55

Bodkin-Smith Family

Virginia to North Carolina to Kentucky

Tarleton Jones Taylor, Son of

Mary Charlotte "Polly" Mings (1797-1878), wife of Benjamin Franklin Taylor (1793-1852)

Md. Catharine Bodkin (1831-1920), Daughter of

William Bodkin, Sr. (ca1770-bef 1848), & 2nd wife Mrs. Catharine Smith Zeumwalt (1765-1853)

Continued from

TaYLOR-Bodkin

Catharine Botkin married Tarleton Jones Taylor (born 1 May 1828 in Grant Co., KY) on 25 Dec 1849 in Harrison Co., KY (Harrison Co. Marriages, Index 1, No. 4220. She died 17 Nov 1920 in Stephens Co., OK, or in 1922 ~ at age 91, a year after she fell and broke her hip.	Susie Zeumwalt, granddaughter of Catharine Smith Zeumwalt Bodkin, ca 1880 (niece of Catharine Bodkin Taylor)

Catharine's father, William Bodkin, Sr., was born in Augusta Co., VA, the son of James Bodkin (1842-1804) & wife Dinah Hicklin, who had twelve children.

James's parents were Richard Bodkin, Sr., & wife Elizabeth (last name unknown). Dinah was born abt 1736 in Chester Co., PA, the youngest of seven children of Thomas Hicklin, Sr. (born 1689 in PA, died abt 7 Sep 1771 at Bull Pasture, VA), and wife Diannah Donoghe. Thomas was the son of John Hicklin (nothing more known about him).

William Bodkin md. 17 Sep 1796 his 1st cousin, Euphemie Bodkin, in Augusta Co. 1st cousin. His father James and hers were brothers -- John Bodkin (1740-1791) md. wife Mary (last name unknown). John Bodkin died 1791 in Highland Co., VA.

Their father Richard Bodkin, Sr., was born abt 1710 and believed to be in Ireland, probably Co. Galway, where the family originated, although further research may prove him to be from Pennsylvania. One of them, Richard or his sons, was said to be a Captain in the Corn Stalk Militia. This Militia was raised to fight the Indians supporting the French in the French & Indian War, abt 1755.

I have researched this family in Ireland, both in Connemara (the western part of Co. Galway), and the National Archives and Library in Dublin, going over and copied many ancient Botkin wills and documents, but failing to identify the parents of Richard our immigrant ancestor.

The name Bodkin is unheard of anywhere in Ireland except Galway and the city of Dublin, as seen in telephone directories and word-of-mouth. There are some Bodkins in England, but our family tradition is passed down of coming from Ireland.

When I asked Irish doctors visiting Dallas about Bodkins, they appeared puzzled. One said, "Hmmm. That means a kind of needle." It turned out to be though a type of dagger that was needle-sharp.

However, when I visited friends in the City of Galway, the wife's father came to call, and his first question was, "And did you have ancestors in Ireland?" I replied Yes, and he asked, "What were their names?" When I mentioned Bodkin, what a delight when he exclaimed, "Ah, yes! One of the Tribes of Galway!"

He explained that when merchants from Normandy settled in Galway and established a thriving shipping industry, each had its own "Tower" house in Galway. A very old pub he took me to had the Bodkin Arms engraved above its big open smoke-darkened fireplace. My attempt to take its picture wasn't very successful, but it's included in the large poster I got about Dublin, "A Thousand Years a City" being celebrated that year, 1988.

"The family of Bodkin is found in Ireland descending from Maurice Fitzgerald, from whom also sprang the Earls of Desmond and Kildare. Thomas Fitzgerald, gr. grandson of Maurice, is accredited with the origination of the name of Bodkin here. It is said that his use of the spear or "baudekin" in battle led him to victory, and hence the name came into being. This seems most likely, however several other possibilities have been forwarded over time. "Some say the name arose from the type of garment he habitually wore, a costly material of silk and gold tissue, called "baudkin" much used at the end of the 13th century. "For others of the name its origin has been given to mean 'little baud,' a form of Baldwin said to mean 'bold friend.' "The family is given as prominent in the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries in the town of Galway and in the town of Athenry. Four of the name are found as Mayors of Galway from 1485 and 1653. "One of the renowned 14 tribes of Galway, they received large portions of land there in 1242. They are found prominent in the area, furnishing Bishops, army officers and doctors. "According to Keatings Irish Genealogies the name is given as among the principal English and Welsh families settling in the town of Galway and other parts of the country in the 12th and 13th centuries. They are given to descend from the above Fitz-Gerald. "There was a street in Galway named 'Baudekyn's Lane' and they held lands in and about the town of Galway, including those of Newcastle (near the river), Athenry, Toberskehine, Ballynameatagh, Kilmarnon and D___. The original families of the name around the 1820s resided in Annagh, Carrowbeg, Castletown, Kilcloony & Thomastown. "The Bodkins of Kilclooney are given in the book entitled 'Milltown Sketches' as descending from the line of Major Thomas Bodkin of Kilclooney. They are given with extensive holdings in the parish of Milltown. "The family motto remained the same as that of the Fitzgeralds according to Hardiman. Arms: Ermine, on a saltire, gules, a leopard's face, or. Crest: A leopard's face, or. Moto: Crom Aboo (Crom to Victory). "The above arms are those illustrated in the introduction. At the beginning of the 20th century the arms in use were: Argent, a saltire gules. Crest: A wild boar proper. Motto: Crom Aboo. "From the old seal of Christopher Bodkin found appended to a deed dated July 7, 1554 it would seem his arms were: 'ermine, a saltire, gules.' "In King James Irish Army List is given one Major John Bodkin along with a Mathew and Augustus Bodkin. Dominick Bodkin of Galway was one of the Confederate Catholics who assembled in Kilkenny in 1646. At the siege of Galway in 1652, some six Bodkins are found refusing to sign the articles of surrender, and another 12 of the name were absent in order to avoid doing so. "Several are found as Irish Catholic 'proprietors' in the town of Galway in 1640 who lost their lands by 1657. "One Christopher Bodkin (d. 1572) served as Archbishop of Tuam. "O'Hart gives Thomas Bodkin, M.D. of Tuam, Co. Galway."

Immigrating from Ireland to the area of then Orange Co., VA, which became Augusta Co., Richard Bodkin obtained the following "Lease & Release" 339-acre Virginia Patent for land on Clover Creek, a branch of the Cowpasture River. This type of patent required the payment of an annual payment on St. Michael's Day to the Governor, and if Richard died or abandoned it, title reverted to the Governor. Thus, Richard's patent had first been granted on 29 Oct 1743 to a John Robinson, Esq., James Wood, Henry Robinson and John Sims. The patent made to Bodkin was signed 3 Nov 1750, adjoining Lofty Pullin (Virginia Patent Book 3, p. 372-374, in Library of Virginia).

Migrating thence to what is now Highland Co., WV, Richard, "Bodkin arrived with sons nearly grown. In 1763 either he or Richard, Jr., sold the homestead and went higher up the valley. During the next forty years the connection largely drifted out, the present Botkins being with the exception of a single household the posterity of one only of the pioneer grandsons." Highland Co. was formerly part of Augusta Co. (History of Highland Co., VA).

Richard was mentioned in the 1756 Augusta Parish Registry. The official religion of Virginia was Anglican, and attendance and tithes were mandatory, whether residents were Anglican or not.

The earliest record we have Richard's sons names is the Augusta Co., VA, Militia List of 11 Aug 1756. The "List of Capt. Willson's Co." included James BODKIN, John HICKLIN, Thomas HICKLIN, Richard BODKIN, John BODKIN (Lloyd Bockstruck, Virginia's Colonial Soldiers, p. 324).

Augusta Co. was cut from Orange Co., VA, in 1738 but a government was not allowed by the VA House of Burgesses to form until the population grew enough to justify it. Both at the time were huge counties, taking in parts of what became Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and all of today's West Virginia.

Virginia County Map as of 31 Dec 1735

Virginia County Map as of 31 Dec 1750

In 1751 Richard was one of the signers when inhabitants petitioned for a road from Walles Astern's mill to road on the head of Cowpasture. On 28 May 1751 he was ordered to help clear and keep in repair a road on the Cowpasture. Today, Cowpasture Road is State Route 131.

From 11 Aug 1756 to 1758, "Robert Hall, John Graham dec'd, and James BODKIN were in Capt. Preston's Co. of Rangers in 1758; eligible for what? 21 Mar 1780. This was the Cornstalk Militia, to fight Chief Cornstalk in the French & Indian War. On 6 Oct 1770, James was granted 50 acres for his service in 1758 in Capt. Preston's Rangers, on Bullpasture Creek, Augusta Co.

On 26 Sep 1760 Richard Bodkin was mentioned in the Virginia Patent to James Burnside as "adj. the Land in Possession of Richard Bodkin on the E. side the River."

In 1763, Richard and his sons James, Hugh, and John moved higher up the valley and wound up on Black Thorne River in present-day Pendleton Co., WV. They had land on and around Bullpasture Mountain in Highland Co., VA. Bullpasture River is one fork of the much longer Cowpasture River, which flows S.W. and into the Shenandoah? River. Bullpasture Mountain is abt 30 mi. NW of Staunton, still the seat of Augusta Co., VA.

John Bodkin was later listed on Pendleton Co's delinquent tax list, Order Book 3.

On 17 Mar 1768, John Bodkin was appointed surveyor of a highway, vice John Estill, from James Given's to head of Cow Pasture River in Augusta Co., VA (Lyman Chalkley's Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia: Extracted from the Original Court Records of Augusta County, 1745-1800, Genealogical Publishing Co., Baltimore, MD, Vol. I, p. 146).

On 8 Dec 1769, the family still owned land on the Cowpasture River in Augusta Co., VA, adjoining John Poague and David Bell.

Virginia County Map, 1770

Cowpasture Valley, Augusta Co., VA
Sugar Grove, WV, view of Bullpasture Mountain, VA	Blue Ridge Mountains

	<==== Above, Terrain of Bullpasture Mountain on Map to Left, elevation 3940 ft.
Notice the headwaters of Bullpasture River and Cowpasture River, upper Right, and meanders of Cowpasture goes off the map, lower Left	Above, red pin marks Bullpasture Mountain, near Monterey in Highland Co., VA, abt 30 mi. NW of Staunton, seat of Augusta Co. The plain background is the State of West Virginia. Note Shenandoah National Park.

On 27 Aug 1770 Richard was granted 6 acres in the Bull Pasture, including his Mill.

On 10 Aug 1810, in Harrison Co., KY, William & Euphemie Bodkin sold 100 acres on Silas Creek to Edward Tucker, her name spelled Uphame (Harrison Co. Deed Book 2, p. 256).

Harrison Co. was established in 1793. Its seat, Cynthiana, is located along the banks of the South Fork of the Licking River, 28 miles northeast of Lexington, the heart of the Blue Grass region horse country -- 90 mi. from Louisville, 60 mi. south of Cincinnati. Cynthiana was established in 1793 on the lands of Robert Harrison. According to tradition, the town was named in honor of his daughters, Cynthia and Anna.

An 800-acre Virginia grant to William Bodkin, assignee of Jonathan Smith on 27 Jun 1788, in Randolph Co., VA (created 1786 out of Harrison Co., it is now in WV), was signed and sealed by James Monroe on 13 Nov 1801 when Governor (later elected President):

I. William1 Bodkin Sr. was also known as William Botkin; the spelling varied in his will and deeds. He was born circa 1770 at Augusta Co.,
VA, son of James Bodkin and Dinah Hicklin. He married his 1st Euphemie Bodkin, daughter of John Bodkin and wife Mary _____, on 29 Sep 1786 at Augusta Co., VA. He was granted 800 acres nearly adjoining lands of Sethman Homan upon the waters of said Homans Run. He was grantor on eleven deeds, six on Silas Creek and four on Woods Run, between 1805 and 1834 in Harrison Co., KY.

He purchased 153 acres on Silas Creek from Thomas Holt and wife Paulina for $1880, bounded by George Zumalt and John Hamilton on 2
Sep 1805 at Harrison Co., KY. He was appointed by the Harrison Co.Court as overseer for road work in the county in Oct 1805. He and wife Euphemie Bodkin sold 100 acres on Silas Creek to Edward Tucker, her name spelled Uphame on 10 Aug 1810, Harrison Co., KY. He bought 100 acres on Silas Creek from Thomas Holt and 100 acres from McMullins, Execr in 1819, Harrison Co.

He married Catharine Smith Zeumalt, daughter of Michael Smith and Regina Fruit, on 1 Nov 1827 at Harrison Co., KY.

He sold 166 acres on Silas Creek to Paschal Kirtly in 1829 at Harrison Co., KY. He was chosen as guardian by Andrew J. Jordan, infant orphan of John Jordan who died, Thomas Snodgrass, security in Mar 1830 at Harrison Co. He bought 79 1/2 acres on Silas Creek from J. P. Shropshire in 1831 at Harrison Co.

William was appointed guardian by the Court of Catherine's daughters Mahala and Zerelda Zumwalt, heirs of her late husband, Christian Zumwalt in 1833. He gave Account as guardian to the heirs of Christian Zumwalt, mentioned clothing and schooling of Maryan, Mahulda, and Zerelda Zumwalt, on 7 Nov 1833 at Harrison Co.

He bought 44 acres on Woods Run from Thomas Snodgrass and deeded 94 acres of Woods Run to Thomas Wornall in 1834 at Harrison Co. He deeded to his daughter Margaret Botkin (by his 1st wife Euphemie) 30 acres in 1834. The Settlement of William Bodkin Sr., former guardian of Mahulda and Zerelda Zumwalt; present guardian John Hamilton on 19 Aug 1837 at Harrison Co., KY.

He appeared on the Harrison Co. census of 1840. He deeded 50 acres to Pleasant Lilly in 1842. He left a will wrotten 26 Aug 1844 at Harrison Co. He was granted 89 acres on the East side of the Bullpasture Mountain on 31 Oct 1847 at Pendleton Co., VA (now WV). He died before 12 Jun 1848.

Children of William Bodkin, Sr., and 1st wife Euphemie Bodkin were:

A. Alexander2 Bodkin was born circa 1800? at Pendleton Co., VA (now WV). He married Lucinda Baxter on 1 Aug 1827 at Harrison
Co., KY. He appeared on the census of 1870 at Madison Co., IN.

B. Margaret2 Bodkin was born circa 1803? at Clark Co., KY. She and Tabitha Botkin were deeded land by William Botkin (Jr.) and wife Lucinda for
$600, adjoining Willson, Wood, and Galbreath, acreage not stated, on 4 Apr 1833 at Harrison Co., KY. She was deeded 30 acres by William Bodkin in 1834, Harrison Co., KY.

C. William2 Bodkin Jr. was born circa 1806 at Harrison Co., KY. He married Lucinda Snodgrass, daughter of Thomas Snodgrass and Catherine _____, on 3 Jan 1828 at Harrison Co., KY. He Account, Wm. Bodkin, guardian of Andrew J. and Paulina Jourdan; William Bodkin Jr. was appointed guardian to Paulina infant orphan of John B. Jourdan, dec'd. Securities John B. Righter and Thomas Snodgrass in Jun 1830 at Harrison Co., KY. He and Lucinda Snodgrass sold to Margaret and Tabitha BOTKIN for $600 adjoining Willson, Wood, and Galbreath, acreage not stated on 4 Apr 1833 at Harrison Co., KY. He died between 1848 and 1850 at Harrison Co., KY.

Children of William Bodkin Jr. and Lucinda Snodgrass were:

1. Louisa Jane3 Bodkin was born circa 1829 at KY. She married John M. Jett on 11 Aug 1846 at KY.

a) Lucinda4 Jett was born circa 1847 at OH.

2. James3 Bodkin was born circa 1833 at Harrison Co., KY.

3. John A.3 Bodkin was born circa 1836 at Harrison Co., KY.

4. Mary C.3 Bodkin married Mr. Wilson (10814). She was born circa 1838 at KY.

5. Harrison S.3 Bodkin was born circa 1841 at KY. He married Nancy A. Snodgrass on 22 Dec 1870 at Audrain Co., MO.

6. Amanda H.3 Bodkin married Richard Rose. She was born circa 1844 at KY.

7. Robert T.3 Bodkin was born circa 1846 at KY.

8. Zachary Taylor3 Bodkin married Louisa M. Douglass. He was born in Dec 1847 at KY. He appeared on the census of 1900 at Audrain Co., MO. He appeared on the census of 1910 at Audrain Co., MO.

a) Thomas Edward "Eddie"4 Bodkin married Emma Jane Tharp. He was born on 16 Jan 1874 at MO.

He died in 1926 at MO. He was buried in 1926 at Elmwood Ceme., Mexico, Audrain Co., MO.

Children of Thomad Edward & Emma Jane Tharp Bodkin:  (1) Frances Myra5 Bodkin was born on 9 Oct 1901 at MO. She married Leland Thomas Breid on 7 Jul 1922 at Mexico, Audrain Co., MO. When her husband died, their children were named in his obituary in Jun 1970 at Fulton, MO. She died in Apr 1971 at Fulton, Callaway Co., MO, at age 69. (a) James6 Breid was born circa 1923 at MO. He lived in 1970 at Fulton, MO. (b) Billy Jean6 Breid married W. E. Gehrig. She was born circa 1925 at MO. She lived in 1970 at Sidney, NE. (c) Thelma6 Breid was born circa 1927 at MO. She lived in 1970 at Fulton, MO. (d) Helen6 Breid married Delbert Teel. She was born circa 1929? at MO. She lived in 1970 at Fulton, MO. (e) Patty6 Breid married Bob Bentley. She was born circa 1931? at MO. She lived in 1970 at Fulton, MO. (f) Mary6 Breid married Hubert McNamee. She was born circa 1934? at MO. She lived in 1970 at Wichita, KS. (g) Gloria6 Breid married John Fitzpatrick. She was born circa 1937? at MO. She lived in 1970 at Columbia, MO.

(2) Thelma Marion5 Bodkin was born on 27 Jul 1903 at MO. She married Rudolph Worrell Green on 9 Feb 1924.

She died on 9 Mar 1985 at Audrain Co., MO, at age 81.

(a) Thomas William6 Green was born circa 1925 at MO.

b) Carrie C.4 Bodkin married Walter Ferguson. She was born on 13 Nov 1886 at MO.

D. Patsy2 Bodkin was born circa 1810? at Harrison Co., KY. She married Eli C. R. Bowie on 4 Sep 1828 at Harrison Co., KY.

E. Tabitha2 Bodkin was born circa 1815 at Harrison Co., KY. She and her sister Margaret were deeded land by William Botkin (Jr.) and wife Lucinda for $600, adjoining Willson, Wood, and Galbreath, acreage not stated on 4 Apr 1833 at Harrison Co., KY.

Children of William Bodkin, Sr., and 2nd wife Catharine Smith Zeumwalt:

F. Catharine2 Bodkin was born on 1 Jun 1831 at Harrison Co., KY. She married Tarleton Jones Taylor, son of Benjamin F. Taylor and Mary Charlotte "Polly" Mings, on 25 Dec 1849 at Harrison Co., KY. She and Tarleton Jones Taylor immigrated in 1856 to Grayson or Cooke Co., TX.

She received the following letter from her husband, Tarleton Jones Taylor

"My dear Catharine, I addressed you two letters which I hope you have received. My health is not as good as it was when it started, though I am harty. The people here complain of hard times and I can get but little money. Have sold part of my seed on credit, fear I shall not sell it all, it is too late. Catharine I shall not get home in time for harvest. I think you better speke for a reaper in time and enge hands on the best terms for wheat, or otherwise if you fail to enge a reaper, speke for cradles in time. Endeavor to sell a yoke of my oxen for money. Money will be very scarce. Try to collect money to pay harvest hands and to buy wool to make us clothing. Endeavor to preserve the health of the family. Take care of yourself and make all you can, we shall need it. And I think if I shall live to get home again I shall stay with you and enjoy your sweet company and that of our children. Kiss them all for me. The Lord bless them and you my affectionate wife. Pray for me God heareth the prayer of the righteous. Once more farewell. Tarleton J. Taylor on 11 Apr 1858 at Bushell, McDonough Co., IL.

Catharine and Tarleton Jones Taylor appeared on the census of 1860 at Sherman, Grayson Co., TX.

From a Grayson Co. newspaper at Sherman, TX, headed "Pleasant View, Cherokee Co., Kansas, August 1, 1867:

Post master at Sherman, Grayson Co., TX: "Dear Sir: "There was a man murdered in this county on the night of July 30, 1867, by the name of Tarleton J. Taylor, and from the best information he resided in Grayson County, Texas and if he has any friends or relatives living in your part of the county, you will please communicate this fact to them at your earliest convenience, we have one of the supposed murders now in jail, (his name is James Mathews). "For further information write to W. G. Seright, sheroff of Cherokee County, Kansas." "The above was handed to us by the P.M. and we publish it for the benefit of the friends of the deceased" on 1 Aug 1867 at Pleasant View, Cherokee Co., KS.

Catharine and her son, Tarleton Gano Taylor, appeared on the census of 3 Jun 1880 at Bell Co., TX.

Catherine died on 17 Nov 1920 at Stephens Co., OK, at age 89.

Children of Tarleton Jones Taylor and Catharine Bodkin were:

1. Ferdinando San Francisco3 Taylor was born on 14 Mar 1851 at Harrison Co., KY. He married Elizabeth Goen, daughter of Stephen P. Goen and Arrena Stephens, on 12 Dec 1867 at Cooke Co., TX. He witnessed the death of Elizabeth's brother, Jonathan L. Goen, circa 1869 at Trinity River Bottom, Kentucky Town, Grayson Co., KY.

He and Elizabeth Goen moved in Oct 1869 to Bell Co., TX. They appeared on the census of Jun 1880 at Justice Pct. 5, Bell Co.

He received a letter from his aunt, Rebecca Jane Taylor Howard in Kentucky:

Canby, Owen Co., Kentucky, December 2, 1882 Mr. F. S. Taylor Dear nephew: Your kind letter came to hand yesterday to which I will now take pleasure in answering. We are all well except myself. I am very much affected with the rheumatics. We were glad to learn that you all are well pleased with your new home and glad to learn that Catherine is settled permanently in a good country and may you all do well is my happiest wish. You wish for information as to our family, as to our ancestry as far back as I can remember. I will commence with grandfather Taylor, whose name was Thomas, and lkived in Madison County where our nearest relatives resided. He had a sister, Grace, who married a Jones and lived near Mount Sterling in Montgomery County. My grandmother on the paternal side was of a great family of people. Her maiden name was Hannah Bartison and a better woman than her never lived. I will now give the names of some of my father’s uncles on paternal side. Uncle Groom the eldest, Father Benjamin Taylor, and Uncle William, uncle Tarleton, and uncle Parker who was the youngest boy, besides there three aunts on paternal side to wit: Aunt Grace, Jennie, and Rebeccah who was the youngest child. All of whom I have named were noted especially as a peacable and quiet and energetic family; noted as strong Democrats, and all strong reformers except uncle Groom who was a Baptist. I must tell you that uncle William Taylor was so strong and uncompromising a Democrat that his faith and political principle was the only thing that he was ever known to fight for. Ay! he gave his all to the old Jeffersonian party firm and irreconciliable. Indeed all the Taylor family of whom I know anything about was loyal to that principle except old Uncle Zack “the hero of Buena Visa” who was elected president on the “Whig Platform” and who was a member of our family. I will now give you some of the names of the first cousins of father, who live near Mount Sterling, Viz: Jesse, Frank, Augustine, and Thomas. In addition, I will now give you the names of some of my first cousins on father’s side: Uncle Groom’s children who are now living are all here in Owen ane Grant Counties. Cousin Hannah, married Wilburn Holbrook, Elizabeth married Benjamin Martin. Jane married Frank Stamper a merchant in Owenton. Rebecca married Judge Jesse Holbrook of Owenton, formerly county judge of Owen County and who is now one among the most wealthy in Owen County. Thomas, James, and Wesley, the boys, are neighbors to us, in good circumstances and among the most highly esteemed of our citizens. Uncle William’s children are the following: Parker, Speed, Cassius, and Pendleton, and Owen who was named for Owen County for its unparalleled loyalty to the Democracy. They live in Madison County, except Speed, who lives in Washington County, Ky. All in good circumstances. Uncle Tarlton’s children are the following: Frank, who lives in Jessamine County in the heart of the blue grass country and said to be the wealthiest man in Jessamine County is the oldest now living. Bartson, the youngest, lives in Lexington, owns two farms in Madison County, also a lot and Hotel in Lexington. Cousin William Hendren was a preacher of the Christian faith. Uncle Parker’s children living are the following: William Taylor lives in Grant County near Dock’s. Susan married Hiram Taylor, living now in Estil County. Maranda Taylor lives now in Missouri, and America married a Beasley living on the Kentucky River. One of the boys was named Green, one Fayette, and one Elijah. They all live in Tunnell County near the Kentucky River. There is a second cousin of mine living near Warsaw in Galatin County, very wealthy and a good and enterprising citizen. His name is Tarlton. Aunt Grace Dunkin’s boys live near Danville in Boyle County. Willie Dunkin married Miss Wannie Goodnight near Danville. My youngest aunt Becah married Benjamin Kidwell in Madison County. Aunt Mary Taylor married James Howard in Madison County. Young A. J. Taylor, formerly of Danville, now a noted Baptist Divine in Lexington, is a second cousin of mine. Grandmother Taylor’s sister, Jane Bartson, married Jacob Canetscer who was uncle to my mother. Christopher Canetscer was another uncle to my mother. My grandmother on Mother’s side was Margaret Canetscer. Her mother’s maiden name was Smith. My grandfather on maternal side was Joseph Mings who emigrated from England and was in the war of the Revolution and fought at Bunker’s Hill. Hoping this will suffice for the present and as I cannot think of any more of our ancestry farther back I will close. With much love to all the family and hoping to hear from you all soon, I remain your affectionate aunt. Rebecca J. Howard P.S. Dock and Mary Jane send their love and respect to you all and wish you well. They all are well as common. 2 Dec 1882 at Canby, Owen Co., KY.

He received another letter from his Aunt Rebecca in KY, apparently written for her by nephew James Tandy Osborne:

Canby, Owen Co., Ky. March 11, 1883 Mr. F. S. Taylor Dear Nephew: I take pleasure in giving you all the information I can on the Taylor family. Mother was born and raised near Summerset. I do not really know in what year she was born, but I guess it must have been the year 1800. Father was born 1793, in Madison County and raised there 10 miles from Richmond. Grandfather Thomas Taylor, I think, emigrated from South Carolina. I don’t know what year he died in. Grandmother Bartison was, I think, a full blooded Duchess. Zach Taylor, - - - I don’t know really what relation he is to us, but they say he is some (kin). I was born Oct. 12th, 1819 in Madison Co., 10 mile of Richmond, Ky. That is about all (I) believe. This leaves us all well excepting James. He is very poorly, and Pleas’s wife and children, -- they have the whooping cough. I hope this may find you all enjoying good health. Write soon. Your affectionate aunt, Rebecca J. Howard

[NOTE: The handwriting on this second letter is not the same as on her first, and is beautiful fancy script, probably learned in the “commercial course” mentioned in accompanying letter by J. T. Osborne:

Corinth, Grant Co., Ky. March 11, 1883 Mr. F. S. Taylor & Family: I avail myself of this opportunity of writing you a few lines this morning. I very often think of you all and dream of the bright sunny south. We all are satisfied in our Grant County Home. We have raised two good crops. We have made $1000.000 in the last two years off of our Tobacco and hogs besides raising plenty of produce to live on, though we are working harder than we ever did before. But the old adage is, there is no excellence without great labor. Green has been teaching and studying together at home ever since he has been back until seven weeks ago he started to school at the State Normal College at Lexington, Ky. I taken a commercial course there last winter and spring but Billy and I are still with Pa on the farm. We are aiming to put another big tobacco crop this year. We are expecting an early spring season. Somebody wrote us that Edd Goens was married. Write us who he married and give us all the news. We have not forgotten you all yet and don’t expect to. We all would like so well to see you all. Write soon. Yours as ever, J. T. Osborne

Ferdinando S. Taylor, widower, married Rosa Anna McLaughlin, daughter of Samuel D. McLaughlin and Jane K. DeShazo, in Jul 1890 at Hamilton Co., TX. He sold out in Jul 1894 at Carlton, Hamilton Co., TX, and started for the Indian Terr. but turned back at the Red River. He bought a crop near Forrestburg, Montague Co., TX, harvested the crop there, and moved to Eulogy, Bosque Co., TX. He established a post office and store in Apr 1897 at Staff, Eastland Co., TX.

He and Levia Taylor appeared on the census of 1900 at Hamilton, Hamilton Co., TX. He lived in 1901 at Dell, Bosque Co., TX. He and Rosa Anna McLaughlin lived in 1903 at Hucal, Somervell Co., TX. He and Rosa Anna McLaughlin appeared on the census of 28 Apr 1910 at Justice Pct. 2, Somervell Co., TX. He and Rosa Jewel Taylor appeared on the census of 20 Jan 1920 at Hico, Hamilton Co., TX.

He wrote a letter on 22 Jan 1928 at Burnet, TX, to daughter Jewel in McCamey, TX.

Burnet, Tex. 1-22-28 Dear Daughter, I will proceed to answer your letter that I received yesterday. I was rushed so yesterday that I cashed the check before I read all of the letter. They fixed up a note and had me to sign it for you and had me to sign it as a surety. If there is anything behind I will deposit some for you. I have some saved up to pay on the note. I think that I can get considerable more together this week: will have about $40.00 come in the 2nd on new accounts but will be too late for the note. Expect that I will have to borrow some for a short time. Business is some better than when you was here though I have had some awful dull days. I wrote to Jenkins jest before you came home, and the letter came back a few days ago. Had been opened through mistake. I wrote him again and sent the returned letter also. I got a report from the manager of that oil corporation. He informs me that they have secured a number of royalties in the Crane County oil fields and urges me to hold onto shares, that we will begin to receive dividends soon. They have spread out over parts of La., Okla and Texas. Reter [Reta] is getting along fine with the measles. Karl nor Vane hasn't tuck [took] them yet. I have been doping them on sulpher [sulphur] and cream of tartar. Erie came over once to see about Reter. Will was over yesterday, the first time in about 3 months. They gone into the goat and hog business considerable. Had bad luck with the kids. That cold spell yesterday was a cold rain day and snowed a little about dark, but got considerable warmer before day and is clearing off now. Hern has put up a scating [skating] rink here and quite a number are going around with broken arms, and no money to pay their honest debts. I noticed in the papers that they have sent a lot of Rangers to McCamey to assist in keeping order, and about a number of people getting bit by mad dogs, and that the sheriff and his posse is killing all of the dogs in Crane County. Emer [Emma?] was sick last Sunday. They think that it is another attack of gall stones like she had about 20 years ago. Write soon. F. S. Taylor P.S. Have rheumatism in both ankles yet to some extent but does not hinder me from getting around.

He married Mary Talulah "Lu" Kirkley, a widow, on 22 Mar 1930 at Burnet, TX. They were enumerated in the census taken 2 Apr 1930 at Burnet, Burnet Co., TX.

There F. S. Taylor died on 4 Dec 1936 at age 85. He was interred in the Post Mountain Cemetery at Burnet.

His widow was the only grandmother my Mother, Reta Wilks Ross, ever knew, and we called her Granny. She stayed in their house in Burnet (between the Depot and the Square) several years before moving back to the Lufkin area to be near her children, and then it passed to Jewel.

On her tombstone, her children used her first married name, and theirs, Quine:

2. Andrew Jackson3 Taylor was born on 12 Mar 1853 at Harrison Co., KY. He appeared on the census of 3 Jun 1880 at Justice Precinct 6, Bell Co., TX. He married Elizabeth "Lizzie" Mance on 1 Jul 1883 at TX. They were enumerated on the census of 10 Jun 1900 at Justice Pct. 8, Hill Co., TX. They were on the census of 1 Apr 1910 at Justice Pct. 8, Hill Co., and on the census of 8 Jan 1920 at Pct. 8, Hill Co. He died between Feb 1920 and 1930 at Italy, Hill Co., TX.

a) Mary C.4 Taylor was born in 1881 at TX.

b) Lula4 Taylor was born in Dec 1888 at TX.

c) Annie4 Taylor was born in Nov 1890 at TX.

d) Newton4 Taylor was born in Sep 1896 at TX. He died before Apr 1910.

e) Luther Fred4 Taylor was born in May 1899 at TX.

3. Remus Romulus Lycurgus "Curg"3 Taylor was also known as R. L. Taylor. He was born on 7 Jun 1855 at Harrison Co., KY. He married Marie Elizabeth Thomas, daughter of William Thomas and Angeline Stephens, on 4 Sep 1873. He and Marie were on the census of 3 Jun 1880 at Justice Pct. 6, Bell Co., TX. He and his brother, William Sterling Lee Taylor appeared on the census of 19 Jun 1900 at all West of Bosque River, Meridian Pct. 1, Bosque Co., TX. He and Marie were enumerated on the census of 24 Feb 1920 at King Twp., Stephens Co., OK. His mother, Catharine Bodkin Taylor, was living with them when she died. Curg died on 16 Feb 1951 at Comanche, OK, at age 95.

4. Benjamin Franklin3 Taylor (46930) was born on 12 Dec 1857 at Grayson Co., TX. He died on 27 Mar 1858 at Grayson Co., TX.

5. Elizabeth Ellen Jane3 Taylor (46934) was born on 18 Mar 1859 at Grayson Co., TX. She married William Martin Prewitt (46935), son of William Martin Prewitt Sr. (56803) and Hannah Prewitt (56804), on 3 Dec 1876. She died in 1918 at Berclair, Goliad Co., TX. They had a large family, names available upon request.

6. Tarleton Gano3 Taylor was born on 17 Nov 1861 at TX. He and his mother Catharine Bodkin Taylor were enumerated on the census of 3 Jun 1880 at Bell Co., TX. He married 1st wife ____ on 23 Dec 1885 at Bosque or Bell Co., TX. They immigrated after 1886 to Humphreys Co., TN. He married 2nd Dolly Stewart circa 1894 at Humphrey Co., TN. They moved c 1900 to Goliad Co., TX, and in 1910 to El Campo, TX. He died on 20 Jan 1942 at Houston, Harris Co., TX, at age 80.

a) Sarah K.4 Taylor married C. C. Caswell. She was born on 20 Sep 1888 at Humphreys Co., TN. She died on 23 Aug
1918 at Wharton Co., TX, at age 29.

b) Monty Edmund4 Taylor married Zella Koonce. He was born circa 1890? at Humphreys Co., TN.

c) Aaron James4 Taylor was born circa 1892? at Humphreys Co., TN. He died in 1959 at Austin, TX.

d) Dofford W.4 Taylor married Emma ____. He was born on 11 Feb 1895 at Humphreys Co., TN. He died on 22
Nov 1966 at Montgomery Co., TX, at age 71.

e) Austin Arthur4 Taylor was born on 7 Nov 1899 at Humphreys Co., TN. He married Eula Lee Smith on 22 Sep
1919. The lived in 1971 at Livingston, TX.

7. William Sterling Lee3 Taylor was born on 15 Aug 186y4 at Grayson Co., TX. He married Margaret Underwood, daughter of Mr. Underwood and Allie Thomas, in 1893. He and his brother, Remus Romulus Lycurgus "Curg" Taylor, appeared on the census of 19 Jun 1900 at all West of Bosque River, Meridian Pct. 1, Bosque Co., TX. He died on 22 Oct 1906 at Bosque Co., TX, at age 42.

a) Audra4 Taylor (56961) married Mr. (--?--) Scott (56962). She was born circa 1895? She lived in 1971 at Big Spring, TX.

b) Alex4 Taylor (56963) was born circa 1898? He lived in 1971 at Big Spring, TX.

c) Otto4 Taylor (56964) was born circa 1900? He lived in 1971 at Lubbock, TX.

d) Unknown Sibling4 Taylor (56965) was born circa 1905? He/she lived in 1971? at CA.

8. Mary Victory3 Taylor (46942) was born on 22 Jul 1867 at TX. She died on 30 Jul 1884 at age 17.

G. Amanda Ellen2 Bodkin was born on 18 Oct 1837 at Harrison Co., KY. She appeared on the census of 5 Sep 1850 in the household of Catharine Smith and Tarleton Jones Taylor, in Dist. 2, Harrison Co., KY. She married Samuel Calvert, son of Isaac Calvert and Mildred Chambers, on 19 Dec 1854 at Harrison Co., KY. She and Samuel immigrated circa 1857 to Henry Co., MO. They appeared on the census of 20 Jul 1860 at Deep Water Twp., Henry Co., MO. She died on 31 Mar 1868 at Henry Co., MO, at age 30.

1. Isaac E.3 Calvert (65444) was born in 1848 at KY.

2. Zerieda C.3 Calvert (65443) was born in 1856 at KY.

Pedigree-ancestry of F. S. Taylor

More pix of Jewel & C. J. Taylor

Coming soon! Goen Family, Botkin-Smith Family, Bartleson Family, Knatzer/Knortzer/Canatser Family

Michael Smith, Revolutionary Soldier