J. Alfred Taylor

Who was J. Alfred Taylor?

James Alfred Taylor, better known as J. Alfred Taylor, was an American politician, a member of the Democratic Party from West Virginia.

Taylor was born near Ironton, where he attended the public schools. After graduating, he worked in a printing office in Ironton, before he moved to Alderson, West Virginia, where he also was engaged in the newspaper business.

In 1905 he moved from Greenbrier County to Fayette County. Taylor served as a noncommissioned officer in the West Virginia National Guard from 1908 to 1911.

His political career began in 1916, when he was elected and took seat in West Virginia House of Delegates. Taylor served in this body until 1918 and later again two times. He eventually rose to Speaker during his last term.

in 1922 he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from West Virginia's 6th District. He served two terms from March 4, 1923 to March 4, 1927. He was defeated in his bid for a third term by Republican candidate Edward T. England.

Taylor resumed the newspaper publishing business and unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination for Governor in 1928. During his later career he served on the West Virginia Liquor Commission and was elected a member of the Fayette County Board of Education in 1946 for a six-year term.