Background
He was born at Bolton, Lancashire, on 20 April 1653, and baptised at the parish church on 24 April. His father Zachary Taylor the elder (1619–1693) was an ejected minister in 1662, married to Abigail Ward, who became a schoolmaster.
He was born at Bolton, Lancashire, on 20 April 1653, and baptised at the parish church on 24 April. His father Zachary Taylor the elder (1619–1693) was an ejected minister in 1662, married to Abigail Ward, who became a schoolmaster.
The younger Zachary Taylor was admitted at Jesus College, Cambridge, on 19 April 1671, and graduated Bachelor of Arts in 1675, and Master of Arts
One of his opponents dubbed him the "Lancashire Levite". In 1678; he was incorporated at Oxford on 13 July 1678. Taylor was appointed vicar of Ormskirk on 9 March 1680, and resigned in 1693, becoming curate to the rector of Wigan.
On 10 December 1695 he was appointed by the crown to the rectory of Croston, Lancashire, retaining the curacy of Wigan.
He died in 1705, probably in May. His will, dated 30 April, was proved at Chester on 19 June 1705.
Taylor married, first, on 12 July 1685, Barbara (died September 1689), daughter of Sir Edward Stanley, 3rd Baronet, of Bickerstaffe.