Francis Marion Taylor, 7th Child of John & Eliza

Francis Marion Taylor, seventh child of John & Eliza, was born on the first day of January, 1843.  His name first appears on the 1850 Federal Census for Hancock County, later Winston County, as Frances Taylor, 8 years old.

At the age of 25, he married Elizabeth A. Smith, daughter of James M. and Martha Smith. Elizabeth was the sister of J. D. Smith, who was the second husband of Mary Mollie Taylor.  So 2 children from John Taylor's family married 2 children from James Smith's family.  Francis and Elizabeth were married in 1868, according to the census recording in 1900.

Francis Marion and Elizabeth were the parents of 9 children, according to the 1900 census.  Names of the seven known children are as follows:

• John Christopher Taylor, married Mary "Mollie" Logan, buried Old Bethel Cemetery, Winston County, Alabama
• James Taylor
• George Washington Taylor. married Cora Larkin Ferguson, buried Arrington Chapel Methodist, Cherokee County, Alabama
• Francis Marion Taylor, married Lula Thackerson, buried Williams Community (Ohatchee #2), Calhoun County, Alabama
• Roxana Taylor, married William Newton Davis, buried Pleasant Gap Cemetery, Cherokee County
• Sarrah "Sallie" Elephair Taylor, married Arthur Gordon Hardin, buried Polk Memory Gardens, Cedartown, Polk, Georgia
• Charles Alexander, married (1st) Luna Hyde and (2nd) Antha Ellen Cagle, buried Liberty Grove Baptist Cemetery, Winston County

By the age of 37, Francis Marion was the Probate Judge of Winston County.  This occupation is listed on the 1880 Federal census record. His name appears on scores of documents from the county during that time.  Unfortunately, a newspaper article from the Lamar News on June 3, 1886 details a scandal for Taylor and the county.

F.M. Taylor, Probate Judge of Winston County, 

 plead guilty of embezzlement charge and removed

 F.M. Taylor, Probate Judge of Winston County, whose whereabouts have been a mystery for some time, appeared before the Supreme Court and plead guilty to the charge of embezzlement which had been brought against him, and the judgment of the lower court removing him from office was affirmed.

 

F. M. Taylor,
Liberty Grove Baptist Cemetery

By 1900, Francis Marion and Elizabeth, along with their 3 youngest children, were living in Tecumseh, Cherokee County, Alabama.  His occupation was farmer.   Next door to Francis was his son, George Washington Taylor and family. Ten years later, Francis Marion was living with his youngest son, Charles Alexander and family, in the Ashridge community of Winston County. He was listed as divorced.

On September 7, 1913, Francis Marion married Eliza Evans Pittman.  Eliza was the daughter of Leverett and Sarah (Brown) Evans.  Her first husband was Squire Pittman. Eliza was the sister of Sarah Sephronia Evans, who married William Carroll Taylor, brother of Francis Marion.  So two sons of John Taylor married two Evans sisters. 

At the age of 76, Francis Marion died on March 2, 1919.  He is buried at Liberty Grove Baptist Cemetery in Winston.  After Francis Marion's death, his widow Eliza lived with her brother, George Milton Evans, and family in the Arley area. The location of the grave of Francis Marion's first wife has not been found.   His second wife, Eliza Evans Taylor, is buried at Mount Hope Cemetery, Arley, Alabama.



Charles Alexander Taylor, 3rd Child of John & Eliza

Charles Alexander Taylor,
Son of John & Eliza (Cagle) Taylor

Charles Alexander Taylor, third child of John and Eliza (Cagle) Taylor, was born in Hardin County, Tennessee on January 24, 1834.  His birth place is recorded on Union soldier pension documents and provides proof that the Taylor family lived in Hardin County, Tennessee before settling in Winston County, Alabama.

His name first appears on a federal census for Hancock County, Alabama (later known as Winston). Listed as Charles Taylor, age 16, he is the oldest child living in the household of 10 people.  At the age of 23, Charles married Louisa Jane "Sis" Curtis on February 19, 1857 at the home of the bride's father, Solomon Curtis.   Two brothers of Louisa Jane also married Taylor sisters.

Charles Alexander and Louisa Jane (Curtis) Taylor,
Photo in collection of Bill Taylor

Charles and Louisa were the parents of eight children:

• George Washington Taylor, married Lucinda Caroline Swims, buried at Rock Creek Cemetery, Winston
• Amelia Taylor
• Thomas Pinkney Taylor, married Cordelia J. Swims, buried at Rock Creek Cemetery, Winston
• Martha Jane Taylor, married Albert Randolph Shipman, buried at Fairview Cemetery, Winston
• John Frank Taylor
• James Jackson Taylor, married Lou Ella Penn
• William Verpo Taylor, married Sarah Elizabeth James, buried at Hopewell Cemetery, Ashville, St. Clair County, Alabama
• Lewis Monroe Taylor, married Lula M. Alexander, buried at Curtis Cemetery, Winston

On October 12, 1863, Charles Alexander went to Glendale, Mississippi and enlisted in the Union troops of the 1st Alabama Volunteer Calvary, Company L.  He and his brother, Andrew Jackson Taylor, served in the same unit.  Many Winston County men joined the Union troops to show their opposition to War of the Rebellion.  Their father, John, was a leader in Winston County who boldly spoke about his loyalty to the United States government. 

Later in Charles' life, he filed for a pension which he was eligible to receive for his military service.  In those pension files can be found information regarding his family and life in the war.  One eventful story unfolds through the documents Charles submitted.  Following orders given by Colonel Dodge to recruit new members for the company, Charles and a few other men set out on Christmas Day of 1863.  When they were near Jacinto, Mississippi, the men were shot by bushwhackers causing their horses to stampede.  Charles' horse made a quick bolt to the left and caused him to be thrown into the pommel of the saddle causing a painful rupture to his groin. This injury which gradually grew worse troubled him for the remainder of his life. 

Charles was separated from his unit and unable to return, according to documents in the pension file.  He recorded that he hid out in the bushes to keep from being shot at by rebels.  After a few months, Charles was able to return to his unit.  He was treated by the Regimental Sergeant for his injury.  His file also revealed that a march from Glendale, Mississippi to Jasper Alabama led his troop of soldiers within ten miles of Charles' home in Ellaville. His captain advised him to go home and take to the woods to prevent capture by the Rebels. Charles recorded that he was treated in the woods by Doctor Bird and DeGraffenreid.  His discharge date for his service was May 1, 1864.

At the age of 47, Charles was named first minister of Liberty Grove Baptist on October 8, 1881.  He was very active in the Clear Creek Baptist Association. Another brother, James Knox Polk Taylor, also became a Baptist preacher.

On January 7, 1916, Charles died at the age of 81.  In his last days he was cared for by sons, John Frank and Lewis Monroe Taylor.  Charles is buried in Curtis Cemetery, along with his wife Louisa Jane.

CHAS A. TAYLOR, CO. L, 1 ALA. CAV.
Curtis Cemetery, Winston County, Alabama

Andrew Jackson Taylor, 5th Child of John & Eliza

Andrew Jackson Taylor was the fifth child born to John and Eliza (Cagle) Taylor.  His place of birth is documented as Walker County, Alabama.  However, in the year of his birth (1858) this northern area of the county became known as Winston.  His name first appears on the 1850 Hancock County, Alabama federal census as Andrew, age 12.  Hancock county was the early name for this same area of Winston.

In 1860 Andrew is enumerated on the federal census as a single man living alone in Eldridge district of Winston County.   The value of his real estate was listed as $200.  His personal estate value was $500.  Andrew's neighbor was Andrew Jackson Ingle, a well-to-do merchant, who is credited with being the founder of Double Springs.

On October 3, 1861, Andrew Taylor married Martha (Ingle) Tittle.  Martha's first husband, Peter Tittle, had died in 1859. In the Union pension file for Andrew, an affidavit by Elijah Sutherland, husband of Andrew's sister, was submitted stating Elijah was present at the marriage of Andrew and Martha.  The marriage was performed by John Gamble, a local Methodist preacher. 

Andrew and Martha had five known children:

• Georgeann
• Andrew J.
• Sarah E., married Millard Fillmore Riddle
• Eliza J.
• Abraham Franklin Taylor, married Priscilla V. Riddle

On September 25, 1863, Andrew Jackson Taylor enlisted in the Union forces of the 1st Alabama Calvary, Company L, commanded by Samuel Trammel.  He was 25 years old.  His brother, Charles, also joined this same company of soldiers.

A deposition in the Union pension file for Andrew gives another glimpse into his life. 

Submitted by his brother, James Knox Polk Taylor:

DEPOSITION

Case of Martha A. Taylor, No 328770
On this 9th day of August 1901, at Ash Ridge, county of Winston State of Ala, before me, N. Smith, a special examiner of the Bureau of Pensions, personally appeared James K. P. Taylor, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special examination of aforesaid claim for pension, deposes and says: age 56 P. O. address as above occupation farmer.

The pensioner Martha J. Taylor is my sister-in-law. Andrew J. Taylor her late husband was my brother. In the fall of 1863 Andrew went to Glendale Miss and enlisted in the Federal army. After serving about three month he came home on recruiting service and never returned to the Federal army. After lying out awhile he joined Capt. White's mail guard Co. Confederate Army. I do not know if he was regularly enlisted and sworn in or not but he rode with the company guarding the mail for four or five months in the Spring and Summer of 1864 I served with Andrew in the same Co. but I was never sworn in No sir, Andrew was not forced to serve in this Co. No one was forced to serve, The service was voluntary.

This was an independent Co. made up in Winston, Co. for the purpose of guarding the confederate mails. The Co. was known as White's mail guard or homeguard. The Co. was a legal organization under Gen. Roddy's command that is Genl. Roddy authorized the making up of this Co. for the purpose of guarding the mails.

Andrew was never in any other service in the Confederate Army except in this mail guard Co. No he never deserted this Co.

The reason he did not return to the Federal army was because he could not get back through the lines. He tried it twice and was cut off both times.
My answers are correctly recorded.
J K P Taylor (signature)
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 9th day of August 1901 and I certify that the contents were full made known to deponent before signing.
N Smith (signature)
Special Examiner

Andrew's life was cut short in a tragic event that is chronicled in The Cullman Alabama Tribune, October 22, 1891 (article submitted by Robin Sterling, http://www.freestateofwinston.org/).

Distressing Accident in Winston. Double Springs Herald. This community was greatly shocked to hear of the sad and unexpected death of our County Commissioner, A.J. Taylor. We learn that he was in a small tree gathering grapes and Millard Berry a neighbor came up with a gun and after passing a few words with Mr. Taylor started off and after going a short distance, his gun caught in a vine and went off, the load taking effect in Mr. Taylor’s side killing him almost instantly. He spoke but a few words, saying to his friend who had shot him. “You have killed me,” lapsed into unconsciousness, and soon after died.

Grave of Andrew Jackson Taylor, at William Carroll Taylor Cemetery,
formerly Taylor Historical Cemetery (near Rabbitown, Winston, Alabama)

Caroline Elizabeth Taylor, 1st Child of John & Eliza

Caroline Elizabeth Taylor, first known child of John and Eliza (Cagle) Taylor, was born in August 1829.  Her place of birth is listed as three different states on various federal census records (North Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee).   However, North Carolina was listed twice (on 1860 and 1880 census records).

Her name first appears on the 1850 census record as a married woman, Caroline Simmons.  She and her husband, Giles A. Simmons, were living in the Northern District, Hancock County, Alabama (later known as Winston County).  In their household were their first two children--Jane and Eliza. 

Caroline's husband, born in Tennessee in 1817, applied for a United States Federal Land Grant in 1859.  The grant was for approximately 120 acres in Township 10 S, Range 9 W, Section 1. 

Caroline and Giles were the parents of 13 children, according to her entry on the 1900 census. Known names of their children are as follows:

• Mickey Jane, married Henry Aldridge 
• Elizabeth "Lizzie" Ellen, married David Hamby Henderson, buried Fairview Cemetery in Double Springs, Alabama
• Mary
• John (twin), married Susan Avery, buried in Liberty Grove Baptist cemetery, Ashridge, Winston
• William Washington (twin), married Lunettie Morphew, buried in Pike County, Arkansas, died from accidentally falling from a wagon; wife died from malaria
• Andrew Jackson, married Margaret Juliana Henderson
• Matilda
• James Monroe, married Cyrena Jackson
• Charles W., married Rhoda Pittman
• Louisa P., married George Naylor
• Charlotta Ada, married Mr. Tingle

Her husband Giles died on March 24, 1900.  His Alabama death record indicates he is buried at Gum Pond.   Caroline and Giles are buried at Rock Creek Cemetery, Winston County.  Their tombstones worn with age have been marked again by descendants.  Giles' middle initial appears as "O." on his tombstone, but other records indicate it was "A."

Rock Creek Baptist Cemetery, Winston County, Alabama

Rock Creek Baptist Cemetery, Winston, Alabama

Mary Mollie Taylor, 4th Child of John & Eliza

Mary "Mollie" Taylor, born to John & Eliza (Cagle) Taylor in May 1836, was the fourth child in the family and the second daughter.  Her name first appears on the 1850 Federal Census as Mary Taylor, age 14. 

By 1860, Mary had married Thomas Pinkney Curtis, son of Solomon and Charlotte (Heaton) Curtis.  The couple had three children:  Charles Franklin, Mary Jane and Malissa.  Mollie's sister, Eliza Jane Taylor, also married a Curtis brother--Benjamin Franklin Curtis.  So the connection between the Taylor and Curtis families extended to two marriages....two Taylor sisters married two Curtis brothers.

On March 1, 1858, Thomas P. Curtis applied for a United States Land Grant in Hancock County (later known as Winston) for 120 acres.  The land was located in Township 11S, Range 8W, Section 20. 

Mollie's husband, known as "Tom Pink," was Winston County's Probate Judge from May 1862 until his death in 1864.  He was murdered by a Confederate raiding party on January 19, 1864 during a turbulent period of time in Winston County's history.  A letter transcribed by Joann Holdbooks and Peter J. Gossett from the Governor T.H. Watts, Correspondence, SG24872, Reel 20 and Alabama Governors Correspondence, 1821-1865 (Letterheads), SG24884, Reel 4., details the tragedy:

Executive Department of Alabama,
Montgomery, February 6th, 1864.

Lieut. Col. Lockhart, Talladega;

Dear Sir; I have received information, that a Capt. Whatley (who, I believe, is under your command) with a portion of his command, sometime about the 20th of January, went to Houston, the county-site of Winston Co. Ala, and arrested the Judge of Probate of that County, T.P. Curtis and carried him off, in the direction of Jasper, Walker Co. and murdered him. His body has been since found, shewing evidence of gun shot wounds. The body was found in an out-of-way place, concealed from view. It is further said that, after having arrested Judge Curtis, they forced his wife to give up the keys of the Jail, in which the salt sent there, by the State to be distributed among indigent families, was stored, that this salt was taken - and sold - and the proceeds, appropriated to the use of the men in Capt. Whatley's command. If these things are true, no punishment is too great for such men. Such conduct will do more injury to our cause, than a Yankee Raid. I write you this, believing that you will have the matter properly investigated, and, if the facts justify it, have the proper punishment inflicted for such conduct.

Very Resp. Yrs.
(signed) Thos H. Watts Gov of Ala.

Captain Whatley mentioned in the above letter was attributed to belong to Confederates in Roddy's Command.

Mollie's husband "Tom Pink" was not the only Curtis brother to be killed by the hands of the Confederates.  George Washington "Wash" Curtis was the first murdered in 1862.  Slightly more than a year later, his brother Joel Jackson Curtis was killed in December of 1863. 

After the death of her first husband, Mollie married James D. "J. D." Smith on June 27, 1865. Their marriage was performed by Mollie's brother, Francis Marion Taylor who was Justice of the Peace.  A document in the Union pension file for J.D. reveals the date and place of the wedding.  Their marriage  took place at the home of the bride's father, John Taylor. 

The Smith family had other connections to the Taylors.  J.D.'s sister, Elizabeth Smith, married Francis Marion Taylor. 

James Smith was a sergeant in the 1st Alabama Calvary, Union.   He filed a pension for an indigent claim before his death.  Mollie also made a claim after his death in 1909.

Mollie and J. D. had two children:  Sarah and Roxanna.  The family continued to live in Beat 2, Winston County through June of 1880.  J.D. was the father of 8 children by his step-daughter, Mary Jane Curtis (daughter of Mary Mollie and Tom Pink Curtis). These children assumed the surname of Curtis for the most part. 

J. D. Smith
Bethel Cemetery

By the next federal census in 1900, the family had moved to Thaxton, Pontotoc County, Mississippi. Nine years later, J. D. died.  He is buried in Bethel Cemetery, Union County, Mississippi. A tombstone was erected.

Mollie died at the age of 78 on March 11, 1915 at the home of her grandson, Mark K. Smith. According to pension documents filed by Mark for reimbursement of funeral expenses, her cause of death was "bronchitis and old age."  Mollie is buried in Bethel Cemetery, according to the documents. However, a tombstone for Mollie has not been found.  There is a blank area located between the tombstones of J.D. and his son, F. M. Curtis, that is believed to be the burial place for Mollie.

From Pension File of James D. Smith, shared by Joann Holdbrooks

Children of Mary "Mollie" Taylor Curtis Smith:

• Charles Franklin Curtis married Elizabeth Henson. He married Mary Alred in 1911.  In 1920, Charles Franklin and Mary were living in Lawrence County, Tennessee.  Charles Franklin, who died in 1926, is buried in St. Truitt Cemetery in Liberty Grove, Lawrence, Tennessee.

• Mary Jane Curtis was the mother of 8 children: Frances Martha "Fannie", Charles, Thomas Jefferson "Jeff", Franklin, Walter Thomas, Jessie Daniel, F. Marion and Mark K. Curtis. A memorial has been erected in her honor in Curtis Cemetery, Winston County.  Alabama death records show she died in July 15, 1890 and is buried in Sardis Church Cemetery.
• Malissa married (1) Samuel Estes and (2) Edd Logan.
• Sarah
• Roxanna

Mary Jane Curtis, Daughter of Mary Mollie Taylor and Tom Pink Curtis
Memorial erected by a descendant in Curtis Cemetery, Winston, Alabama

James Knox Polk Taylor, 8th Child of John & Eliza

James Knox Polk and Amanda Taylor, with 6 of their children

James Knox Polk Taylor, eighth child born to John & Eliza Taylor, was the fourth son in the family.  He was born January 12, 1845 in Walker County, Alabama.  This northern part of the county became known as Hancock County in 1850...and later Winston County in 1858.  James Knox Polk Taylor was most likely named for President James Knox Polk, who assumed office in March of 1845, two months after our JKP Taylor was born.  It can be assumed that his parents strongly favored President Polk and his policies.  Interestingly, President Polk's main platform during his candidacy for president was the annexation of Texas and westward expansion. 

When "Jim Polk" was 20 years old, he married Amanda "Mandy" Byrd, daughter of John and Nancy (Sutherland) Byrd.  Mandy was born on December 4, 1847, according to her tombstone. 

Jim Polk and Mandy were the parents of ten children--7 boys and 3 girls.

• William Carroll Taylor, married Ingle Dove Riddle
• Elijah F. Taylor
• John M. Taylor, married Frances Emma Cagle
• Nancy Melissa Taylor, married Alfred Rucker (Boy) Lovett 
• Savannah Victoria Taylor, married James "Jim" W. Riddle
• Charles "Charley" Alexander Taylor, married Susannah "Susie" Fleming
• George Washington Taylor, married Sarah "Sally" Rebecca Lovett
• Martha Jane Taylor, married  (1) James Henry Lovett (2) James Anderson Wilson
• James David Taylor, married Alice Pugh
• Silas Pinkney Taylor, married (1) Louanna Mitchell (2) Mary Loveless

James Knox Polk and Mandy with their seven sons

The following is a transcription of a Deposition included in the Widow's Pension File for Martha A. Taylor, wife of Andrew Jackson Taylor (brother of James Knox Polk Taylor).  It provides information regarding the life of the Taylor men during the civil war.  James Knox Polk did not serve in any unit, other than what is described below.

DEPOSITION

Case of Martha A. Taylor, No 328770
On this 9th day of August 1901, at Ash Ridge, county of Winston State of Ala, before me, N. Smith, a special examiner of the Bureau of Pensions, personally appeared James K. P. Taylor, who, being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this special examination of aforesaid claim for pension, deposes and says: age 56 P. O. address as above occucation farmer

The pensioner Martha J. Taylor is my sister-in-law. Andrew J. Taylor her late husband was my brother. In the fall of 1863 Andrew went to Glendale Miss and enlisted in the Federal army. After serving about three month he came home on recruiting service and never returned to the Federal army. After lying out awhile he joined Capt. White's mail guard Co. Confederate Army. I do not know if he was regularly enlisted and sworn in or not but he rode with the company guarding the mail for four or five months in the Spring and Summer of 1864 I served with Andrew in the same Co. but I was never sworn in No sir, Andrew was not forced to serve in this Co. No one was forced to serve, The service was voluntary.

This was an independent Co. made up in Winston, Co. for the purpose of guarding the confederate mails. The Co. was known as White's mail guard or homeguard. The Co. was a legal organization under Gen. Roddy's command that is Genl. Roddy authorized the making up of this Co. for the purpose of guarding the mails.

Andrew was never in any other service in the Confederate Army except in this mail guard Co. No he never deserted this Co.  The reason he did not return to the Federal army was because he could not get back through the lines. He tried it twice and was cut off both times.
                                                       My answers are correctly recorded.
                                               J K P Taylor (signature)
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 9th day of August 1901 and I certify that the contents were full made known to deponent before signing.
                                              N Smith (signature)
                                             Special Examiner

In 1890, Brother Polk began to preach.  He was ordained at the church which he helped charter--Liberty Grove Baptist Church in Winston County, Alabama.  According to Jerry Burns, author of  History of the Clear Creek Baptist Association 1874-1957, Jim Polk preached at churches in Winston County, Franklin County and Tennessee.  Brother Taylor believed that feet washing was a church ordinance as possibly the majority of preachers did in those days. He was twice elected Moderator of the Association serving one year each time 1904-5 and 1908-9.

According to an article in a Lawrence County, Tennessee newspaper, Jim Polk moved to that state in late 1912 or early 1913. He settled near Lawrenceburg.  On the 1920 federal census, Jim Polk and Amanda are shown living with their youngest son, Silas, and family.  His occupation was listed as retired.

Jim Polk Taylor was a charter member of Liberty Grove Baptist Church in Winston County, Alabama.   Reverend Taylor also organized a sister church with the same name--Liberty Grove Baptist--in Lawrence County, Tennessee.  The newspaper article describes the twelve charter members first meeting in a brush arbor. Later they built a frame building.  In April 1914, the M. E. Ferrell family deeded two acres of land where the church was built.  Most of the families who attended were from Winston County, Alabama.

According to the Liberty Grove Baptist, Tennessee, church history written by Josephine Pickard,

members of the church raised cotton to help support the church and to help sponsor two orphans each week.  The ladies sewed and made clothes for them. Some of the ladies said they set aside the eggs that were laid on Sunday for the church offering, and someone said it seemed they got more eggs that day than any other day of the week.

Both Liberty Grove Baptist churches continue to thrive today.

James Knox Polk Taylor died on February 28, 1933.  He is buried in the cemetery of Liberty Grove Baptist Church in Winston, Alabama beside his wife, Mandy.

Eliza Jane Taylor, 6th Child of John & Eliza

Benjamin Franklin and Eliza Jane Taylor Curtis,
Photo shared by Joann Holdbrooks

Eliza Jane, the sixth child of John & Eliza Taylor, was born on October 3, 1840 in Winston County.  Her name first appears on a census record in 1850, where she is listed as 11 years old.  In birth order, Eliza was sixth out of nine siblings.

At the age of 18 she married Benjamin Franklin Curtis, son of Solomon and Charlotte "Lotty" (Heaton) Curtis.  Her groom, born on October 15, 1835 in Itawamba County, Mississippi, was 23 years old. Their marriage was performed in 1858, about four years before very turbulent times in Winston county broke out due to the Civil War.   Both Eliza's father, John, and father-in-law, Solomon, played  significant roles in the leadership of Winston County's early history.

Eliza Jane and Frank were the parents of ten children:

• Fredona, died at the age of 14, buried Curtis Cemetery
• John Solomon, married (1) Nancy Henson  (2) Lutie Weems and (3) Carrie Corbin; father of 10 children,  Justice of Peace, became Winston County Probate Judge from 1904-1922 when he was impeached by Alabama Supreme Court for corruption in office, died at the age of 82,  buried Curtis Cemetery
• Delila Almedia, born a dwarf, never married, died at age of 71, buried Curtis Cemetery
• George Washington, died at age of 33, buried Curtis Cemetery
• Charles A., married (1) Mollie Newman and (2) Esper Ann Donaldson, father of 9 children, died at age of 91, buried Fairview Cemetery
• James Jackson "J. J.,"  married Lorena Hays ,served as circuit judge from 1910 to 1922, died while visiting daughter in hospital, mayor of Haleyville, died at age of 76, buried Oak Hill Cemetery, Jasper, Alabama
• Eliza J., married Samuel Jackson Moody, mother of 5 children, died at age of 31, buried Curtis Cemetery
• Mary Frances, married Benjamin F. Steele at age of 15, moved to Oklahoma and then to Arkansas, mother of 11 children, died at age of 79 in Hartford, Arkansas, buried in Sebastian County
• Georgia Ann, married John Franklin Burns, mother of 8 children, died at age of 53, buried Curtis Cemetery
• William F., died at age of 32, buried Curtis Cemetery 

Eliza's husband, Benjamin Franklin, became known as "Uncle Frank" around town.  Frank was the brother of three Winston County men who were murdered by Confederates during the civil war conflict: George Washington Curtis, Joel Jackson Curtis and Thomas Pinkney Curtis.  Benjamin Franklin's testimony as to his Union sentiments, and the fate of his brothers,  can be found in several historical accounts and Southern Claims Commission files for Winston County citizens.

Frank died on September 13, 1927--leaving  Eliza  a widow for the last 6 years of her life.   Both Eiza and Frank are buried at Curtis Cemetery, Winston County, Alabama.

The following is a transcription of the obituary of Eliza's husband, published in the Winston County Spotlight, September 14, 1927:

Death of "Uncle" Frank Curtis
We regret to announce the death of perhaps Winston County's oldest and most notable citizen.  Mr. Frank Curtis, the aged father of Judge J. J. Curtis of Jasper and Judge J. S. Curtis, of Double Springs who passed away on Monday at the age of 93 and was buried on Tuesday. For the last few years "Uncle Frank" has not been able to get around much but his smiling face and humorous talks used to be enjoyed by all who met him.  He is the last of several brothers who playd leading parts in the history of Winston County.  He was a typical example of the hill countries of the South, hardy and independent, of pure Anglo-Saxon blood.

The following is a a transcription of the obituary published in the Daily Mountain Eagle, April 26, 1933 for Eliza Jane Taylor Curtis:

Mrs. Eliza Curtis, widow of the late Uncle Frank Curtis, died at her home near Rock Creek Tuesday night. She was 92 years of age at the time of her death, and was probably the oldest person in the county. She was unusally active for her age until about five months ago, when she suffered a stroke of paralysis.

Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Jere Burns Wednesday and the remains were buried in the Curtis Cemetery.

Deceased is survived by three sons, Judge John S. Curtis and Charles A. Curtis, of Double Springs; and Judge James J. Curtis, of Jasper; two daughters, Miss Amelia Curtis of Double Springs, and Mrs. Mary Steele of Hartford, Arkansas.

Photos below, given to Joann Holdbrooks by the late Bettye Steele Watters, are two of Eliza's daughters.

Almeda Curtis, daughter of Eliza Jane

Mary Frances Curtis Steele, daughter of Eliza Jane

Patience Taylor, 2nd Child of John & Eliza

Patience Taylor, born in November of 1831, was the second daughter of John and Eliza (Cagle) Taylor.  Her name first appears on the 1850 Federal Census in the northern district of Hancock County, (earlier name for Winston) Alabama.  She and her husband, Elijah Sutherland, were living next door to her parents.  On the other side of her household were her older sister Caroline and husband, Giles Simmons.

Elijah Sutherland was born in Pikeville, Bledsoe County, Tennessee on March 27, 1827.  His place of birth and date were listed on the 1907 Winston County, Alabama Census of Confederate Soldiers.  Elijah stated in the record that he first entered Roddy's Command (Confederate) on August 26, 1864 at Mt. Hope, Alabama.   He continued his service until they were scattered by Wilson's Army--a reference to General James Wilson's Raid that swept through Winston County, Alabama in March of 1865.

Patience and Elijah were married in 1849, according to the information recorded by the federal census taken in 1900. In addition, the census shows they were the parents of 9 children. Known names of eight children are (Reverend) John Homer, Nancy, Louisa, Eliza Artemissa, Mary, Thomas Pink, James D., and Martha. In 1900, Elijah owned his farm, free of mortgage. The census record stated Elijah was 73 years old and Patience was 68.  They had been married 51 years.

Patience Sutherland is listed on the roll of church members of Liberty Grove Baptist Church near Ashridge.  Her name is second on the list of early members, recorded below Eliza Taylor (her mother).

Two of Patience's sons were early ministers of Macdeonia Baptist Church.  John Homer began preaching about 1885.  John Homer married Sarah Isabelle Tittle, daughter of James Wyatt and Mary Elizabeth (Dodd) Tittle.  T. P. (Thomas Pink) was listed as minister for Macedonia from 1891 to1895. Thomas Pink married Mary Wilson.

Both Patience and husband, Elijah, are buried at Macedonia Baptist Cemetery.  The date of death on her tombstone is circa 1901. 

Buried at Macdeonia Baptist Church Cemetery, Winston, Alabama

Surrounded By A Cloud of Witnesses........ Liberty Grove Baptist Church

This Oct the 8^th 1881:
State of Alabama
Winston County

We the brethren and sisters met in convention Sept 20^th 1881 and agreed to petition the following named minister Charles A. Taylor; Deacons J.R. Whitmire, Calvin Miles, Steaphin McCollum, John W. Curtis and J.N. Curtis met by request of brethren at school house near George Wilsons on Saturday before the second Sabath in Oct 1881 and formed themselves in to a presbah organised by electing Charles A. Taylor Mod., John W. Curtis Clerk, and finding the brethren and sisters sound in the faith constituted them in to a church which was named Liberty Grove.

Liberty Grove Baptist Church, Winston County, Alabama

The words written above were recorded by a group of Christian men and women when they began a church over 130 years ago---Liberty Grove Baptist.  Located near Ashridge, the church still thrives today. 

The first minister was Charles Alexander Taylor, first son of John and Eliza Taylor.  He was 47 years old at the time.  Charles and his wife, Louisa Jane (Curtis), were the parents of eight children: George Washington, Amelia, Thomas P., Martha Jane, John Frank, James Jackson, William Verpo, and Lewis Monroe Taylor.  All but the last son were born when Charles became minister.

Early church rolls show many Taylor family members.  Men listed were James Knox Polk Taylor, William C. Taylor, William C. Taylor, Jr., Alonzo G. Taylor, Francis Marion Taylor, and Carel Taylor,  Women listed were Eliza Taylor, Patience (Taylor) Sutherland, A A Taylor, Georgeann Taylor, Nancy M. Taylor, Francis Taylor, Servaner V Taylor, and Emma Taylor.

There are two photographs in the collection of Newman "Wayne" Taylor that reveal early events in the life of the church family.

Singing class at Liberty Grove Baptist Church, in Winston County, July 1919. Verdie Davis with the song book was the teacher. 2nd row third from right is Lucinda Taylor. She and Verdie married later in life as second spouse for each.

Photo taken about 1921 in Winston County, Alabama. Some of the known individuals are as follows: The Rev. Tom Kelly (hands raised) officiating, Alonzo Grant Taylor in the water with hands folded, Hardin Taylor (a son of Tom Taylor and grandson of Charles Alexander Taylor) with crutches. Right to left standing in the water to be baptized: Iren Roland (next to Alonzo) then Ida Brown, then an unknown girl, then Dovey Taylor (later Dovey married George Pulliam), then an unknown girl, then Dessa Crittenden. Right to left on the bank: crippled man being held by the arm is Johnny Harris (he was a school teacher), holding Johnny is Glenn Cauthen, next person unknown, then Wallace Taylor son of Alonzo, next is Howard Lovett, next is Bob Cauthen, behind Rev. Kelly's hand is Murphy Lovett, behind Hardin Taylors' left shoulder is Fayette Burns, behind Fayette is Newman 0. Taylor(a son of Alonzo), beside Newman to the right is Lucinda Taylor (a daughter of Alonzo), further to right is Thurlo Taylor (youngest son of Alonzo), and then Margaret Stevens Taylor (wife of Alonzo) with her hand on Thurlo's head. These persons were identified to Wayne Taylor by his father Newman and his Aunt Lucinda Taylor in 1978.

Taylors Buried at Liberty Grove Baptist Cemetery

Taylor, Alma F., 18 Feb 1902- 9 Jun 1982

Taylor, Alonzo G., 20 Jun 1869 – 6 Mar 1949 [Husband of 1^st Emma L. Elliott, 2^nd  Margaret Derusha Stevens, daughter of John Benjamin and Lucinda Brown Stevens]

Taylor, Alta I., 15 Nov 1913 – 11 Nov 1995 (single stone Theodore R. Taylor)

Taylor, Amery W., 30 Jun 1907 – 15 Aug 2000 (single stone Mary S. “Tom” Taylor)

Taylor, Antha E., 22 Jan 1898 – 3 Nov 1976

Taylor, Carol F., 26 Apr 1921 – 23 Jul 2001 (single stone Cecil Taylor)

Taylor, Cecil, 4 Aug 1920 – 6 Aug 1978; GM3 US Navy, WWII, (single stone Carol F. Taylor)

Taylor, Charles A., 28 Dec 1882 – 13 Aug 1949

Taylor, Charles T., 19 May 1918 – 19 Dec 1966; Alabama PFC 903 Ord Ham Co, WWII

Taylor, Charley, 1 Dec 1877 – 1 Mar 1937 (single stone Susie Taylor)

Taylor, Emmer L., wife of A. G. Taylor, 20 Jun 1868 – 20 Mar 1898

Taylor, F. M., 1 Jan 1843 – 2 Mar 1919 (next to W C Taylor) Note:  Served as Winston County Probate Judge from 1878-1886. [son of John and Eliza Cagle Taylor]

Taylor, George Washington, 7 Aug 1881 – 5 Jul 1960 (single stone Sally Rebecca Taylor)

Taylor, Infant, daughter of Ophelia and Hollis Taylor, born and died 19 Mar 1932

Taylor, Infant, son of Charlie and Susie Taylor, born and died 1903

Taylor, James K. P., Rev., 12 Jan 1845 – 28 Feb 1933 (single stone Mandy Taylor) [son of John and Eliza Cagle Taylor]

Taylor, James Voit, 3 Mar 1908 – 1 Feb 1944

Taylor, L. Gene, 2 Oct 1939 – 6 Jan 1940

Taylor, Lenward, 23 Jan 1928 – 30 Jun 1950; Alabama F2 US Navy, WWII

Taylor, Louanna, 26 Jul 1890 – 25 Nov 1922

Taylor, Lula, 21 Jul 1909 – 1 Aug 2003

Taylor, Luna, wife of C. A. Taylor, 9 Jul 1884 – 12 Apr 1917

Taylor, Mandy, 4 Dec 1847 – 8 Dec 1933 (single stone Rev. James K. P. Taylor) [Amanda Byrd, wife of Rev. James Knox Polk Taylor, daughter of John and Nancy Sutherland Bird]

Taylor, Margaret D., 25 Nov 1876 – 27 Mar 1956 [Margaret Derusha Stevens, 2^nd Wife of Alonzo Grant Taylor and daughter of John Benjamin and Lucinda Brown Stevens]

Taylor, Mary S. “Tom” 27 Jul 1908- 10 Apr 1976 (single stone Amery W. Taylor)

Taylor, Sally Rebecca, 10 Sep 1886 – 4 Dec 1974 (single stone George Washington Taylor)

Taylor, Sarah S., 9 May 1855 – 19 Dec 1947 [Sarah Sephronia Evans, wife of William Carroll Taylor and daughter of Leverett Hudson and Sarah Brown Evans]

Taylor, Sprot Arnold, 21 Apr 1921 – 3 Sep 1922

Taylor, Susie, 11 Nov 1880 – 25 Feb 1974 (single stone Charley Taylor)

Taylor, Theodore R., 30 May 1913 – 7 Oct 2001 (single stone Alta I. Taylor)

Taylor, W. C., 8 Feb 1847 – 24 Jan 1922 (next to F. M. Taylor) [William Carroll Taylor, youngest son of John and Eliza Cagle Taylor, Husband of Sarah S. Taylor]

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,

let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.

And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,

fixing our eyes on Jesus,

the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

Hebrews 12:1-2

Inventor Silas Pinkney Taylor

Silas Pinkney Taylor

Silas Pinkney Taylor, born October 6, 1888, was the son of James Knox Polk and Amanda (Byrd) Taylor.  Silas was the grandson of John and Eliza (Cagle) Taylor.

On February 9, 1908, Silas married Louanna Mitchell, daughter of Walter and Martha (Henderson) Mitchell. They had 3 children: Harley Clinton,  Mack Dee, and Lois Frances.  By 1917 the family moved from Winston to Lawrence County, Tennessee, as indicated by his World War I Draft Registration.  Silas listed his occupation as "barber."  In 1920 Silas' mother and father, along with nephew Elmer Taylor, were also living with him. Silas and family lived on Jackson Highway, next door to his brother James David Taylor and family.

On the 1920 Federal census, Silas listed his occupation as "inventor."  His place of employment was Tennessee Implements Sales Company in Loretto, Tennessee.  While working at this company, a patent application was filed by Silas on September 27, 1919.  The invention was described as "new and useful Improvements in Fertilizer-Distributers. " The device was designed to apply to the beam of a plow or cultivator.  In addition, Silas applied for another patent on October 6, 1919 for a fender design.  All of his applications for patent were approved. 

Silas' first wife died in November 25, 1922.  Louanna is buried at Liberty Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Winston County, Alabama.

Silas shaking hands
with candidate for Governor

About 4 years after the death of Louanna, Silas married Mary Loveless in Lawrence County, Tennessee on February 21, 1926.  Elder W. W. York performed the ceremony.  The couple had the following children:  Bonnie Marie, Deauthanna, Kathern, Lucky O'Neal, Silas P., Jr., Terry Ray, and Clyde.

Silas died on August 2, 1976 at the age of 87.  He and his wife Mary are buried in Greenhill Cemetery, Lauderdale County, Alabama.

Memories of Visiting My Grandparents: Columbus and Arsula "Suler" Taylor

Columbus Washington Taylor

Columbus Washington Taylor was the son of Lucinda Swims and George Washington Taylor, (1858-1926). George Washington Taylor was a son of Louisa Jane Curtis and Charles Alexander Taylor, (1834-1916).  Charles Alexander was a son of Eliza Cagle and John Taylor, (1808-1880).

In the year 1905 or 1906 Columbus Washington and his father George Washington were our riding when Columbus spied the most beautiful young woman he had ever seen.  Having no idea who she was or what community she was from, he could only dream about her until his father advised him to visit a different church every Sunday until he located her. 

We aren’t sure how many Sundays it took, but eventually Columbus did locate this beautiful dark haired, dark-eyed beauty at Posey’s Mill.  It seems that Arsula (Suler) Posey, daughter of Appleton Posey and Celia Jane Jones, thought the young blue-eyed man was the one for her.

They were married in January 1907 and set up housekeeping in one large room with a lean-to which served as a pantry for staples, dried fruits and jars of canned vegetables.  At some point a long open porch and two rooms connected by a open hall were joined to the original house.  Another porch was added to the front side of the two new rooms.  Two double beds were placed in each of the two new rooms.  My mother often told of how three or four of the girls would sleep in the same bed in the winter in order to stay warm.  There was no “living” or “family” room as we know it today, no sofa or lounge chairs.

This wonderful God fearing, church going couple produced five daughters, two sons and ten grandchildren.  My mother, Annie Bea, the middle child, told of gathering around the fireplace in the evening and listening to her dad read the Bible.  She also told many stories of hosting the pastor or guest preacher for Sunday dinner.

What talent!  All the girls played either the pump organ or piano, the sons played guitars, Suler played a zither.  Columbus played the pump organ and led singing at church for many years.  You can be sure their talents were also utilized at all day singings.  For you young folks, a zither is similar to an autoharp.  

Being a hard working farm family they produced the food need for their family.  Columbus was also a master can syrup maker, processing sugar cane brought by residents from all around Winston county.  Suler was known for her dough-ball butter in which a small ball of dough was used to start the ball of butter, thus ensuring that the ball of butter would be round.

Watching my grandmother make biscuits in the dough bowl kept in the flour bin never ceased to fascinate me.  Ma Maw  made an indentation into the flour, added leavening, seasoning and liquid, then proceeded to mix and knead until she was satisfied that the dough was perfect. She never measured any ingredient and when I asked how she knew how much to add, she would say that she just knew. 

Times were hard, eggs were exchanged for needed supplies, clothes were made from feed and flour sacks.  In the fall after the crops were in, one pair of shoes was purchased for each child.  The toes were cut out of the shoes in the spring so they could be worn until the weather permitted going bare footed.

Remember those straight, ladder back, cane bottom chairs?  In the summer most of  the adults would sit in a long row on the porch with the chairs leaning against the house, cooling themselves with feed store or funeral home hand fans.  (Some of those fans had beautiful scenes and look great in a picture frame). Pa Paw and some of the men squatted on the edge of the porch.  Everyone was afraid that Pa Paw would fall, but no matter how many times a chair was offered to him, he always refused it.  This was a time for adult conversations, with all the cousins sent to play.  But we discovered that we could eavesdrop by crawling under the house and hiding in the “root cellar”, which was noting but a large mound of dirt with a big hole in the middle.  Needless to say, the adults soon discovered our shenanigans and we were sent away from the house.

Ma Maw’s favorite sitting area was by a window in one of the bedrooms from which she could read her Bible and  see vehicles coming down the road.  Her chair was the only upholstered chair in the house and eventually the back conformed to the shape of her Dowagers  hump.  A little spit can hidden behind the curtain was the only indication that she dipped snuff. Ma Maw waited until everyone else ate breakfast, then she dipped a hamburger bun into a mixture of  leftover meat drippings and black coffee. I thought this must taste terrible, but she really seemed to enjoy it. Oh, what fun all of us grandchildren had running around, chasing each other through the bedrooms and off the porches, going to the creek, drawing water from the well, eating watermelon at the edge of the porch, spitting watermelon seeds as far as possible, making watermelon rind teeth, and making homemade ice cream in the old hand turned freezer.  In the summer someone had to swat flies in the kitchen in order to keep them away from the food.  After everyone ate, the food was placed on one corner of the table covered with a tablecloth, just waiting for one of the grandchildren to sneak back and grab a piece of cornbread or other leftover.

"MaMaw" holding Scott,
Bea (left) and Kay

I was in awe of the beautiful quilts, and more that once, an aunt would come by and tell me to close the doors of the quilt press.  Each daughter received 13 quilts when she married.  Even today I admire my portion of those quilts. 

The beautiful crocheted doilies also fascinated me.  The oldest daughter, Hattie Viola, could simply look at a picture and replicate it.   All the daughters could look at a dress and cut a pattern. My mother even made clothes for a chicken whose feathers had been pecked off by other chickens.  All that training came in handy in making my clothes when I was in grade school.  It was so exciting to pick the dresses I liked from a mail order catalogue, then watch as my mother measured, cut and sewed my school dresses.

Of course, there are not so fond memories such as the hen pecking at my face because I just had to see the eggs in her nest.  And yes, there really was a mail-order catalogue used for toilet paper  in the three hole outhouse located in the barn.   

Front: Columbus Washington Taylor, Arsula, "Suler" Posey Taylor;
2nd row: living Taylor, 3rd row: Lonnie Taylor, Rose Altha Watts Taylor,
Claudie Taylor Brown, Robert Brown; 4th row: Dayton Taylor, Hattie Viola, "Ola" Scott

5th row: Annie Bea Taylor Davis, Pernie Taylor Ellenburg

There aren’t many of us left, the old house has changed, the barn is gone, the chicken coop is falling apart, but I am so glad to have the fond memories of visiting Ma Maw and Pa Paw Taylor in Double Springs, Alabama.

                                                                                        Written By Kay Wojack

My Grandma's Legacy--Patience Taylor

Patience Bersheba Taylor, known as "Pachie" to family and friends, was born in Winston County, Alabama on December 23, 1879.  Her parents were William Carroll and Sarah Saphronia (Evans) Taylor.  Pachie was the granddaughter of John and Eliza (Cagle)Taylor.

Pachie grew up in Winston and married John Aaron Stevens, son of Adam Bird and Mary (Whatley) Stevens.  The wedding took place on September 29, 1901 at the home of Pachie's father, William Carroll. She was 21 years old.

Pachie (Taylor) and John Stevens
Photo taken in yard of their home in Lawrenceburg, TN

Pachie and John lived near Liberty Grove Baptist Church, among other Taylor and Stevens families. They had two sons, Hosey Ottis and Verbon Stanley.  Twins were also born, but died in infancy.

When their youngest son Verbon was 3 years old, the family loaded up their possessions in a covered wagon and moved to Lawrence County, Tennessee.  They settled near Lawrenceburg and lived out the remainder of their lives in that state.  Many folks from Winston County migrated to Lawrence County, Tennessee.  Several other sets of Taylors made the move also.  But Pachie and John would return for visits to Winston over the years.  The homecoming each year at Liberty Grove Baptist Church would often bring them back.

Pachie always wore an apron...and wore a "special" apron on Sunday.  She was a hard working woman. One of her many tasks was producing thread on her spinning wheel from cotton that John grew in the field.  She used the thread to fringe bedspreads and other items.  The spinning wheel remains in the family with another granddaughter, a treasured keepsake.

Perhaps the most memorable legacy she left me was her steadfast belief in the importance of education.  Her husband, John, could not read or write, although he could "figure" and "calculate" board timber.  Grandpa John wanted Verbon to quit school when he was finished with grammar school.  He needed him to work on the farm.  But Grandma Pachie put her foot down and said she wanted Verbon to stay in school and get an education.  Verbon did stay in school! My father, Verbon, tried to teach his father how to read when he was an adult. But Grandpa wasn't interested.  My father always thought his dad was too proud or embarrassed.

The family story was passed down to me, and even though it didn't seem like a big deal to me as a child, I learned how remarkable Pachie's thoughts were as I grew up.   Times were hard and the family's living conditions were very humble. Having another farmhand to work would have made the family's life a tad bit easier. But Pachie knew what the future could be for her son if he stayed in school. 

In turn, my father was an advocate for education in our own family.  Pachie began a legacy.

Patience "Pachie" Taylor Stevens