Edwin Taggart

Edwin Taggart was born in Sullivan County, Pennsylvania, in the town of Montoursville, August 6, 1852. He is the son of John P. Taggart, a native of Pennsylvania, who was an assistant surgeon on the first staff of General Grant, and for some years held the position of Internal Revenue Collector of Utah Territory. His death occurred November 22, 1889. Mr. Taggart's mother was nee Phebe Ann Willets. She was married to Mr. Taggart in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, and is the mother of two children, the subject of this sketch and a daughter, Emma, who is now the wife of Lieutenant Mumford, of the United States army. Mr. Taggart finished his education at Manuel Hall, Chicago. When he was sixteen years old, he was engaged for eleven months with a surveying part, in southern Illinois, making a railroad survey. At the age of seventeen, with a partner, he started in the drug business, in Salt Lake City. In 1877 he sold his interest in that enterprise, and engaged in mining at Silver Reef, working there a year and a half. He then went to Wood River, Idaho, and mined with fair success. In 1881 he came to California, located in Ukiah, Mendocino County, bought out the drug business of Dr. Barton Dozier, and remained there ten months. At that time he sold out and came to Ventura. He here bought the pioneer drug store of the city, which is located on Main street, between Oak and Palm streets, in the center of town, and which is the largest and best equipped drug house in the city. He employs two assistants, and has established a good trade.

    Mr. Taggart was married, September 11, 1876, to Miss Virginia K. Pitt, of Salt Lake City. They have one child, John K., born in Salt Lake City, December 24, 1877. Mr. Taggart is a member of the Masonic fraternity, is a Republican in politics, and is president of the board of trustees of the Episcopal Church of Ventura. As a business man he is prompt and capable, and as a citizen he is worthy and respected by all who know him.

Back to Biographies Page