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Charles M. Taylor  Special to The Democrat Van Alstyne - C.M. Taylor, "Uncle Charlie" as everyone calls him, is one of the oldest citizens of Van Alstyne. Born in Pine Grove, Kentucky, the son of James and Dorothy Ann Throckmorton Taylor, he came to Texas with his parents in 1854 and settled where the town of Anna is now located, buying the land from George McKinney. The family built a double log cabin with puncheon floor and stick chimneys. Slaves were brought from Kentucky and were housed in one room, the only difference being the servants' room had a dirt floor. The things which made Mr. Taylor's life unique are that he has lived in Texas nearly 76 years, always near and now in Van Alstyne; that he lived for 60 of those years in the house which he built and still owns; the fact that he served through 2 years of bitter strife during the Civil War and never received a scratch and the interesting, never aging personality that is his. At the time he came to Texas Sherman and McKinney were small towns without court houses, but Lancaster was a good sized town. The family was well acquainted with Collin McKinney, for whom the county of Collin is named. After the Civil War broke out and as soon as he was old enough, Mr. Taylor joined McGinnis' battalion of calvary and later was transferred to Lane's Brigade. Serving with him were Scott Creager, Leak McKinney, and Dr. J.N. McKinney, all well known in this section, and the latter 2 of whom still survive. Leak McKinney lives with a daughter, Mrs. John Neill in Van Alstyne and Dr. McKinney, a cousin, lives with relatives in Collinsville. Calvaryman When questioned as to whether he belonged to calvary or infantry, "Uncle Charlie" replied, "Can you imagine a man from Kentucky on foot? No, indeed, I belonged to the calvary and was very proud of my fine horse." After the war which he came through without a scratch, he married Miss Texanna Arnspiger, the daughter of another pioneer, and to this union 4 children were born, of whom Mrs. Albert Carter of Van Alstyne, Miss Lee Taylor of Odessa and Albion Taylor of Littlefield survive. In 1870 he built his home which still stands about 3 miles southwest of Van Alstyne, one of the most picturesque country home in this regions, and has lived in it continuously with the exception of the years 1886 and 1887, when he moved to the west for his wife's health. A few months ago, because of advanced age and increased feebleness he thought it best to move into Van Alstyne. Always prosperous, a gentleman of the old South, with manners courtly and gracious, his home the essence of hospitality, he is perhaps as well known as any man in the section of the country. Of pioneer stock, well-born, his mother, the aunt of Governor Throckmorton of early state history, he has helped build into Texas the things for which the state is proud. CHARLES M. TAYLOR Second Marriage Stately old tress planted by his own hand, make beautiful the location on which his home stands and it is one of those old houses which looks as if it had been lived in, bearing the imprint of personalities which clustered there. After the death of his first wife, "Uncle Charlie" married Miss Dora Steward White and to them 2 children were born, but death claimed both in early life. In speaking of his wife, "Uncle Charlie" regretted that he did not have a picture of "both of us together" for "I am proud of her," he said. Hand in hand, serene and happy they face together the setting of the sun. Frequently visited by their children and their friends, this old couple lives quietly, consistent in their Christian faith. He was converted at Old Fairview brush arbor under the preaching of Rev. T.B. McCombs and was deacon of the Baptist church at Elmont for more than... Van Alstyne Leader 1938 MRS. C.M. TAYLOR PASSES AWAY AT LAS VEGAS, New Mexico Funeral services were not complete Thursday at noon for Mrs. C.M. Taylor, 78, formerly of Van Alstyne, who died Wednesday at 9:15 a.m., at the home of her granddaughter, Mrs. Gladys Kent, in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Rev. Frank Johnston will officiate at the services, with Van Deren Funeral Home of Van Alstyne in charge of arrangements. Mr. Van Deren left Thursday morning for Las Vegas, and will return the body for burial in the Alexander cemetery, six miles southwest of Van Alstyne. Mrs. Taylor was born near Weston, as Miss Dora Stewart. She was first married to a Mr. White, who preceded her in death several years ago. She later married C.M. Taylor, who preceded her in death on February 21, 1934. She was a member of the Baptist church at Elmont, having joined 35 years ago.  Biography Index Van Alstyne History Susan Hawkins © 2024 If you find any of Grayson County TXGenWeb links inoperable, please send me a message. |