George Taylor was born in the British Isles in 1716. He came to Pennsylvania, as an indentured servant, around 1736. Indentured servants sold their services for about four years to someone who would pay for their trip to this country. Mr. Savage of Warwick Iron Furnace bought George Taylor's indenture. Most indentured servants found life hard after they were freed, but Taylor married Anne Savage, the ironmaster's widow. He ran her husband's furnaces until her son, Samuel Savage, became an adult. Then Taylor rented Durham Furnace. In 1768 George Taylor built his Catasauqua home in the latest style. Such a house overlooking a river meant that the owner had "arrived." Sadly, his wife died soon after the house was built, and Taylor lived here only occasionally.

Rich men at that time were often involved in politics. George Taylor sat in the Pennsylvania Assembly, and he was a patriot during the Revoluntionary War. When several Pennsylvania delegates to the Continental Congress refused to sign the Declaration of Independence, Taylor was elected to sign. He helped organize the local militia, and he made shot for the Continental Army at his furnace. Unfortunately, he lost much of his money during the war. He sold the house in Catasauqua in 1776 and died in Easton in 1781.

One of the many attractions in the Biery's Port District is the George Taylor House. This was built in 1768 by George Taylor as a summer retreat. The property today is operated as a museum and displays authentic period furniture. It is now owned by the Lehigh County Historical Society. The House, a national landmark, is located on the corner of Lehigh and Poplar Streets. For tour information call (610) 435-4664.