Born at Redditch in 1796, and in 1806 accompanied his uncle to Birmingham. The latter had been apprenticed to the well-known surgeon, Edmund Hector, of Old Square, the schoolfellow of Samuel Johnson. Thomas Taylor derived his early training from this uncle and from the Birmingham General Hospital, and then proceeded to London 'to walk the hospitals'. He chose St Bartholomew's Hospital, where Abernethy was then full Surgeon, and for him he conceived an intense regard. After qualifying he was appointed Resident Surgeon to the Birmingham General Dispensary, from which office he retired to take up general practice at Bennett's Hill in the town. He was Hon Secretary to the Midland Medical Benevolent Society. In 1876 he removed to Sutton Coldfield in order to reside near his daughter, wife of the Rev Albert Smith, Head Master of Sutton Grammar School. Dr Johnson, the friend of Hector, whose sister was the lexicographer's first love, would have applauded Taylor in his choice of books, in which "he preserved his faith", as he told a venerable Birmingham surgeon. These were three only - the works of Jeremy Taylor, from whom he claimed descent; the works of Abernethy, which he must have known by heart; and the Bible. Taylor died at Sutton Coldfield on December 29th, 1890.