Taylor, Ernest A., 1886-1964

Son of Silas and Emma (Parsons) Taylor. Farmed in Steele County, N.D.

Ernest A. Taylor was born on September 12, 1886 and moved to Florida in 1925. Although his formal education ended in the 8th grade Taylor became an engineer and worked to build various roads and bridges in Florida, including the Tamiami Trail. After he experienced heart problems that nearly claimed his life he was forced to retire. Taylor was widely known in Florida as an avid naturalist and herpetologist, and in 1952 he was contacted by three men from Illinois who were interested in seeing the Big Cypress Swamp. Taylor and the men explored the region known as Corkscrew Swamp in June 1952, a trip that he later referred to as "The Trek."

Following the 1952 trip, Taylor began to actively pursue the preservation of the Corkscrew Swamp. Over the next three years Taylor wrote hundreds of letters to various individuals and government agencies. He also gave a photographic slide presentation about Corkscrew Swamp and "The Trek" to numerous individuals and organizations. In 1953 he led a second trek to Corkscrew Swamp and nearby Bonita Springs. He eventually was successful in sparking greater interest in preserving the swamp and by 1955 the Audubon Society had purchased thousands of acres for preservation. Despite his efforts, Taylor received little credit for his work in creating the preserve. He passed away on December 12, 1964.