Biography

James Taylor was the Cashier of the Commercial Bank of Albany. He stayed in this position for nearly twenty years leading up to his death in 1854. 

Mentioned in 18391022WHS_BJS: "You will please remit to J. Taylor Esq. Cashier of the Commercial Bank of the city of Albany to be deposited to my credit One Thousand dollars, and charge the same against my advances in your hands."

"Mr. Taylor was a native of Montrose, in Scotland. When but a youth, he left his home and went to the East Indies, where he was for many years an employee of the East India Company…When, in 1835, on account of the defalcation of its Cashier, the Commercial Bank was looking for an officer of capacity, integrity and character, Mr. Taylor was warmly urged as the man. He received the appointment, and has in all respects--and to the very letter--justified the high character given of him, and realized the anticipations of the officers and stockholders of the Institution, to which he devoted all his talents, experience and time. Mr. Taylor was both a banker and scholar. Few men studied finance and political economy more thoroughly, and none among us wrote more forcibly upon both questions." -Bankers' Magazine