The subject of this sketch, Joshua Thomas Taylor, was born in Marion County, Missouri, January 29, 1840. He is a son of CALEB and Margaret G. (McKay) TAYLOR. He was raised chiefly on a farm, and early selected the science of medicine as a profession. In September, 1860, he went to Ann Arbor University, Michigan to pursue the study of his choice.

But the breaking out of the war at about his juncture interrupted his plans for the future and turned his attention into an entirely different channel. In August, 1861, he enlisted in the Missouri State Guard, and served for about six months in Richardson’s company, Green’s Brigade; then in June, 1862, he enlisted in Company H, 4th Regiment Missouri Volunteers, C.S.A., Col. McFarland commanding. He was in the battles of Shelbina, Lexington, and Iuka Springs, and was wounded in the engagement at Corinth, Misissippi; was struck in the hip by an ounce ball, which relic he now has in his possession. The wound rendered him a cripple for life.

During his illness he was nursed by his comrade, MOSES D. BATES, JR., for whom he avers he shall ever cherish the most tender regard. When he had sufficiently recovered he was detailed to the quartermaster’s department, where he served until the close of the war. He returned home July 15, 1865, where he remained until 1867, and then entered the Bryant & Stratton Commercial College at Quincy, from which he subsequently graduated. In June, 1867 he went to Greenville, Mississippi, where he engaged as book-keeper and afterward in selling goods.

In May, 1872, he returned to Marion County and engaged in farming on his present place. January 18, 1870, Mr. Taylor was married to Miss Sarah Catherine Foreman daughter of Inskeep Foreman and Elizabeth (Taylor) Foreman, the former of Virginia, the latter of North Carolina. Mrs. Taylor was a native of Marion County, born November 28, 1842. Their union was blessed with two children: Charles Bryant, born October 26, 1870, and Maraget E., born April 7, 1872, and died August 31, 1872. Mrs. Taylor died December 14, 1882, leaving her husband and son to mourn the loss of an estimable and affectionate wife and mother.

Source: R. I. Holcombe’s “History of Marion County, Missouri,” 1884, page 799