'Ole Taylor Trunks

A recent appeal to our Taylor cousins for tales about the old trunks that have been passed down through generations produced a few pictures and stories.  Undoubtedly, there are more out there.  Other stories can easily be added. 

If you have a family heirloom such as a trunk, or know someone who has one,  you understand the sense of  history that is felt when you look at it.  Just thinking about our ancestors who opened the trunk to add their keepsakes gives us a sense of connection.  Old trunks were not decorator pieces in days gone by!  Indeed, they were important storage places, or used as luggage to carry things from one  place to another.



Trunk belonging to
Pachie Taylor Stevens

The first Taylor trunk is one that belonged to Pachie Taylor Stevens, daughter of William Carroll & Sarah Sephronia Taylor.  It was passed down to Pachie's younger son, Verbon Stevens.  The family story is told that Pachie and her husband, John, along with their two sons traveled in a covered wagon from Winston County to Lawrence County, Tennessee about 1920 where they made their home. This trunk, no doubt, made that trip.






When Verbon brought the trunk home from his parent's home place, the condition of the trunk was very rough.  Years of use left it in a very tattered condition. Verbon took the trunk to a local antique dealer in his hometown to inquire about restoration.  The shop owner sent it away for "renewal." The expert restored the exterior of the trunk, while the interior was relined by Verbon and his wife. 



Interior tray of Pachie's trunk

Today the trunk is in the possession of Pachie's granddaughter.  As her grandmother did so many years ago, she also keeps special items in it. Her granddaughter continued her own mother's tradition of saving the newspaper on the day her two children were born.  Among other special things, those newspapers along with the one saved by her mother on the day of her own birth are tucked away inside the trunk for safe-keeping. 




Trunk belonging to
Newman Oliver Taylor

The second trunk, belonging to Newman Oliver Taylor son of Alonzo & Margaret Taylor, was passed down to Newman's son.  This dome trunk contains several interior compartments and a tray system, including a drop down compartment.   These were designed for hats, shirts and perhaps documents. 







Interior Compartments of Taylor trunk

The type of trunks that were built varied over the years.  There were steamer, domed-top, flat-top, Jenny Lind, Saratoga trunks, as well as others.  Antique trunks were originally used as luggage for trips.  Surely this trunk has traveled!






A trunk kept by Margaret Stephens Taylor, wife of Alonzo, held a host of newspaper clippings Margaret collected about Winston County World War II soldiers.  Neatly cut out of the newspaper, Margaret saved the articles about the men from Winston who were serving their country.  Many articles included the soldier's picture in military uniform.  In October 2012, these treasured clippings were given to the Winston County Archives in Double Springs, Alabama so that others could enjoy the history.  Margaret never knew how her commitment to the soldiers would be seen by others...over 60 years later.

Another treasured item kept in Margaret's trunk was the original record book of Liberty Grove Baptist Church in Winston County.  Margaret's husband, Alonzo, was the son of William Carroll Taylor--a founding member of the church.  As church clerk, Carroll kept and used the book.  He passed it down to his son, Alonzo. The book held the handwritten church records beginning in 1881 through about 1919.  The files have been preserved by the Samford University Manuscripts Department in Birmingham, Alabama.  The original book has been returned to Liberty Grove. 

Trunks are special family treasures...they represent a connection to the rich history of our family!

Children of Alonzo and Emma: William Wansley "Willie" and Mary Taylor

Children of Alonzo & Emma:
William Wansley and Mary Sephronia Taylor

William Wansley Taylor, son of Alonzo Grant Taylor and his first wife Emma Elliott, was born on September 30, 1892 in Winston County.  He was the first born to Alonzo and Emma.  Following his birth were Henry and Mary Sephronia.  Henry, born on May, 24, 1894, died before he was a year old.  Mary Sephronia was born on December 12, 1895. 

William, known to most as "Willie," and Mary grew up in Winston County.  The Taylor  home was very near the present location of Liberty Grove Baptist.  Their mother died when Willie was 5 years old and Mary Sephronia was 2. Emma is buried at Liberty Grove Baptist Cemetery. 

About 3 months after Emma's death, Willie's father married Margaret Derusha Stevens, daughter of John Benjamin and Lucinda (Brown) Stevens. The family continued to grow, with the birth of seven more brothers and sisters for Willie and Mary.

Willie and Bertha

When Willie was 21 years old, he married his bride--Bertha Caledonia Comer, daughter of Daniel Patrick and Ollie F. (Ezell) Comer. The wedding was performed on January 11, 1914 in Lawrence County, Tennessee by Willie's great uncle, James Knox Polk Taylor, Minister of the Gospel.  The signature of B. F. Curtis (Benjamin Franklin) appears on the wedding record also.  Curtis was the son of Mary Jane Curtis, daughter of Mary Mollie Taylor.

Willie and Bertha were the parents of 10 children: Mitchell Edward, Carlos Cleo, Lester Alonzo, Ruby Estelle, Selma Virgie, Lola Mae, Verda Dee, Mary Fleda, William Gene and Betty Jean. The family lived in the Liberty Grove community, four miles south of Loretto, Lawrence County, Tennessee.



Willie and Bertha

Willie died on July 17, 1961.  He and his wife, Bertha, are buried at Restview Cemetery, Loretto.

Mary Sephronia Taylor

At the age of 16, Mary Sephronia Taylor, Willie's sister, married Harvey Berry on September 19, 1912. The wedding took place at the home of W. T. King. The couple had seven children: Alta, Ronnell, Russell, Ozie, Alpha Omega, Helen and Eula Mae.

Sometime during the 1920's, Harvey left the family and was not located until the children were grown. Mary worked hard to provide for her children.  On the 1930 census, Mary is listed as divorced from Harvey.  Her occupation was general farmer. She and her six children were living in the household. James F. Tittle, widowed, was living next door to their home.   Before the 1940 federal census, Mary married Mr. Tittle. 

Mary died on July 17, 1966 in Winston County.  Inscribed on her tombstone is "Mother's love will show us the way," a loving tribute to their mother. Mary Sephronia and J. F. Tittle are both buried at Macedonia Cemetery, Winston.


 

Little Gardner Girl--Not Forgotten

There's a story to record about Alonzo Grant Taylor that warms hearts.  In Liberty Grove Baptist Cemetery there is a special memorial placed to honor a little girl and Alonzo's kindness. The girl's last name was Gardner.  Her first name is unknown.

The Little Gardner girl died in 1898.  She is buried next to Alonzo's first wife, Emma (Elliott) Taylor who also died in March of the same year. A small primitive tombstone was placed at the little girl's grave, most likely by her family.  Shortly after the little girls' death, her family moved on to live elsewhere.  No details about the Gardner family are known.

For the next 50 years, during the church's annual decoration day, Alonzo would always bring flowers to place on the little girl's grave.   She was never forgotten.

In 2007, members of Alonzo's family arranged for a permanent memorial to be erected on her grave, to commemorate the Taylors always remembering ...what Alonzo never forgot.

Memorial ready for placement at her grave in Liberty Grove Baptist Cemetery

May we all show long lasting acts of kindness and respect, as Alonzo displayed for over 50 years.

Peaceful, Quiet, Pious & Forgiving--Alonzo Grant Taylor

Alonzo & Margaret Taylor

Alonzo Grant Taylor was born in Winston County on June 6^th 1869. Of course this was just after the great American tragedy, the Civil War. Winston County was an area of hilly terrain and very little flatfarming land; most of the residents were small farmers of very modest means. Hardly any had slaves and the people of this part of the state were generally not sympathetic to the “flat landers,” where cotton was king.  The War was truly a struggle of brother against brother for which each side felt justified.  So how did the healing process take place and how long did it take? Alonzo Grant was the oldest son of William “Carroll” Taylor the only child of Mary Shipman; she died in about 1876 and is buried at Curtis Cemetery. It is easy to see embedded in his name  “Grant” where this family placed their loyalties.  Alonzo’s grandfather, John Henry Taylor was a Republican state legislator from Winston County from 1868-1872 and was well known for his support of the Union during that time.  

Alonzo was only 7 years old when his mother died and Carroll soon married Sarah Evans with whom he had 10 more children. Sarah certainly had her hands full with her own children; but in later years she told Alonzo she was sorry for not giving him more attention when he was a child; Alonzo told her that was OK. In some ways that conversation speaks to the character of both of them, redemption and forgiveness. Alonzo grew up a Christian and remained so his entire life; always an active member of Liberty Grove Missionary Baptist Church. In 1898, he gave an acre of land for the Liberty Grove Church site (south portion), and Mr. Cauthen gave additional land (north portion). As for the nature of Alonzo, he was a quiet man, never known to curse, drink, smoke or speak ill of his neighbor. He and his family, like most in the area lived a plain and simple life, looking not to accumulate material things but to insure his salvation and when asked by his sons, why not get another mule; he would say this is all we need now. . He raised the things needed to feed his family and his wife often made garments from wool sheared from his own sheep. Early days of his farming included plowing with oxen.

Emma "Emmer" L. Elliott,
1st wife of Alonzo

On August 27, 1891, Alonzo married Emmer L. Elliott and their family included, William Wansey born Sept 30, 1892. William (Willie) moved with other members of the Taylor family (including his grandfather Carroll) to Lawrence Cty, TN. There Willie married Bertha Comer, and had a large family. Alonzo stayed put…this land is OK…..  Henry L. born May 28, 1894 and died Jan 31, 1895. “Little Henry” as he was always referred thereafter, he is buried in the Old Carroll Taylor Cemetery which is 1 ¼  mile southwest of Liberty Grove. Mary Sephronia Taylor was born Dec  12, 1895 and married Harvey Berry, they had a large family in Winston County, however he deserted his family when they were small children and was found by his adult children in Cleveland,  MS. years later with a new family. Alonzo and others helped support Mary and her children for years as they were left without a father. On March 20, 1898 Emma passed away and was buried at Liberty Grove.





Alonzo and 2nd wife, Margaret
in later years


On December 22, 1898 Margaret Derusha Stephens (Stevens), daughter of John Benjamin Stevens, joined this family as Alonzo’s spouse.  Margaret’s father, John, was a confederate Soldier, in contrast to Alonzo’s Union father: so here we see the mending of a torn nation forgetting, forgiving, and moving forward. Peaceful, quiet, pious, and forgiving Alonzo died March 6, 1949.

Their children were:

1. Sarah Lucinda, 2-4-1900 to 10-15-1990, she cared for her parents for many years, and at age 39 married Jasper M. King then (2^nd) Verdie Davis, no children.  Lucinda was a lifelong resident of Winston who was loved by many.  She touched many lives with her kindness and sweet spirit.
2.  Aussie Elizabeth 1-22-1902 to 1-1-1998, who married James W. Knight, lived in the Haleyville area (Forkville) and had 7 children, Eugene, Auziline, Carl, Johnnie, Wynema, Patricia, and Joe. Following in their father and mothers footsteps, this large successful family was often business leaders throughout Alabama and the southeast.
3. Wallace Roosevelt, 5-4-1904 to 11-19-1987, married Hazel Jordan who died in an accidental fire tragedy at their home; they had 2 daughters, Gloria “Ann” and Norma “ Jean”. Wallace then married Martha Louise Glasgow, who later became an Alabama teacher of the year; they had 1 daughter Sarah Margaret (Sally). Wallace lived in Haleyville AL and worked for the IC Railroad.
4. Elmer Benjamin, 10-22-1906 to 6-24-1999, married Audrey Pulliam; they had 3 children, Elmer “Ben”jamin Jr., Franice “Legetta”, and “Billy” Owen. They left the farms of Winston County, moved to Birmingham in the early 1950’s and lived there and St. Clair County until his death. He worked for Hayes Aircraft many years.
5. Newman Oliver, 9-22-1909 to 1-25-2000, married Lucy Charity Godsey on 11-15-1936. They followed Elmer’s family to Birmingham in the 1952 and Newman also worked at Hayes as a forklift operator.  Lucy worked for Dowdy Candy Company and Contenential Can Corp. They were active members Meadowbrook Baptist Church. Their 3 children, “Anita” Ann, Newman “Wayne”, and “Harold” James all had careers with Alabama Power Company.
6. Hubert Atticus, 11-22-1913 to 3-15-1974, married Marguerite Angela Enright of Springfield OH, a registered nurse, they lived in Birmingham, Al and he was a WWII veteran, and worked in management with Firestone Stores. Their three children, John “Grant”, Monica Ann, Mary Lucinda “Cindy” graduated from John Carroll High School and all finished college.
7. Thurlo McKinley, 11-17-1917 to 2-3-2001, married Melba Jean Parker, 2^nd Mary Lucille Danchower, 3^rd Vera Winnie Walker. Thurlo had a successful tour during WWII and was a Captain in the USAF. He worked as a salesman for Progressive Farmer for years.  Arguably the most gifted of all Alonzo’s children, he was plagued with alcoholism for much of his adult life. He had no children and died in Carrollton Ga.

                                                   Written by Alonzo's Grandson, Newman "Wayne" Taylor

Our Father--Hubert Atticus Taylor

Hubert Atticus and
 MargueriteTaylor

Hubert Atticus Taylor was the second to last child of Alonzo Grant and Margaret Stevens Taylor. He was a 1936 graduate of Winston County High School at the age of 22. Interesting enough, the reason for the older age to graduate was the fact that when he finished 8th grade, there was no local high school and his father could not afford to send him and board him for the only high school. Therefore, he worked until a couple of years later when a school was built close by and he and his younger brother, Thurlo, attended high school together.

Before Hubert enlisted in the ordnance department of the army, November 1942, he worked for Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in Birmingham, Alabama.

Hubert Atticus Taylor, Army
serving in Fiji Islands 

While in the army, Hubert served in the Fiji Islands where he contracted malaria and was honorably discharged for medical reasons in 1945. He then returned to Firestone where he worked until heart disease forced him to retire in the mid sixties. While still at the downtown firestone store, Hubert would take his kids to play amongst the tires on Sundays when the store was closed. He also bowled in the Firestone of the Eastwood Industrial Men’s league.

He met his wife Marguerite Enright through a friend in 1952… they married June 6, 1953… together Hubert and Marge had 3 children… John Grant (named for both of his grandfathers) Monica Ann (Marge always said if she had a girl, she would name her this) and Mary Lucinda (named for Marge’s sister and Hubert’s sister). Hubert was the first of the Taylor children to pass away at the age of 60.

Left to Right: Mary Lucinda, John Grant and Monica Ann Taylor

Hubert was a jokester, as were his brothers and sisters and loved a good laugh! His favorite thing to do was to visit family and friends! He loved his wife and children and attended Southside Baptist Church in Birmingham. He was also active in his kid’s lives, driving them to jobs, dance and sporting events. He even served as PTA president one year!! Hubert loved to fish and enjoyed a home on Lake Logan Martin until his death in 1974.

Poem composed by Hubert and sent
to his wife during war

                                               
Note:  "Bula" (pronounced boolah) is the Fijian word for hello. It is as significant for Fiji as "aloha" is to Hawaii.

This poem, typed as seen above by Hubert, is in the possession of Hubert's daughter, Monica, still in the envelope addressed to her mom.

Our Father-Hubert Atticus Taylor Written by Daughter, Monica Ann Taylor Wesson & Siblings

William Carroll Taylor, 9th Child of John & Eliza

William Carroll
Taylor

William Carroll Taylor, born on February 8, 1847,  was the last son of John and Eliza (Cagle) Taylor.


Known as Carroll, he married Mary Christeener Shipman, daughter of George and Margaret (Hefner) Shipman. Their marriage was performed on February 13, 1868.  Mary Shipman's family moved to Winston County from Gilmer County, Georgia where Mary was born on June 3, 1849.  


Carroll and Mary were the parents of one son: Alonzo Grant Taylor, born June 20, 1869.  When Alonzo was three years old, his mother Mary died.  Mary is buried in Curtis Cemetery, Winston County.  Alonzo's son, Newman Taylor, remembered carrying his father to Curtis Cemetery to visit his mother's grave.  Alonzo married (1) Emma Elliot and (2) Margaret Derusha Stevens.

After the death of Carroll's first wife, he married Sarah Sephronia Evans, daughter of Leverette and Sarah (Brown) Evans.  Sarah was born on May 9, 1855 in Heard County, Georgia.  The Evans family migrated to Winston County from Heard County after the civil war ended.  In a newspaper arricle published in The Advertiser in 1947, Sarah stated she was 12 years old when she came to Winston.  Her family's trip took two weeks, using steer wagons.  They brought along a milk cow.  Accompanying Sarah were her parents and her grandfather, Daniel Brown. 

Ten children were born to Carroll and Sarah:

• William Jackson "Jack" married Delilah Beatrice Riddle, buried Greenview Memorial Gardens, Forest Hills, Lauderdale County, Alabama
• Patience "Pachie" Bersheba married John Aaron Stevens, buried Mimosa Cemetery, Lawrenceburg, Lawrence County, Tennessee
• Sarah Louiza married Early James Isom, buried Spruce Pine Cemetery, Franklin County, Alabama
• John Henry married Lydia Ann King, buried Evergreen Cemetery, New Madrid, Missouri
• Mary Jane married Thomas Harrison Riddle 
• Joseph Marion married Delia Hood
• Doctor Riley married May Bell Hood, buried Lynn Cemetery, Winston County, Alabama 
• Jasper Newton married  Maebell Land, buried Center Point United Methodist Church Cemetery, Lawrence County, Tennessee
• Mattie married (1) Willie M. Hood and (2) Arthur Sanders, buried Leoma Cemetery, Leoma, Lawrence County, Tennessee
• Francis Marion married Mary Elizabeth Moye, buried Freemon Cemetery, Lawrence County, Tennessee

Left to right: Pachie Taylor Stevens, Sarah Louiza Taylor Isom,
Mary Jane Taylor Riddle, Doctor Riley Taylor,
Jasper Newton Taylor and Francis Marion Taylor

Carroll and Sarah were charter members of Liberty Grove Baptist Church, located about one mile from Ashridge, Alabama. The church was organized in 1881. The original building was made from logs, with a dirt floor and split logs for benches. Carroll's son, Alonzo, and Bud Cauthen later deeded the land for the property to the church. Liberty Grove joined the Clear Creek Baptist Association in 1882 with a membership of 20. Carroll was active in the church for years--serving as moderator to the Clear Creek Baptist Association.


In 1916 tragedy struck Liberty Grove Baptist when a tornado destroyed it. Carroll Taylor along with others served to rebuild the church.  His seven year old grandson, Newman, carried lunch to him while Carroll worked to reconstruct the church building.  This story was passed down to Newman's own son, Wayne Taylor.

Rocks carved from nearby stone fields were quarried by Carroll to mark the graves of John and Eliza Taylor, Andrew Jackson and Martha Taylor and other Taylor family members. The graves in the old Taylor Historical Cemetery still bear these stones.  The cemetery has been renamed the William Carroll Taylor Cemetery to honor his work in marking the grave sites with these stacked stones.

In the History of the Clear Creek Baptist Association, 1874-1957, by Jerry M. Burns, Carroll Taylor was described as a "Christian gentleman and deacon of high regards."

 

 

Carroll died at the age of 74 on January 24, 1922.  Although he was living in Lawrence County, Tennessee at the time of his death, his body was carried back to Haleyville by train and then by wagon to his final resting place at Liberty Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.  His wife, Sarah,  who also died in Lawrence, Tennesee, is buried at Liberty Grove as well.

From January 20, 1922 issue of Winston Herald:

A Good Man Gone

W. Carroll Taylor an aged citizen, formerly of this county, died at his home in Tennessee and was brought back to his home church, Liberty Grove, Tuesday for funeral at the sacred cemetery around which he had spent the best part of his life. Uncle Carroll was a good man a personal friend of the editor of this paper, and it is with much sorrow we note his departure from the walks of men. The bereaved relatives have our sympathy.



Carroll and Sarah Taylor with family

Sisters...Lucinda and Ausie Taylor

Taylor sisters: Lucinda and Ausie

Sarah Lucinda Taylor, born February 4, 1900, and Ausie Elizabeth Tayor, January 26, 1902, were the  daughters born to Alonzo Grant and Margaret (Stephens/Stevens) Taylor.  Alonzo and Margaret also had five other children born after the girls.

The family lived in Ashridge, Alabama in Winston County.  Their home was located near Liberty Grove Baptist Church. 

Sarah Lucinda was named after her maternal grandmother, Lucinda (Brown) Stevens.  She was fondly called "Lucindy."  She married Jasper Monroe King.  After his death in 1962, she married Verdie Davis.  Lucindy had no children. She lived to be 90 years old. Lucindy is buried at Liberty Grove.

Ausie Elizabeth married James Wesley Knight on September 15, 1920. They had 7 children: Eugene, Auzeline, John, Patricia, Joe, Carlene Eric, Wynema.  She died at the age of  95 years old.  

He Stands in the Unbroken Line of Patriots--Lester Taylor

Lester Alonzo Taylor was born on September 24, 1917 in Lawrence County, Tennessee. He was the son of William Wansley "Willie" and Bertha Coldonia (Comer) Taylor.   Lester was a great-great grandson of John and Eliza Taylor.

Lester's father, Willie, was born in Winston County, Alabama. Willie was the son of Alonzo Grant and Emma (Elliott) Taylor.  Willie moved to Tennessee as a young man, met his bride and eventually made his home in Loretto.  Lester's family moved to California for a short time, but returned to Tennessee.  Lester was one of 10 children born to Willie and Bertha.   

Corporal Lester A. Taylor

On January 30, 1942, Lester was drafted into the United States Army.   He served as a paratrooper during World War II in the 101st Airborne Division, I Company, Second Platoon, 502 Parachute Infantry Regiment.  Lester's first battle jump was in the Battle of Normandy on D-Day to fight the invasion of Hitler's Nazi German troops.  His unit was part of 160,000 allied troops who landed along a 50 mile stretch of beach along the French coastline.  Over 110 men in his unit died in the Normandy invasion.

Lester was awarded the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster for his heroism during that battle.  He saved the life of  John Lakovich while under enemy fire. John had "landed in deep water in a flooded area. He was entangled in his chute, about to drown and under heavy enemy fire. Ignoring this danger, Lester Taylor pulled him to dry ground and performed CPR all the while under enemy fire." (Betty Taylor Hill, Lester's sister)

The second jump in battle came on September 17, 1944 in Holland during "Operation Market Garden."  The objective was to secure the bridges and towns along a highway that became known as “Hell’s Highway” through Holland from Eindhoven to Arnhem. 

Lester's sister, Betty Taylor Hill, writes the following about her brother's heroic actions:
"After spending the night of September 18th under heavy fire in the Zonsch Forest and still pinned in ditches along the road. Lester made the decision to cross the road intersection to help a part of his squad that was pinned down. He and two other men (names unknown to me) reportedly entered the building, gunshots were heard, and Lester exited the building being mortally wounded, however, he threw a grenade back into the building and destroyed the enemy machine gun. Two hours later, his unit and others captured more than 1100 German prisoners, the British tanks had arrived and the battle moved away from Best to other areas."

Theodora "Dora" Vogels
cared for Lester's grave

On September 20th, 1944 Cpl. Lester A. Taylor was buried at the temporary cemetery, Wolfswinkel, on a farm near the town of Zon (Son). A local young woman, Dora Vogels, cared for Lester's grave in Holland. Then in 1948, Lester's remains were returned to his hometown in the United States for reburial in Restview Cemetery.  The memorial service was held on Easter Sunday for Lester, a World War II hero.

Lester Taylor--

He stands in the unbroken line of patriots,

who dared to die that freedom might live,

                              and grow and increase its blessings.

                                   Freedom lives, and through it,

                      he lives--in a way that humbles most men's undertakings.  

                                                                                       --Franklin Roosevelt