Taylors Go To Missouri

When I started my Genealogy research some 30 years ago, I did not have much to go on. I started working on our Family History shortly after my father passed away in 1988.

 

From one of my uncles I got a listing of all of my Dad’s siblings and their parents. Since my Grandfather’s name is the same as his Grandfather, our progenitor John Henry Taylor, I spent some time running in circles trying to get things figured out. After a little while I was able to separate the two John Henry’s and get started on the rest of our Family History. I really know very little about my Grandfather and have not been able to gather a lot of details.

 

This is all I have been able to find:

 

My grandfather, John Henry Taylor was born in Winston County on Febrary 1, 1886. He married Lydia Ann King on January 20, 1907 in Winston County. They had a total of 13 children--12 of them lived past childbirth.

 

John Henry Taylor, the second son of William Carroll Taylor, left Winston County with his father, William Carroll, and siblings to farm/sharecrop in Tennessee around 1919. Before they moved to Tennessee, John Henry and Lydia had 5 children: William Olis, Carl Lee, Olin Birtis, Ettis Vera and Lois Pauline.  They were all born in Winston county. James, Nola Virginia, and William Henry were born after the family moved to Tennessee. Around 1923 they moved back to Morgan County, Alabama where Earl Washington was born. Sometime between 1924 and 1927 they moved back to Lawrence County, Tennessee. where Willa Mae was born in 1927.

 

By 1930 the family had moved to New Madrid, Missouri to continue sharecropping/farming. Their youngest two sons, J.C. Taylor and Edward Ray, were born in New Madrid.

 

John Henry died December 1, 1932 from influenza.

 

Written by John Taylor,

Grandson of John Henry Taylor 1886-1932

 

Both John Henry and Lydia Ann King Taylor are buried in Evergreen Cemetery, New Madrid, Missouri. 

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.



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

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

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

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

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

Willie and Bertha

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

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



Willie and Bertha

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

Mary Sephronia Taylor

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

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

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


 

William Verpo Taylor

William Verpo Taylor

William Verpo Taylor, son of Charles Alexander and Louisa Jane (Curtis) Taylor, was born March 30, 1880 in Winston County, Alabama.   His given name "William Verpo" suggests that he was named after William Verpo Curtis, one of nine sons born to Solomon Curtis.  The Taylor and Curtis families had several connections throughout the years.

William Verpo married Sarah Elizabeth James, daughter of James Henry and Mexor Evelyn (Walker) James.

They had the following children:


Sarah Elizabeth
"Lizzie" (James) Taylor

• Charles Raymond
• Gladys Evelyn
• James Edward, married Lillie Annie Petruzela, buried Yoakum Restland Cemetery, Yoakum, Texas
• Ruby Jay
• Edna Ruth
• Joyce Irene, married James Painter

William Verpo and Lizzie made their home in Saint Clair County, Alabama.  He died of pulmonary tuberculosis at the age of 61 on May 9, 1941 in Ashville, Alabama.  William Verpo and Sarah Elizabeth Taylor are buried at Hopewell Cemetery, Ashville.

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.

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

America Will Never Forget

The following words are inscribed on the Announcement Stone of the World War II Memorial in Washington, D. C.

HERE IN THE PRESENCE OF WASHINGTON AND LINCOLN,
ONE THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY FATHER AND THE OTHER THE
NINETEENTH CENTURY PRESERVER OF OUR NATION, WE HONOR
THOSE TWENTIETH CENTURY AMERICANS WHO TOOK UP THE STRUGGLE
DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR AND MADE THE SACRIFICES TO
PERPETUATE THE GIFT OUR FOREFATHERS ENTRUSTED TO US:
A NATION CONCEIVED IN LIBERTY AND JUSTICE.

The global conflict was underway by 1939 and ended in 1945. During that time, over 100 million military personnel were mobilized. Tragically, over 50 million men and women were killed. It was the deadliest military conflict in history.

 

Dedicated on Veterans Day in 2005 by President Bill Clinton, the World War II Memorial was erected to honor the 16 million who served in the armed forces of the United States, those who died and all those at home who supported the war effort. 

The memorial includes Freedom Wall, comprised of 4048 gold stars--each star representing 100 American service personnel who died or remained missing.  This number is second only to the loss of men and women during our own Civil War.

Freedom Wall with Gold Stars


The following men and women are descendants of John and Eliza Taylor who served in the United States military during World War II.

Taylor    Cranford Ray                      Army     Son of Charles & Antha Taylor

Taylor    Cecil       Marion                 Army     Son of Charles & Antha Taylor

Taylor    Thurlo   McKinley             Army     Son of Alonzo & Margaret Taylor

Taylor    Hubert Atticus                  Army     Son of Alonzo & Margaret Taylor

Taylor    Lester   Alonzo                  Army     Son of Willie & Bertha Taylor

Taylor    Carlos     Cleo                     Navy      Son of Willie & Bertha Taylor

Taylor    Selma    Virgie                    Army     Daughter of Willie & Bertha Taylor

Taylor    James   Washington Jr.    Army     Son of James Washington & Mary Taylor

Taylor    Lenward                              Navy      Son of William Fred & Alma Taylor

Taylor    Charles T                             Army     Son of Amery & Mary Sally "Tom" Taylor

Taylor    Walter  Theo                      Army     Son of Alfred & Saphronia Taylor


Taylor    Charles Raymond             Marine  Son of William Verpo & Sarah Elizabeth Taylor


Taylor   David Vernon                     Army      Son of George Washington & Cora Taylor


Hardin  John Max                            Navy       Son of Elephair (Taylor) and Arthur Gordon Hardin


Taylor  Irvin Denison                       Army      Son of Joseph Marion and Delia Taylor


Taylor Olan Vaughn "Coose"        Navy       Son of Francis Marion, Jr. & Lula Taylor


Taylor Charles Washington           Army       Son of David Vernon & Gertrude Taylor


Taylor  W D                                       Navy        Son of John Wesley & Docia Taylor


Taylor Emmett Lee Sr.                    Army       Son of William Jackson & Delilah Taylor
 

OUR DEBT TO THE HEROIC MEN AND VALIANT WOMEN IN THE SERVICE
OF OUR COUNTRY CAN NEVER BE REPAID. THEY HAVE EARNED OUR
UNDYING GRATITUDE. AMERICA WILL NEVER FORGET THEIR SACRIFICES.

President Harry S Truman

(inscription on western corner)

Alabama Column
World War II Memorial
Washington, D. C.

We remember this generation of Taylors.  God bless their families.

God Bless America.

Most likely, there are Taylor men and women who were inadvertently omitted from the list above.  Please contact the author to have the name(s) inserted.

Sources:  World War II Wikipedia, http://www.wwiimemorial.com/

Many thanks for photographs of WWII Memorial:  Marilyn Parker Hodge