Taylor, Harriet, d. 1931.

Newberry Library Genealogy Department supervisor, 1900-1931, heraldry specialist, and eccentric.

Born around 1850 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Harriet Taylor was hired by Newberry Library Trustee Franklin H. Head in June, 1894, beginning work as an assistant in the Catalogue Department. From February of 1895 until 1900, Taylor served as a reference assistant in both history and science. When genealogies and local histories were transferred to the Library's third floor in 1900, Harriet Taylor assumed responsibility for them, which continued until her forced retirement in 1931. An individualist, Taylor was well known for her monarchist views, her 1890's black satin dress, and her red curls, which she maintained throughout her life. Upon her death, June 21, 1931, Taylor bequeathed her entire estate ($20,000) to the Newberry.