Bayard Taylor

As a young boy growing up in Chester County, Pennsylvania, Bayard Taylor developed wanderlust and a love of writing. Although he most desired to achieve success as a poet and novelist, his talents would lead him to a career in travel writing and journalism.

He began learning his trade while working as a copy boy and typesetter for theVillage Record in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Although he had signed on for a four-year apprenticeship, Taylor abruptly changed his plans midcourse and traveled to Europe with his brother. After publishing an account of the journey upon his return, he was offered an editorial position from Horace Greeley at theNew York Tribune.

Soon after he joined the newspaper, the first authentic reports of the gold discoveries in California reached the East Coast. Given the sensational nature of the news, Greeley...