John Tayloe II

John Tayloe II
Member of the Virginia Governor's Council
In office
1757-1774
Personal details
Born(1721-05-28)May 28, 1721
Old House, Richmond County, Virginia colony
DiedApril 18, 1779(1779-04-18) (aged 57)
Mount Airy, Richmond County, Virginia
Resting placeMount Airy, Richmond County, Virginia
NationalityBritish/American
Parents
RelativesMann Page (brother-in-law), Edward Lloyd IV (son-in-law), Francis Lightfoot Lee (son-in-law)
OccupationPlanter, Agent
Known forVirginia Planter, Builder of Mount Airy, Owner Neabsco Iron Works, Founder American Thoroughbred Horse Racing

Col. John Tayloe II (28 May 1721  18 April 1779) was a Virginia planter and politician who served on the Virginia Governor's Council, also known as the Virginia Council of State. A colonial Colonel in the Virginia Militia, he is better remembered as an ironmaster, horse breeder, racing enthusiast and father-in-law of United States Declaration of Independence signer Francis Lightfoot Lee.

Tayloe built Mount Airy, the Neo-Palladian villa overlooking the Rappahannock River, still held and occupied by the Tayloe family in the 21st century. Tayloe, his father and namesake son were said to exemplify gentry entrepreneurship.