John E. Taylor oral history interview transcription, 1960
Item
Title
John E. Taylor oral history interview transcription, 1960
Description
John E. Taylor II (1892-1972) was interviewed in 30 June 1960 by Rush Hughes.
Taylor recounts his arrival in Stuart, where he first secured a job at his future father-in-law's store before purchasing it a few years later. His career later expanded into politics and real estate, including the development of the Bit-Lor Apartments (named after himself and his business partner, Bittner).
He notes the detrimental impact the construction of the Cross State Waterway had on local fishing, with the muddy waters severely limiting the fish.
Taylor also shares a vivid personal account of his encounter with notorious outlaw John Ashley during the robbery of the Bank of Stuart, where Taylor was employed as a teller at the time.
Additionally, he provides insight into why the Flagler railroad ultimately did not extend to Sewall's Point, contrary to earlier plans.
Taylor recounts his arrival in Stuart, where he first secured a job at his future father-in-law's store before purchasing it a few years later. His career later expanded into politics and real estate, including the development of the Bit-Lor Apartments (named after himself and his business partner, Bittner).
He notes the detrimental impact the construction of the Cross State Waterway had on local fishing, with the muddy waters severely limiting the fish.
Taylor also shares a vivid personal account of his encounter with notorious outlaw John Ashley during the robbery of the Bank of Stuart, where Taylor was employed as a teller at the time.
Additionally, he provides insight into why the Flagler railroad ultimately did not extend to Sewall's Point, contrary to earlier plans.
Source
Scans gift of Historical Society of Martin County.
Contributor
Rights
No Copyright - In the United States: The Martin County Library System believes that the Item is in the Public Domain under the laws of the United States, but a determination was not made as to its copyright status under the copyright laws of other countries. For more information, visit http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/
Format
6 page document
Language
English
Type
Text
Identifier
HSMC-2025-023-RH-Taylor
2025.023
Coverage
Original Format
Text
Citation
“John E. Taylor oral history interview transcription, 1960,” Martin Digital History, accessed October 5, 2026, https://www.martindigitalhistory.org/items/show/15583.