State Representative Tony McCombie (IL) | Representative Tony M. McCombie (R) 89th District
State Representative Tony McCombie (IL) | Representative Tony M. McCombie (R) 89th District
On March 25, 2024, as the nation observes National Medal of Honor Day, one individual stands out among the esteemed recipients of this prestigious military award - Henry Harrison Taylor.
Henry Harrison Taylor, a native of Jo Daviess County, was born on July 4, 1841, in Guilford Township in Galena. Serving as a Sergeant in the Army with Company C of the 45th Illinois Infantry Regiment during the Civil War, Sergeant Taylor displayed exceptional valor during the Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi, in 1863. He was recognized for being the first to place the colors of the Union Army on the Confederate fortifications at Fort Hill, a courageous act that led to him being awarded the Medal of Honor on September 1, 1893.
Following his military service, Henry Harrison Taylor returned to Jo Daviess County, where he married Marjory Turner and raised a family of five children. His remarkable bravery and service to the nation have left an indelible mark on the community, as he remains the sole recipient of the Medal of Honor from Jo Daviess County. In honor of his heroics, the country school in Guilford Township was named Taylor School.
House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, representing the 89th Legislative District that covers parts of Jo Daviess County, is calling on residents to commemorate National Medal of Honor Day and to remember the extraordinary contributions of individuals like Henry H. Taylor. Encouraging reflection on the sacrifices and bravery of those who came before us, McCombie highlights the importance of honoring the legacy of Medal of Honor recipients like Henry Harrison Taylor on this significant day.
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