Biography - SUSAN C. TAYLOR

Mrs. Susan C. Taylor, one of the well known residents of Gillespie township, Macoupin County, Illinois, owns and occupies a fine farm of 124 acres, situated in section 5. She is the widow of John Taylor, who served in the Civil War. Mrs. Taylor was born in Simpson County, Kentucky, and is a daughter of James and Ann (Solomon) Newell.

James Newell was born in Kentucky and there engaged in farming until he came to Illinois in 1840, when our subject was a little maid of five years. His death took place March 18, 1873, in his 73d year. He was a man devoted to his home and family and left them well provided for. In politics he was a Democrat. In religious belief he was a Baptist. The children of John and Ann Newell were 10 in number, those who grew to maturity being: Mrs. Elizabeth Solomon, deceased; William D., deceased; Mrs. Mary King, deceased; Peter G., deceased; Mrs. Taylor, of this sketch; Mrs. Nancy M. Blake of Warrensburg, Missouri; and Pricilli Ann and Sarah Jane, who both died in girlhood.

When the parents of Mrs. Taylor came to Macoupin County they settled at Eagle Point, but in 1856 they removed to Gillespie where she has lived ever since. In 1854 she married John Smith, who was born in Macoupin County, Illinois. His death was caused by the explosion of a grist mill at Collinsville, Madison County, in 1861, when he was 35 years of age. The two children born to them were: William H., who resides with his mother and is her capable farm manager; and Mrs. Rosa E. Wagener, of Gillespie township, who has three children, — Albert, Jacob D. and Harry. The second marriage of our subject took place in 1868, to John Taylor, who was born in South Carolina and accompanied his parents to Illinois. He followed farming as an occupation, but answered the last call for troops for the Civil War and served for three months as a private in Company G, 154th Reg., Illinois Vol. Inf., and for his services his widow receives a pension. He is survived by three children, namely: Noel, a resident of Granite City, Illinois; Mrs. Minnie Gray, of Gillespie township, who has five children, — Roy, Samuel, Clara, Joseph and Mildred; and Nancy, who resides with her mother and brother on the farm.

Both Mr. Smith and Mr. Taylor were identified with the Democratic party. They were excellent citizens and had many warm friends in this neighborhood. Mrs. Taylor has very successfully carried on farming operations with the assistance of her son. She enjoys a wide acquaintance and is noted in the community for her many excellent and amiable traits of character.

Extracted 2018 May 07 by Norma Hass from Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Macoupin County, Illinois, published in 1904, pages 240-243.