Taylor was born on November 15, 1830, in Watertown, New York. He was still living in that state when he joined the Navy. He served during the Civil War as an armorer on the . At the Battle of Mobile Bay on August 5, 1864 his ship engaged the . It was struck by a broadside at close range. The Confederate artillery shells hit "Lackawanna's" berth deck near the magazine. This caused mass casualties and ignited loose gunpowder. It spilled onto the floor while "Lackawanna's" sailors were assembling their own shells. The flames moved along a passageway towards the powder room where 17 tons of gunpowder were stored. Although he had received a wound to his forehead Taylor ran towards the fire and extinguished it with his bare hands. This saved his ship. He then returned to his duties for the remainder of the battle. While putting out the fire his hands were burned down to the bone. For this action, he was given the Medal of Honor four months later, on December 31, 1864.