| From 1886-1891 Major Taylor had a very easy life. His father was a
coachman for a very wealthy white family in Indianapolis. The Southard family had a son
who was the same age as Marshall Taylor. Major Taylor and their son Daniel became best
friends. The family liked Major Taylor so much that they hired him as a
playmate for their son. He lived in their house and did not see his real family very much.
He got his education from a private tutor with Daniel. The Southard family bought Major
Taylor all his clothes and gave him his own bicycle. |