"Philosopher John", his cometarium and the cotton trade

[Annie65115]

John Taylor was apparently a Liverpool cotton trader, amateur astronomer, poet and local politician in the first 1/2 of the 19th century.

Here is some info:

http://hyperion.cc.uregina.ca/~astro/comet/Oxford.pdf

and a quote from "The cotton trade of Great Britain : including a history of the Liverpool cotton market and of the Liverpool Cotton Brokers' Association":

Mr. John Taylor, who, along with his brother Richard, had commenced business as cotton broker in 1821, but who since 1826 had been by himself. He was commonly called " Philosopher John ;" for besides being an active politician, both as writer and speaker, he was also noted as a poet and as an astronomer. He was the first to propose the erection of an Observatory in Liverpool, and out of this suggestion originated the present establishment at Bidston Hill. He was one of the original members of the Cotton Brokers' Association, and continued in business until his death, which occurred in 1857.

Does anyone have any more information about this person?

[CaroleW]

Have you checked the 1841/51 census for him

[Annie65115]

My 4xgtgrandfather's brother in law was one John Taylor, a merchant/cotton broker in Liverpool, b around 1780 in Scotland and died between 1851 - 1861 so naturally I am wondering if it's the same person. I have "my" John Taylor on the censuses (m to Elizabeth, living in Mount Pleasant, no children). But I don't know if it's the same man though it seems likely!

[ShaunJ]

John (71) & Elizabeth (52) are at 60 Rodney Street in 1851.

Elizabeth's mother Sophia Marshall (85) from Cheshire ( Rainhill?) is also there

[ShaunJ]

There is a long obituary in the Liverpool Mercury of December 14 1857

[Annie65115]

Is that available to view on any free sites, Shaun?

[ShaunJ]

To search the Liverpool Mercury you'll need access to the Gale/BL 19th Century Newspaper database You may be able to get free online access via membership of a public library or an educational establishment such as the Open University. Not all libraries provide it but if you are in the UK you might try that.  Alternatively you can subscribe http://newspapers.bl.uk/blcs/