Harvey Boyce Taylor was born in Ohio, County, KY on September 29, 1870. He was a forth generation Kentucky Baptist preacher. Taylor was named for James P. Boyce, president of Southern Seminary from 1859 until 1888. He graduated with a B.A. and M.A. degree from Bethel College in Russellville in 1890 and from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville in 1896 with a Th. M. While in Louisville, Taylor studied under men such as John Broadus, A. T. Robertson and John Sampey. He was also influenced by his mentor in the ministry, T. T. Eaton, pastor of the Walnut Street Baptist Church in Louisville.