Page:Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography volume 3.djvu/273

 PROMINENT PERSONS

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aled in 1856 with the degree of Doctor of AFedicine. He at once established himself in the practice of his profession at Rich- mond, where he was successfully engaged until the outbreak of the civil war, when he volunteered his services. He became as- sistant surgeon of the Eighth Regiment, Virginia Infantry, and after a time was ap- pointed surgeon of the Nineteenth Regi- ment, Virginia Infantry, with which he was associated until the close of the war. From his earliest years he had displayed decided preference for scientific study and research, and now decided to abandon medical prac- tice in favor of chemistry, an idea which he has followed since that time. He was chosen state chemist for \*irginia when that office was established, remaining its incumbent until it was abolished in 1906. For a time he was also the official chemist for the State Department of Agriculture for Virginia. He was a member of the Richmond Board of Flealth for about twenty years, and since 1S72 has been coroner of the city. He has filled the chairs of chemistry, toxicology and medical jurisprudence in the Medical Col- lege of Virginia, and has served as chair- man of the faculty. Upon the opening of the Richmond high school Dr. Taylor was chosen as teacher of physics and chemistry, holding this position for twenty-eight years, until June, 1901. As the author of books on scientific subjects. Dr. Taylor has gained a reputation, among his publications being: "The Book of Travels of a Doctor of Physic," 1871, not long after his return from Europe ; "Outlines of Physics," 1895 ; "Out- lines of Every-Day Chemistry," 1899; "Fundamental Facts and Principles of Chemistry," 1901 ; "Outlines of Medical Jurisprudence," 1904: and a number of

scientific monographs. For a time he was editor of one of the departments of "The Old Dominion Journal of Medicine and Sur- gery." He gives his political support to the Democratic party, and is a member of the Medical Society of Virginia. Dr. Taylor has never married.

Fox, William Fayette, born in King Wil- liam county, Virginia, May i, 1836, son of Richard Woolfolk Fox and Mary Elliot Trant, his wife. He pursued his education in the old field schools of Virginia, in Rumford Academy, King William county, in Rich- mond College, Richmond. Virginia, and the University of Virginia. After the comple- tion of his own education, Professor Fox devoted his talents and energies to the in- struction of others. He was a teacher in Cc>Iumbia, Virginia, in 1859-60, and then t.'iught successively in a private school near Marion, Alabama, and in private schools of King William county. Virginia, Essex coun- ty, Mrginia, and in Richmond, Virginia. In 1871 he accepted a position as principal in the public schools of Richmond, serving until February, 1889, when he was made superintendent. He was the author of a work entitled "Civil Government of Vir- ginia," and was for a number of years editor and proprietor of the "Educational Journal of \'irginia." Professor Fox was married. E)ecember 22, 1870, to Elenia Pemberton Carter.

McGuire, John Peyton. Mr. McGuire, who has so long been known as head of the McGuire's School for Boys, located in the city of Richmond, Virginia, was born at 'The Parsonage," in Essex county, Virginia, September 30, 1836, son of the Rev. John P. McGuire, who was one of the most faith-