John Taylor UE, 1759 - 1829

1. Overview
2. Updated 2019 - Christine McArthur's parents: Neil McArthur & Mary Campbell
   
3. John Taylor chronological records
4. Excerpts about John Taylor from the William Canniff Papers
5. Piece on John Taylor as published by Canniff in 1869
   
6. John and Agnes Taylor of Ernestown

• 100 acres, Hungerford Tp.
  
• 200 acres, Lot 12, Con 4, Thurlow Tp.,   200 Thurlow  1797
• 200 acres, Lot 29, Con  B Front, Hamilton Tp.

1. Christina is named as a daughter, born before 1738, of Neil McArthur & Mary Campbell on some 1763 Argyle Patent documents. Neil is declared to be deceased by 1763. See Ann Gilchrist's web page.
   
2. The name "Mary Campbell" was honoured within the family. John Taylor UE and his wife Jane Russell named their last daughter Mary Ann Campbell Taylor, born 1822 after John's grandmother.
3. Martha [McArthur] Maybee, daughter of Charles McArthur, b. 1791, was interviewed by William Canniff in 1865 and his notes record she said this, "Old John Tailor of Belleville had with him his mother and grandmother her mother.  She died at the age of 90.  She was spinning hemp the very day she died, 2 hours before, she suddenly stopped, told them to put away the wheel as she was done spinning and so died.  She it is likely was the first person white buried in Belleville.  This history was told to Mrs. Maybee by her aunt and thinks it occurred between 1780-90." [See Canniff notes G6 (6), item 16, p. 31]
   
• Thus Christina's mother would have been born about 1700. This woman is very probably Mary Campbell who was a widow in the 1763 Argyle Patent records. She would have been nearly the first person buried in the Taylor Burying Ground having died about 1790.
• Curiously Canniff crosses out "grandmother her mother" in his notes and writes in his book that John Taylor's mother [Christina] died at 90 and states Christina was the second person buried in the Taylor Burying Ground! We know from petitions that Christina was still alive in 1807! By then the burying ground was well used. It is hard not to conclude that it is Christina's mother, Mary [Campbell] McArthur, who died around 1790. Canniff's notes taken during the interview are very clear. He made an error in interpreting his own notes. [see Canniff, 1869, p. 248]
  
4. A poem titled UEL Pioneers published in the Weekly Intelligencer around 1919 has a stanza (3rd from bottom) praising Mary Campbell and her loyalist experience within the Belleville Taylor family. See this image of the poem in the newspaper clipping. Note, in the next stanza, the author says it is six score and ten years since the family came to Canada. Therefore 130 years after 1789 is 1919. There is no doubt that Mary Campbell was a legend within the Taylor family of Belleville. The microfilm of the Weekly Intelligencer from 1918 to 1922, held by the Community Archives of Belleville and Hastings County, has been examined and the poem was not found.
   
5. Finally, Charles McArthur UE names his first son born in Canada, Neal, and his first daughter, Mary. His daughter Martha Maybee told the story above about Mary Campbell. It is reasonable to conclude that brothers Charles and John McArthur are part of the Neil McArthur and Mary Campbell family. Probably their father was a brother of Christina.
6. It is concluded that Mary Campbell, born abt 1700, married Neil McArthur, came to America in 1738 with her children one of whom was Christina. She and her family supported the British cause and paid dearly as Loyalists. Mary, in her old age, came to Upper Canada with her widowed daughter Christina along with her grandchildren: Charles and John McArthur, John Taylor and his three sisters Nelli, Christina and Elisabeth. Also a Duncan McArthur came and fits in somehow. As well, John and Charles McArthur along with Anne McArthur, dau of Charles, wife of Capt George Singleton, came before 1789. Mary died at 90 in Belleville about 1790 and her story was remembered within the family.

1. *Mary Taylor was baptized on 29 Sept 1745 in Claverack, NY; parents; Jan Teeler & Christina, (Wit: Matthys Embrig & Maria Embrig).
2. Daniel Taylor was baptized on 01 Jun 1747 in Germantown, Columbia, New York (wit: Jurg Scherp mit Haleelin). He died in 1777 in Hurley, Ulster, New York, USA (Hanged as a spy).
3. Cornelius (Neil) Taylor was baptized on 29 Mar 1748 in Claverak, NY, parents; John Taylor & Christina McCarty, (Wit: Willem Van Ness & Geertruy Van Ness). He died in 1777 in Saratoga, NY.
4. Catrina Taylor was born on 02 Jun 1751 in Claverak, NY (Wit: Hannes Philip & Catrina Philip).
5. *Nelli Taylor was baptized on 12 Apr 1757 in Claverak, NY; parents; John Taylor & Christena Corter, (wit: Killaen Muller & Annatje Bradt ).
6. *John Taylor UE was baptized 15 Apr 1759 in Claverack, NY, parents; John Taylor & Christina McCarty. He died in 1829 in Belleville, ON. He married (1) Wife 1. She died before 1815. He married (2) Jane Russell.
7. *Christina Taylor was baptized on 27 May 1764 in Claverak, NY (wit: Hendrick Schult & wife Cathrina Graet).
8. Elisabeth Taylor was baptized on 30 Aug 1767 in Kinderhook, NY; parents; John Taylor & Christina McCarty, (Wit: John McCarty & Elisabeth Braun).

Barb Crombie has inherited several pages of Taylor family history and she wrote in 2019 that, "My aunt Dorothy Sargent (b. 1918), daughter of William Johnston Sargent (b. 1880) was proud to put UEL after her name and searched as one did prior to the digital age, writing hundreds of family tree pages by hand." Dorothy had access to a Taylor Family Bible and click here to see a 4 generation chart of the Taylor family. Barb has given permission for a transcription of some of the pages of her notes to be posted here.

EXCERPT FROM CANNIFF PAPERS , Folder G6 (2) 10 interviews
June 23/64  Geo Taylor  aged 49 Sheriff Co Hastings, born in Belleville
Fathers name was John Taylor, thinks he was born on the Hudson may have been born in Scotland. His father and mother were both Scotch. Was 14 years old when the Revolutionary war commenced. His two brothers were officers in the British Army. They acted as spies for Burgoyne, both were caught and executed “one on one side of the river the other the opposite one was hanged to an apple tree the other oak tree” at different times. (The Hudson river is referred to I suppose  W.C.) John Taylor was left at home with his widowed mother, Kinderhook. He was however taken by a press gang of Burgoynes Army when at the plow. His mother didn’t know it; and was under the impression that the indians had taken him. She did not know where he was, indeed thought him dead until the close of the war. Taylor was in the army for 7 years. Was in many engagements. Had 3 wounds at least, one in the calf of the leg right, caused by sabre, one through the left arm, ball. At the close of the war came to Canada by way of New Brunswick, walked on snow shoes from St Johns to Sorel, 4 others started with him, 3 of whom perished by the way. They all had nearly perished from the cold and hungry. Killed and ate their dogs. Got his discharge at Sorel. This Sherrif T has (copy). Taylor would not draw land in Lower Canada which government wanted him to do. 

So came to Upper Canada in 1783. He walked from Cataraqui (Kingston) accompanied by one William McMullen on horseback. They followed the beach along the bay all the way in and out of small bays, and up streams until they could cross it. Had some trouble at Salmon river. He went up the Moira, and located a little above Reeds, but after being there some months, perhaps nearly a year, the Indians in coming down, drove him away saying the river was theirs for hunting and fishing. Taylor then settled in the 4th concession on the homestead farm which he drew land here several years. He then bought 200 acres of Capt Singleton lot no 5. Don’t remember how much he paid for it but sold the rear half for $1000 to Capt Myers. He bought the right to the land and got the patent deed. About this time the Chisholms settled in Sidney on the “Spencer Place”. Thinks Capt Singleton came in the same year. (Taylor may have been in the neighbourhood before for Singleton came for a time; but he could not have been in Belleville before him as he bought the land from him. W.C.)  

John Taylor married here a Miss Russell whose father was a U.E. Loyalist. Had 8 children, 5 of whom  grew up. Two or 5 years after he came in went to see or get his mother whom he had not seen since he was pressed. He also went about this time to Albany for seed potatoes, crossed the end of the Lake in a canoe, probably went up the Black river. His mother, thinking that all her children were dead, had sold the farm, and had thereby escaped confiscation. John Taylor would not sign off. It is supposed he might as heir at law, claimed the farm, a valuable one, after the declaration of peace; but he would not. The reason may have been that he would not live under the Yankee flag. He detested everything American he had suffered so much from them. His mother came to Canada with him from Kinderhook, and died upwards of 90 and was buried in the family burying ground (probably the first W.C.) Taylor might have drawn a pension but did not. E Murney said he could get it for him, but he would not let him. Peter Merrits grandfather was Taylors comrade in the same regiment and also D.B. Sales father. John Taylor died in 1829 buried in churchyard.

Belleville was surveyed in 1816 by Wilmot. The townships had formerly been surveyed by Smith, Wilmot was assisted only by indians, and could dishonestly if he wished without being then detected. It would seem that he did so. Coleman who had bought property on the west side of the river his line ran along the east shore, taking a little of the island at the bend. He gave surveyor Wilmot several parties and made himself otherwise agreeable, and the result was that Wilmot  in coming to survey 9th town, Thurlow, removed the stake, planted by the previous surveyor Smith, 2 chains and  some links further east, the effect of this was that when lot no 3 belonging to Coleman was surveyed, he came in possession of a nice strip of land on the east shore of river where is now the heart of the town. Lot no 4 reserved for the town was also laid out; but when he came to lot no 5 belonging to Tailor he allowed the stake planted by Smith on the east side to remain, having moved the one of the west, to the same distance he had the first. The result of this is that John Taylor was robbed of a strip of his land. Not many years ago when the sheriff was getting his land laid out into town lots the discovery was made. Much of the property had been held for more than 20 years and was consequently lost to Taylor, he received a few lots. Coleman having been possession of the valuable strip on the west side of Front Street more than 20 years, it could not be taken from him. The above facts were fully exposed at before the court in Belleville by several parties on oaths.

The following is copied from the Hastings Chronicle Nov 13th 1861
A spy of the Revolution. In the year 1776, where Governor Clinton resided in Albany, there came a stranger to his house one cold wintery morning, soon after the family had breakfasted. He was welcomed by the household, and hospitably entertained. A breakfast was ordered, and the Governor with his wife and daughter employed in knitting, was sitting before the fire and entered into conversation with him about the affairs of the country, which naturally led to the inquiry of what was his occupation. The caution and hesitance with which the speaker spoke  aroused the keen sighted Clinton. He communicated his suspicion  to his wife and daughter, who closely watched his every word and action. Unconscious of this, but finding that he had fallen among enemies, the stranger was seen to take something from his pocket and swallow it. Meantime, Madam Clinton, with the ready tact of women of those troublous times, was quickly into the kitchen and ordered coffee to be immediately made, and added to it a strong dose of tartar emetic. The stranger, delighted with the smoking beverage, partook freely of it, and Mrs Clinton soon had the satisfaction of seeing it produce the desired result. True to scripture, out of his by his) own mouth was he condemned. A silver bullet appeared, which upon examination was unscrewed and found to contain an an important despatch from Burgoyne. He was tried, condemned and executed and the bullet is still preserved in the family.

The foregoing article we clip from the Boston True Flag of 2nd November 1861. It has, there is reason to infer, a special reference to relatives of one of the oldest families in this part of Canada.

["]John Taylor, in his lifetime, well known to the first inhabitants of Belleville, had two brothers employed upon secret service for the British Government during the American Revolution; their names were Neil and Daniel. At different times they were each apprehended and suffered the severe penalty of the law.["] A tradition in the Taylor family, of this place, agrees in all particulars with the above article and points one of the Taylor brothers as the person therein alluded to. Abundance of confirmatory evidence, among the old inhabitants of this part of the country, point to the same inference.Com. This accidently came into Taylor’s hands and at L. Wallbridge’s suggestion was given to the Chronicle.

p. 24 - John Tailor the next settler has a history full of interest.
Mrs Maybee says that John Tailor’s mother was 90 when she died. That she was spinning hemp the day she died. That suddenly she stopped & told them to put away the wheel as she was done spinning and soon after died.

p. 25 - The old racing ground in Belleville was on the Plains on Tailor’s. The meeting place was a clump of plum trees. The entrance just by Herkimer’s where stood a barn.

p. 26 - But in the neighbourhood lived John Tailor, who was married to a daughter of Mrs Simpson’s, lived on Lot 5 in a log house.

p. 27 - Capt Myers bought his land of J. Tailer [Tailor]. Tailer had not yet taken out a deed consequently the first deed was to Myers. He went to York to get it. ..... John Tailor’s house stood on the ground now occupied by Benjamin’s house. It was 18 or 20 feet long

p. 28 - The Tailor Burying Ground and Others

The Settlers at first buried on their own farms. Those who first lost friends first found it necessary to set apart a spot wherein to consign the departed one. Thereafter the more immediate neighbours, instead of appropriating a spot on their own farm, would bury on their neighbour’s farm where already dead were buried.

Thus it arose that here and there along the Bay are to be found burying grounds here and there on the farms. In these rest the war-worn remains of the lived.

How came it that Tailor’s lot was first laid ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

Turn to the history of Jno Tailor and it will be seen that his old mother was unexpectedly, although old, called to set aside her spinning wheel and that soon after her body was to be laid aside for the wheels of life stood still.

This it would seem occurred some time before the terrible losses which came crushingly on the Singletons & Fergusons, consequently when Lieut. Ferguson died his body was placed out far from that of the first one who had died. I have walked over the old Tailor burying ground and vainly wondered where and sighed that I did not where those two were laid and when their peaceful ashes have commingled with mother earth.

p. 66 - Mr Yeomans knew John Tailor well. He was a strong man. Had two brothers hung. He went with a dispatch from Quebec to Nova Scotia on foot following the Coast all around the Bay of Fundy.
(Anyone looking at the map will see what strength? was)

Was very near killing a Walrus.
This fact was told to Mr Yoemans by J Tailor himself whose word was good.
( Sure is knowledge as to the times or circumstances.) 

p. 25 & 68 - The 1st prizes given in connection with this school were 4 in number, 2 Bibles and 2 Testaments. They were granted the first to H. Meacham, sister Ann, Matilda (?) McNab and Albert Tailor. 

[Mr Maybee] 28 - Old John Tailor lived in a log house of 18 or 20 feet on the ground where Benjamin’s house now stands. Chisholm lived on the hill. Miers had at first a log mill. Maybee came to Belleville to live in 1806 or 7. Thinks Miers came in 1785 or six, had been living near Trent, he and Capt Marsh lived near together, both cantankerous and were always quarrelling, so Miers came to Belleville and bought of Tailor thinks 100 acres out of the 200 Tailor had drawn;

[Mr Maybee] 29 - Old John Tailor here in Belleville, he says he was a native of York State but Mrs. M says he was born in Scotland. After the Rev War Tailor went to Nova Scotia, afterward, came with four or five others through the woods with knapsacks on back to Quebec then to Kingston to Belleville. Tailor told Maybee this. Tailor was a private soldier, and drew here in Belleville 200 acres, lot number five, joined in N.Y. He would not fight for the Congress. Thinks Tailor had lived here 7 or 8 years before Captain Meyers. Captain Meyers owned a batteaux, which was run by Jacob Steiners and down the bay to Montreal, carried produce at one time.

30 - Mrs. Martha Maybee --- born McArthur, aged 74 next April (Born in ’91) at Schuthen?  ---  now Brockville. Her father’s name was Chas McArthur was born in Scotland.  Died in 1827 at Presque Isle --- brought to Belleville and buried in Tailor’s burying ground. 

30 - Capt. Singleton had also drawn 400 acres in Thurlow so hither the whole party[,] 3 men and wives removed and settled on the place between Bleekers and John Tailor’s on the Front 200 acres.  Built a comfortable log house --- length of 2 logs --- was divided into 2 parts one of which was for a trading house with the Indians (Mrs. Maybee knows not whether Tailor had then settled in Belleville).

31 - Ferguson was buried in the Tailor burying ground (Tailor was no doubt the first settler about Belleville, Include the fact that upon his ground is the burying ground goes far to prove that. Yet according to the custom of burying on the farm it would be that whoever lost a friend first might commence the establishment of a burying place to which all the neighbours would thereafter go. W.C.).  Old John Tailor of Belleville had with him his mother and grandmother her mother.  She died at the age of 90.  She was spinning hemp the very day she died, 2 hours before, she suddenly stopped, told them to put away the wheel as she was done spinning and so died.  She it is likely was the first person white buried in Belleville.  This history was told to Mrs. Maybee by her aunt and thinks it occurred between 1780-90.

32 - John Tailor there lived down the Kingston road about seven miles, and kept tavern[?], He lived here about five years till the close of the war.

EXCERPT FROM CANNIFF PAPERS - Folder G6 (8) 189 pages

29th Nov. 1866  Mrs Harris

[Mrs Ashley - Mary Miers - aged 63 daughter of Jacob Walden Miers] [page] 7

Mrs. Ashley remembers when the first English church was built and Mr Campbell preached the first sermon.  There were very few attendants.  The church was commenced by Allen Tailor who died before it was finished and was buried in the centre of the building.

[James Hubbard Meacham, 56] 25 - (On our way passing Mrs Tailor ( I think) Mr Petrie winks? at the widows? and tells an old lady with her? that day after tomorrow he will with her permission come and take a cup of tea with her.)

He afterwards informs me that 45 years ago [1819] the day after tomorrow Allen Tailor died. I think the ? of that woman. It was the same Allen Tailor who built the English Church, until he died which was before it was completed and who was buried in the centre of the church. When the church was pulled down ( I happened to see it falling) the back was allowed to remain and now