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.

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

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

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

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.  

Doctor Riley Taylor

Doctor Riley Taylor, son of William Carroll and Sarah Sephronia (Evans) Taylor, was born in Winston County on December 3, 1894.  He was their seventh child.  After his birth, 3 more Taylors were born to Carroll and Sarah.  As a child, Dock lived with his family on Byler Road. 

May Bell and Dock Taylor

When he was 19 years old, he married May Bell Hood.  She was 17.  By 1917, he was living in Ashridge.  On his World War I Draft Registration card, he described himself as tall, slender, blue eyes and black hair. He and May Bell had one child when he registered for the draft in 1917.  In 1930, the family was living in Lynn according to the federal census record.

Dock and May Bell had three children--Rosalie, Lenora and Myla.  Lenora was also recorded on census records as L.V.  It has been said that L.V. was told later in life that she couldn't fill out a form with initials only, so she named herself Louise Virginia. 

Rosalie married Oda Joe Martin.  They had 3 children--Carolyn Jo, Hannah Jean and Roger Lee.  Lenora married Mr. Grace.  Myla married Mr. Beechum. 

Dock and May Bell Taylor

Dock died on March 17, 1971 at the age of 76.  He is buried in Lynn Cemetery, Lynn, Alabama.  His wife, who died on October 23, 1983, is buried alongside him.

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

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