William Taylor began his career on a family farm, later teaching mathematics, history, and politics from 1874 to 1882. He became a successful attorney while continuing to manage the farm. Taylor transitioned into public service, becoming the first person in Butler County to challenge and defeat a Democrat for the position of county clerk in 1882. He joined the Republican Party in 1884 and was elected county judge in 1886, serving until 1890. Taylor was elected Attorney General of Kentucky from 1895 to 1899, during which he challenged a state election law as unconstitutional.

William Taylor's political journey reveals a blend of ideological consistency and strategic pragmatism, as seen in his challenge to partisan election laws while aligning with the Republican Party. His early electoral successes, including being the first to unseat a Democrat for county clerk, hint at a calculated approach to local governance. Taylor's stance on the unconstitutionality of a partisan Board of Elections showcases a principled yet somewhat contrarian view on governance integrity.