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)