coroner, Jacob S. Truex, Westcliffe.” [Wet Mountain Tribune, October 27, 1900]
“Everybody, interested in good roads should vote for Ike Taylor for county commissioner. He knows what should be done, how it should be done, and when it is well done. He believes the road fund should be applied to building roads, and not to maintain a political organization. Vote for him for commissioner. [Wet Mountain Tribune, October 27, 1900]
Jay comments, “Isaac’s Democratic opponent was a local boy, J. A. McKinnon of Querida, up in the Wet Mountain Valley (near Rosita). Isaac on the other hand, lived ‘down in the valley’ in Greenwood/Wetmore. As everyone in the WHG&HS knows, even today it is quite a trek up the mountain from Wetmore to Westcliffe – even in a car. I can’t imagine Isaac making that trip very many times on horseback or in a wagon. AND – this was in October/November. The reduced daylight hours and very likely snow and ice would have made the trek even more perilous.
Hence the following plea placed in the local Westcliffe newspaper:”
“Because some of you have not seen Ike Taylor, the republican candidate for commissioner, don’t let that influence your vote. Ike Taylor is not a rich man. He can’t visit everybody and present each voter individually with a box of cigars and a pint of whisky, and it is not likely he would if he could. The fact that he has been urged by his people, those who know him best, to run, and that he is on the republican ticket would be a sufficient guarantee that he is not only a capable man, but that he is a good man. Remember, Mr. Voter, that there are many good men you have never seen and never will see. Vote the straight republican ticket and you can make no mistake. [Wet Mountain Tribune, October 27, 1900]
Jay says, “It might also be inferred that that darned Democrat was bribing the voters with cigars and whisky!
But sadly, Isaac’s political aspirations were not to be….”
“Ike Taylor need feel no sorrow over his defeat. He made a good run, but didn’t run fast and far enough. Recognized as the best road-overseer the county ever had, his services will be needed, and his successful competitor, a liberal, fair-minded man, will not overlook him when appointments are to be made.” [Wet Mountain Tribune, November 10, 1900]
Jay adds, “Attached is a page out the local newspaper showing the election results. You will find the results for county commissioner at the bottom. Isaac got about 40% of the vote. I was surprised to see that even in Isaac’s home town of Greenwood, McKinnon got two more votes than did Isaac.
I guess cigars and whisky are an effective campaign strategy after all!”
See the election results as published in the Wet Mountain Tribune, November 17, 1900 HERE
Finally, Jay says, “Not understanding/believing how MY ancestor could have possibly lost the election, I looked up the results for EVERY candidate on the 1900 Custer Co ballot.
It appears that in Custer county everyone voted straight party ticket and EVERY Democrat candidate beat the Republican candidate by essentially the same 60/40 margin (about 800 votes to 500 votes).
Guess I feel a little better about his loss and appreciate more the November 10th newspaper consoling Ike that he “need feel no sorrow over his defeat”. It wasn’t personal, it was Party.
Although I still think “cigars and whiskey” had something to do with his defeat as well!”
We extend a big thank-you to Jay Montgomery for continuing to share his family history and helping us uncover more of Wetmore’s past.
These personal stories and historical discoveries provide a fascinating glimpse into the people and events that shaped our community.
From L to R: William, Isaac, Lamelia, Dolly, Lela, Delford, Nellie, Millie
Cover Photo: Isaac and his Favorite Horse, c 1910
Photos provided by Jay Montgomery