Panola Co Historical & Genealogical

Taylor Research 1/7/08 Posting

Taylor Research 1/7/08 Posting




I am the Great-Great-Granddaughter of Rosalia (Rosa) Ann Speed Taylor, whose son, John Speed Taylor, was killed at the Battle of Shiloh when he was 18. According to the Staff Ride Handbook for the Battle published by Combat Studies Institute Press, the battle took place on April 6-7, 1862.

Rosalia was born November 1872 and died June 2, 1880. Her parents were Joseph John Speed (1803-72) and Anna Strachan Jones (no date available). Rosa married Thomas Jefferson Taylor (1816-1883) in Granville County, North Carolina, October 1843. I believe they lived in Panola County in and around Como or Sardis as well. The single letter I have from Rosalia to "Mollie" (whomever that was) is dated January, 1862, Cottonwood, Mississippi.

Their fourth son, Travis Henry Taylor, was my Great-Grandfather. He married Alberta Meriwether and they purchased from the Wallaces what is now called The Taylor-Mansker house in Como. The house sits on Railroad Street directly opposite the railroad tracks.

I am writing a play about Rosalia and John and am interested in finding out anything more possible about their lives. I have but one letter, as above, and would appreciate information, copies of letters, pictures, and the like for both of them. Anything is welcome.
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Best regards,
Sharon Taylor
201-763-1339
201-763-0038 (fax)
sharon.talbot@citi.com