My Genealogy Hound

JAMES H. TAYLOR, farmer and prominent citizen of the Twenty-fifth District, and a son of Young and Sarah C. (Poston) Taylor, was born in Lincoln County April 11, 1822, and is one of a family of nine children, only two of whom are living. The father of our subject was born in 1789, and had no advantages for acquiring an education. He was married when about twenty-two, and was employed for many years as an overseer of slaves. About 1818 he immigrated to Lincoln County, and farmed as a tenant for several years. He then purchased 240 acres in the Fourth District, where he remained until his wife’s death in 1866. His death occurred about 1874. Our subject received a practical education in the neighboring schools, and February 15, 1844, was married to Martha Simmons, by whom he had six children, four of whom are living: Jarred S., Sarah (wife of Thomas B. George), Franklin P. and William. After marriage our subject farmed for several years as a tenant, but imitating the example of his father, and inheriting his strong will and determined character, was so far successful in his labors as to soon be able to procure a home of his own. In 1849 he purchased one-half interest in 400 acres of land at Smithland, on which he located and continues to reside. He has since increased his original tract to over 1,000 acres, but has donated considerable to his children, and now has about 550 acres of fine land. Mrs. Taylor died April 17, 1881, and November 11, 1884, Mr. Taylor married Mrs. Rettie Reagor, who was born in Lincoln County May 22, 1846. Our subject is a Democrat in politics, and cast his first vote for James K. Polk. Mrs. Taylor is a member of the Christian Church.