Background
He has been described as a "model Virginia planter, planting tobacco, wheat and corn and raising livestock." A fourth-generation plantation owner from the Tayloe family of entrepreneurs, he took over the management of the Neabsco Iron Works during the 1740s, likely after his father"s death in 1747. The Tayloe family of Richmond County, including John Tayloe II, his father, John Tayloe I, and son, John Tayloe III, exemplified gentry entrepreneurship. Tayloe was born in Richmond County at Old House, located on Rappahannock River, two miles west of Mount Airy, an estate his grandfather had purchased and upon which he built a home.
Tayloe was born to John Tayloe I (1688–1747) and Elizabeth Gwynn, daughter of David Gwyn and Katherine Griffin.
Education
Tayloe was educated in England.
Career
He served in public office including the Virginia Governor"s Council, also known as the Virginia Council of State. After Tayloe"s father died, Tayloe inherited a large fortune including 20,000 acres (8,100 ha) and 320 slaves. In 1756, he bought the Occoquan Ironworks company, eventually running it as one business with the Neabsco Ironworks.
During the American Revolution, Tayloe supplied the Virginia Navy with "Cannonball, Plant, and Pigg iron".
He had approximately 250 slaves. Among his servants were a band of musicians.
Tayloe owned more than 20,000 acres (8,100 ha) in the Northern Neck, including land on both sides of the Rappahannock. Tayloe built the mid-Georgian plantation house.
Construction began in October 1760 and was completed by 1765.
lieutenant is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark. The property had a 1 mile (16 km) long horse racetrack, a deer park, a bowling green, terraced gardens, and a burial ground. The portraits at "Mount Airy," are considered one of the finest private collections in America.
His plantation was supported by interdependent farms (Forkland, Gwinfield, Hopyard, Marshe, Menokin, and Old House) in three counties (Richmond, Essex, and King George).
Other plantations were in Stafford County and in southern Maryland. In 1751, Tayloe acquired Menokin Tract, adjacent to Mount Airy.
In 1765, he was taxed for 8,942 acres (3,619 ha) of land in Loudoun County.
Membership
He served in public office as a member of the county court and he sat on the Virginia Council of State. He was an influential member of the King"s Council, under Lord Dunmore, and of the first Republic Council, under Governor Patrick Henry. Tayloe was a member of the House of Burgesses of Virginia 1774.
