All evidence and testimony indicate that the founding of Pi Kappa Alpha was largely the inspiration of Frederick Southgate Taylor, that he was the instigator and original founder. It was Taylor who gave the Fraternity its name and motto, and he probably wrote the early ritual. Taylor was born on December 16, 1847 in Norfolk, Virginia, the son of the Honorable Tazewell Taylor and his wife Anna Robinson Taylor. Taylor received an A.B. degree from the College of William and Mary in 1867-68 and entered the University of Virginia in the autumn of 1867. He lived at 47 West Range and studied pre-law at the University from 1867-1869. Though he studied law at the University of Virginia, Taylor never actually practiced law as a profession. Instead, he devoted his energies to the world of commerce and in some measure, to local and state politics. He had a successful real estate business and amassed a small fortune. He represented Norfolk in the state legislature for two terms and served as president of the Common Council of Norfolk, a position similar to that of mayor of the city. He was married to Anna Brooke and they had five children, a daughter and four sons. Taylor died suddenly, while talking to a business associate, on February 16, 1896 at the age of 49. He is buried in Elmwood Cemetery in Norfolk.
