(original source unidentified)
The men who belonged to the generation that preceded and included the period of the Civil war in the border states, have strangely interesting memories of that stirring time. Mr. Taylor was but a mere lad when it broke out, but he was old enough to serve in the home guard, and in these far away times he has valuable and instructive recollections of that great struggle.
Charles P. Taylor was born January 14, 1845, at Parker’s Ford on the Obed river. He was a son of Isaac N. and Elizabeth (Vickery) Taylor, both natives of Kentucky. The senior Taylor was born in 1812, and brought his family into Bledsoe county in 1845, settling first at Brown’s Gap, upon a farm now belonging to Major Tallett. He removed to a place now owned by W.B. Swafford, and from there to the farm now the property of Samuel Swafford, where he died in 1882, surviving his wife one year. He was a saddler and farmer, a hard working man, moderately successful in a financial way, and sustained a good reputation throughout his part of the county. He was a Democrat, and with his wife was a member of the Methodist church. In his family were nine children, six of whom are still living. Mary is the widow of J.P. Swafford, and lives in the valley. Eliza J. is the widow of Aaron Swafford, and also has her home in the valley. Charles P. is the subject of this writing, and Salina, the wife of Benjamin Franklin, has her home in Dayton, Tenn. Amanda married William Day, a farmer of Rhea county, where W. G. is also engaged in farming. John A. died in 1867 at the age of twenty-five years. Stacy died at the age of eighteen, and Virginia died after she had become the wife of Thomas Swafford.
Charles P. Taylor spent his boyhood days in this county attending school, and when the war broke out was enrolled in the home guard. After the war was over, he set up for himself on the Millard farm, with an old sway-back horse for his entire capital. Pluck and energy did wonders. and in the intervening years he has been very successful. For a time he was on the William Wood farm, and in 1893 located where we find him. Here he has a fine farm which is well stocked and thoroughly improved.
April 12, 1885, Mr Annis was united in marriage with Miss Laura White, daughter of William White, and granddaughter of Daniel White, and the family circle has been completed by the presence of a family of four children, upon whom they have seen fit to bestow the names of Robert R., Alfred H., Martha and Ethel.
Mr. Taylor was married December 31, 1878, to Miss Emetine Swafford, a daughter of William Swafford. She was born in Hamilton county, August 24, 1855, and belongs to one of the oldest families of the valley. Her parents spent some years in Arkansas, but returned to Hamilton county, where he spent the earlier years of her life. She is the mother of seven children, Eliza, William T., Cleurta Anna, Amanda E., Charles G. Gailaird V., and Celia E. She is a lady of many excellent traits, and commands the esteem of those who know her best. She is an active and devoted member of the Methodist Church, where her presence and assistance are much appreciated. Mr. Taylor is a Mason and is affiliated with the order at Melvine. He was in business in the years from 1892 to 1895 at Litton and had at first a partner by the name of C. Thurman. Later on the partnership was dissolved and our subject is now in business at Nine Mile. He is an affable gentleman, and is highly respected by a wide circle of acquaintances.