Robert Taylor

Robert Taylor was born on April 29, 1763, in Orange Court House, Virginia. He completed preparatory studies and studied law before being admitted to the bar in 1783. Following his admission, he began practicing law in Orange Court House.

Throughout his early career, Taylor held various local offices and was active in state politics. He served in the Virginia Senate from 1804 to 1815, including a term as president pro tempore from 1812 to 1814.

In the 1824 elections, Robert Taylor was elected to the United States House of Representatives as an Adams Republican. He served a single term representing Virginia from March 4, 1825, to March 3, 1827. Taylor did not seek re-election after completing his term in Congress.

After his congressional service, he focused on managing his plantation and continued his legal practice. He was involved in drafting the will of James Madison, a relative of Taylor. In the will, Madison did not emancipate his slaves but left instructions for Dolley Madison to do so in her will; however, those instructions were not carried out.

Robert Taylor married Frances Pendleton, who was born in 1767 and died in 1831. Their family included a grandson, James Taliaferro, who served as a U.S. senator from Florida. Additionally, President Zachary Taylor was a relative of Robert Taylor, sharing the same grandfather. Zachary Taylor is also buried on the former Meadow Farm estate with Robert Taylor.

Robert Taylor died on July 3, 1845, at his estate called "Meadow Farm" in Orange County, Virginia. He was interred in the family cemetery located on the estate.