taylor became a councilman for st. louis between 1852 and 1855. taylor became a republican in opposition of secession of the confederate states of america. he nevertheless held racist views like many of his constituents. taylor did not support the gop platform of abolitionism and emancipation. thus, taylor emerged behind the so-called "union anti-black republican." taylor won the st. louis mayoral election of april 1861, defeating john how. the “union anti-black republican” councilmen also won, except in the first and second wards. st. louis experienced “increasing prosperity and continued happiness” at the time of the election of taylor and his new republican faction. taylor, however, did not have time to congratulate the victories of the union anti-black republican party because of the tensions that arose due to the war. the st. louis population experienced bitterness, as was seen in the political sentiment. a few individuals reduced to deplorable character and contributed to the increase in violence. riots frequently broke out over the issues of secession and slavery. murder became common in some cases. the new republican mayor had positions that perplexed and embarrassed the populous in the midst of the prevailing excitement. st. louis, nevertheless, remained a city of law and order. taylor found the legality of the mass of citizens to be a source of no little self-congratulation. missouri became a forefront in battles and violence. the mayor could not save the city from the devastation: factories closed, the steamboat interest was protracted, real estate depreciated, rents diminished, and construction halted. taylor urged the union and confederacy “to interpose and restore the blessings of peace, order, and good government.” taylor was re-elected in 1862. taylor appointed j. gabriel woerner to the presidency of city council.