Death of John
R. Taylor
It was with feelings of
general regret that the sad intelligence reached the neighborhood of
the death of a highly esteemed former resident of Bealton, Mr. John
R. Taylor of Brantford, on Sunday, 23 Jan 1921. A few days prior the
deceased was prostrated by a stroke, yet friends entertained hope
that his malady would respond to medical treatment.
Mr. Taylor was widely known
across and beyond the Township of Townsend, on account of his many
public activities. He was possessed of much natural ability and his
judgment was honored. He was a member of the Township council for 13
years, and Reeve for three years. In politics he was a staunch
Liberal.
He kept his mind informed
with the secular and religious questions of his day. He was an
ardent advocate of temperance principles. He was optimistic, seldom
daunted by discouragements, cheerful, kindly and courteous to his
friends and neighbors.
His seat was never empty in
the House of God unless unavoidable. From his earliest childhood
days he was interested in Sunday School work. Upon the first S.S.
organization at Bealton, he was enrolled as a member. Thus he was
well fitted for the positions he was later called to fill, such as
Sunday School Superintendent and Bible Class teacher. He was Steward
of Bealton Methodist Church for 21 years, and the recording steward
of the Q.B. of Oakland Circuit, 20 years.
The deceased, who followed
farming as his vocation, was born in Ancaster township, 15 Apr 1843,
coming with his parents, the late George and Margaret Taylor, to
settle at Bealton in 1844. Deceased married Miss Lizaney Robinson,
daughter of the late William and Susan Robinson of Townsend, in
1869.
After a long life of
strenuous farm work, deceased left Bealton and took up
residence in Brantford, identifying with the Wesley Methodist church
of that city, and living a quiet, retired life. But after a brief
stay of two years, Mrs. Taylor. after a few months affliction,
passed away on 22 Nov 1909.
In 1911, the departed
married Mrs. Mary Gaukel of Brantford, who is now left to mourn the
loss of a kind and devoted husband. Mr. Taylor also left two
brothers, George W. of 108 West Street, Brantford, and L. H. Taylor
of Hamilton. A brother, Jacob Taylor of California predeceased him
months ago, as did a sister, Mrs. Matthew Cross, formerly of
Bealton, some years since.
The funeral was held Tuesday
afternoon at the late home of the deceased. His pastor, Rev. S. E.
Marshall, B.A., D.B., officiated. Although announced as private, a
large number of friends and relatives attended. The pallbearers were
all nephews of the departed: Messrs, Edwin Taylor, Albert Taylor,
Frank Cross, Hugh Turner, Morley Ward and Fred Ward. Interment took
place in the family plot in Mt. Hope Cemetery.
