M. Harvey Taylor


Maris Harvey Taylor, also known as M. Harvey Taylor or Harvey Taylor, was an American politician from Pennsylvania who served as a Republican member of the Pennsylvania Senate for the 15th district from 1941 to 1964 including as President pro tempore from 1945 to 1964. He was a political boss who held multiple political positions in Dauphin County and statewide.

Early life

Taylor was born in the Shipoke neighborhood of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to Maurice and Kate Taylor. He dropped out of school in 1888 to work as a laborer with his father at Central Iron Company, where he worked for 24 years. He was involved in the insurance business and owned a cigar store.

Career

Taylor served on the Harrisburg School Board and on the Harrisburg City Council in 1907. He became involved with Theodore Roosevelt's Progressive Party which cost him reelection to the city council in 1915. He served as Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds in 1919 and Chief County Clerk in 1925. He rejoined the city council and served for three consecutive terms.
In 1931, he took over control of the Dauphin County Republican Organization after the death of his mentor, Edward E. Beidelman. Taylor became GOP state committee chair in 1934. He left the position in 1936 for a failed run as the Commonwealth's secretary for internal affairs. He returned to the position of GOP state committee chair and served for 16 years.
He served as Pennsylvania State Senator for the 15th district from 1941 to 1964 including as President Pro Tempore from 1945 to 1964. His major legislative achievements include construction of the M. Harvey Taylor Memorial Bridge, the Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex, the State Archives and Museum, the development of Fort Indiantown Gap, the present Governor's mansion and the Zembo Mosque in 1929.
For 33 years, he was the undisputed political boss of Dauphin County. He was involved in the selection of every Republican gubernatorial candidate from 1933 to 1964. He personally selected committee chairmen, scheduled legislation and ran patronage. He redirected $30 million over his 16 years as President Pro Tempore to Dauphin County. He supported favored interests including the Pennsylvania Railroad and the Sun Oil Company.

Personal life

In 1897, he married Bertha May Shertzer. He died on May 16, 1982 at the age of 105 and is interred at Paxtang Cemetery in Paxtang, Pennsylvania.

Legacy

The M. Harvey Taylor Memorial Bridge which spans the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was named in his honor.