Warren A. Taylor

Warren Arthur Taylor (April 2 1891ndash August 1980) was an American Democrat politician from Alaska active during its territorial period and first years of statehood. He became the first Speaker of the Alaska House of Representatives.

Taylor, a Baptist, was born in Washington and eventually moved to than Alaska Territory. He lived in Valdez-Cordova census area, Kodiak Island Borough and Fairbanks North Star Borough.

As a lawyer he focused on criminal defense law. In some cases he faced then U.S. Attorney Ted Stevens, who later became another important Alaska politician serving as a Republican in the Senate since 1968, making him the fourth most senior Senator and most senior Republican.

In addition to his professional career, Taylor served multiple terms in Alaska Territorial House of Representatives (from 3rd District 1933-1934, 1945-1946 and from 4th District 1949-1950, 1955-1958).

He was a delegate to the State Constitutional Convention (1955-1956).

After Alaska became the 49th State, Taylor was among the first members of the Alaska House of Representatives. He was selected by Democratic majority to serve as the first speaker of the Alaska House. He held this position from 1959 to 1962.

Taylor retired from the House in 1966.