Foundation History

The R. J. Taylor, Jr. Foundation was created in 1971 under an irrevocable trust established by Mr. R. J. Taylor, Jr., for the purpose of promoting genealogical research and study in Georgia. His own extensive personal research gave Mr. Taylor a deep concern about the loss of Georgia’s early records and a keen appreciation for the valuable information contained in the state’s records. In carrying out the purpose of the Foundation, the primary emphasis is on the collection of genealogical data concerning Georgians, who lived in the state prior to 1851.

Biography of RJ Taylor, Jr.

Robert Jenks Taylor, Jr., was born in Macon, Georgia on September 6, 1892, to Robert Jenks and Kathleen (DeWitt) Taylor. His higher education began at Mercer University and later was completed at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.

Carrying on his father’s interest in banking, Taylor began his career in 1915 as a cashier at the Continental Bank and Trust Company in Macon. In 1919, he moved to the Lamar, Taylor and Riley Drug Company as secretary-treasurer. During those years, he also was associated with the Lamar-Rankin Company and assumed the role of vice president of it and the R. J. Taylor Company from 1920 to 1928. He became president of the R. J. Taylor Company in 1929, and served in that capacity for many years. In 1942 he moved to Atlanta and became president of the American Surgical Company while retaining his position as president of the R. J. Taylor Company. He satisfied his interest in banking by serving on the board of directors of the Citizens and Southern National Bank.

Taylor was married to the former Elizabeth Baker of Macon and had two children, Elizabeth Baker Taylor and Robert Jenks Taylor III. An active businessman and community leader, he was a member of the Peachtree Golf Club, the Capitol City Club, the Methodist church and many civic organizations. Robert Jenks Taylor, Jr. died on December 20, 1984, after many years of devotion to his family and community.

Governance

A Board of Trustees is made up of the director of the Georgia Archives and two officers of the Georgia Genealogical Society. The Trustees, along with a Trust Officer from Truist Bank jointly administer the Foundation.

An Advisory Committee makes recommendations to the Trustees concerning applications submitted by prospective grantees and works with submitters on improving manuscripts and preparing them for publication.