Sacred Harp Singing--Fasola and our Taylors

Haunting, fierce and lovely harmonies, beautiful, sacred, uplifting, soul soothing, all-day singing .... these are words that have been used to describe Sacred Harp singing.  Our Taylor ancestors living in Alabama surely knew about Sacred Harp, and many sang it.  The tradition lives on today as well!

The lyrics to one of the favorite songs of many Sacred Harp singings is written below. The words speak for themselves.

Wondrous Love

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this
That caused the Lord of bliss
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul!

When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down
Beneath God’s righteous frown,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul for my soul,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul.

To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb,
Who is the great I AM,
While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing,
While millions join the theme, I will sing.

And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on.
And when from death I’m free
I’ll sing His love for me,
And through eternity I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,
And through eternity I’ll sing on.

The singings brought rural country folks together, who often lived miles apart.  Both adults and young people attended Singing Schools where they learned the rudiments of music and practiced the songs.  

The human voice, the instrument we were given at birth, is the only instrument used in Sacred Harp singing, also known as Fasola singing.  A tradition that dates back to colonial times in America, Sacred Harp singings are still alive and prosper today around the country. 

Singers sit facing each other, forming a hollow square, with each singing part--treble, alto, tenor and bass--sitting in the four sections.  Singers take turns leading the group.  Standing in the middle of the square, the leader calls the song by page number as the Sacred Harp book is held in one hand, and the beat is kept with the other hand.  The singers begin by singing the appropriate notes using Fa So La Me.  Then they immediately begin singing the song using the words.

Also known as shape note singing, the music is written in the books using shapes to help the singer easily identify the tone:  Triangle is the shape for "Fa," oval is the shape for "Sol," rectangle is the shape for "La," and diamond is the shape for "Me."

From "Original Sacred Harp" (Denson Revision) Standard Melodies, Page 1, Rudiments of Music,
Published by Sacred Harp Publishing Company, Inc., Haleyville, Alabama

Singing Conventions were annual gatherings of singers.  In Winston County,  conventions date back to the The Clear Creek Mountain Home Singing Association of Winston County, formed in 1874. Then in 1896, the Bear Creek Sacred Harp Memorial Singings of Winston County was organized.  Neighboring Alabama counties also held conventions. 

The following accounts of family links to Sacred Harp singing have been shared by Taylor descendants:

I remember my grandmother, Sarah Elizabeth (James) Taylor, saying that my grandfather, William Verpo Taylor, loved fasola singing.  He became a Christian and began attending church regularly later in his life.  I'm not sure how long he did this or exactly where, but they lived near the Hopewell community between Ashville and Gadsten Alabama for many years and I always assumed it was there.

William Alexander (Bill) Taylor

Kyle, Texas

In the Minutes of the Sacred Harp Centennial Celebration held in Double Springs, Alabama September 18-24, 1944, several Taylors are listed as singers: Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Taylor, Columbus Taylor, Helen Taylor, Sulu Taylor, Theodore Taylor, Mrs. O. H. (Oscar Harrison) Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. Lonnie Taylor, Harrison Taylor, W. M. Taylor and Eugene Taylor.  At this same centennial celebration, the monument that sits on the grounds of the Winston County courthouse to honor Seaborn M. Denson and Thomas J. Denson was dedicated. The talented Denson brothers were well known for their work in writing Sacred Harp music, singing and teaching others to sing.

Memorial to Seaborn M. Denson and Thomas J. Denson,
Erected Summer 1944 during  the Centennial Celebration of Sacred Harp music
Winston County Courthouse, Double Springs, Alabama

Ada Taylor Godsey, daughter of George Washington and Lucinda (Swims) Taylor, was highlighted in an issue of Country Home magazine, June 1995, Page 58: 

Ada Godsey, 87, also of Double Springs, remembers going to all-day singings in a horse and buggy around 1919.  More often, she walked the mile from her home to the Pleasant Ridge (Hill)  Primitive Baptist Church.

"My family couldn't all fit in the buggy," she explains.  Her father once organized a singing school at the church and brought in Tom Denson, one of the best teachers the tradition has ever produced."

"Papa hitched Molly to the buggy and drove twenty miles to Haleyville to meet him at the train," Ada says.  When the 10-day singing school ended, Denson taught another one 5 miles away in the community of Posey's Mill. "For ten days we walked there (Posey's Mill) through the woods, sang all day, and then walked home again,"  Ada recalls.

Shared by Kay Wojack,

Descendant of Columbus Taylor

Daddy used to talk about fasola singing when we were growing up.  He liked it.  I don't know if he sang it or not, but he talked about it.  (Daddy is Hosey Stevens, oldest son of Pachie Taylor Stevens.  This family moved from Winston to Lawrence County, Tennessee in 1920).

Ann Stevens Rohling

Lawrenceburg, Tennessee

 .

At the close of the Centennial Celebration of Sacred Harp music held in 1944, the minutes of the event denoted a special song that is still often chosen to end each gathering of singers:

"The great body of singers and listeners joined in singing page 62, "Parting Hand" and mid smiles and tears, they bade each other a loving farewell; some to meet again soon, to sing again these songs of Zion; some to meet in that Land where there'll be no sad parting; where we'll sing, forever, a song of Moses and the Lamb, with our loved ones who are watching and waiting for us." Page 24 

L.O. Odem President

Ruth Denson Edwards, Secretary 

Page 62, "Parting Hand"
From "Original Sacred Harp" (Denson Revision) Standard Melodies,
Published by Sacred Harp Publishing Company, Inc., Haleyville, Alabama

George Washington Taylor, son of Charles Alexander

George Washington Taylor, first child of Charles Alexander and Louisa Jane (Curtis) Taylor, was born March 24, 1858 in Winston County.  His name is first found on the 1860 Federal Census as a two year old, living with his parents and newborn sister, Amelia, in Township 10, Range 9 of Winston. 

At the age of 19, George married Lucinda Caroline Swims in 1877.  Lucinda was the daughter of Aaron H. and Elizabeth Caroline (Long) Swims.  Both fathers of George and Lucinda were soldiers in the 1st Regiment, Alabama Calvary, Union Army during the Civil War.

George's wife was orphaned as a child when she was about 8 years old.   Her father had died of typhoid fever in a civil war hospital.  Her mother died the following year.  Guardianship of Lucinda and her siblings was granted to her uncle, William Riley Long. 

George and Lucinda had the following children:

• Charles Aaron Taylor, named after their fathers, married Scottie May Lyle
• Frank Marion Taylor
• Andrew J. Taylor
• Columbus Washington Taylor, married Arsula "Suler" Posey
• David Lincoln Taylor, married Lula Belle Posey (sister of Columbus' wife, Suler Posey)
• Rhoda Bell Taylor, married (1) William Houston Guttery and (2) Pinkney Jackson Woodall
• Ada Louise Taylor, married Richard Sherman Godsey
• Ida Taylor, twin to Ada, died at birth
• Ella "Eller" Ruth Taylor, married John W. Kidd

George was sometimes listed as George Washington Taylor, Sr. in records.  Unlike today's naming pattern practices, George did not have a son named "Junior."  However, George's uncle, James Knox Polk Taylor also named his son George Washington Taylor, who was referred to as "Junior."

George and Lucinda lived all of their lives in the Ashridge community.  He died on March 25, 1926 at the age of 68.  His occupation was listed as retired farmer on the death certificate.  Lucinda died on December 21, 1940 at the age of 83. They are both buried at Rock Creek Baptist Church, Winston County.

George Washington and Lucinda Caroline (Swims) Taylor,
Photo in collection of descendant Kay Wojack

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.