Marietta Daily Times, April 7, 1938
Colonel Robert Taylor, Revolutionary War officer, with numerous direct descendants residing in and near Marietta, was the first individual buried in the famous Mound Cemetery here. Colonel Taylor died on September 30, 1801, "in the 65th year of his age."
In the little plot near the fence on the Sixth Street side of the cemetery are stones marking also the graves of his wife, Jane Taylor, and a daughter. An inscription records that Mrs. Taylor "departed this life Feb. 26th, 1819, in the 79th year of her age."
One time resident of Attleborough, Mass., Colonel Taylor came here with Commodore Abraham Whipple in 1799. He bought a farm of 200 acres along what is known now as Miller's Lane, a few miles east of Marietta. He acquired another tract in Fearing Township, near Whipple, and there he and his family resided at the time of his death.
The exact location of this tract has not been determined, according to Louis E. Miller, a great-grandson, living at 713 Fifth Street. Mr. Miller, aged 81, is the oldest surviving descendant. Great-great-granddaughters are Mrs. Emma West, Mrs. Lucy Racer and Mrs. Etta Miller Smith, all living in the Reno neighborhood, Marietta Township. Mrs. Smith is the wife of Clayton B. Smith, one time deputy in the Probate Court. They are parents of Glenn B. Smith of the county surveyor's office here, and a lieutenant in Company A, 166th Infantry, Ohio National Guard.
Lieutenant Smith has preserved some records dating back to the period of his relatives' residence here. There is a receipted bill for $6, the price of the black walnut coffin in which the colonel was laid to rest. Another bill for funeral charges totaled $2.25. One John Shaw appends his signature as recipient of these sums in full.
Here is a letter, faded and time-stained, written at Attleborough, Mass., to Colonel Taylor more than 137 years ago. Creases preserve the envelope form in which it was folded for "carriage," but time has obliterated every vestige of the seal. It was penned by John Tilton, a New England friend of the pioneering family. He was concerned as to how they fared in the "wild western state of Ohio."
Attleborough, 31st March 1800.
Dear Sir:
I received your agreeable favor of the 13th of January last on the 26th instant. Although I heard of your safe arrival, was very anxious to hear of your welfare, and how you and the family bore the fatigues of the journey.
We were exceeding glad on receiving the lines you wrote us, and we often mention the many agreeable hours which were spent in company by both families. I am glad to hear your town lot is so well situated, which must make it valuable. I suppose the land is natural to Indian corn as the other grains you mention, for I heard great fame of the production of that grain in the western country.
Your purchase of those articles of trade you mention - the profits of which will pay your expenses - is no small acquisition. I hope you are well supplied with fish that's peculiar to that country, and plenty of every kind in abundance.
Received a letter from (illegible) in answer to the one you were so kind as to forward from Pittsburgh, in which she mentions that Mr. Prince was in hopes to get you to settle in Cincinnati, as the country is so much superior, and they did so much better than in Marietta. he intended to write you on the subject, which I hope you have received ere this.
Nothing of any consequence has happened among us since your departure, except some failures. Job Sweeting has sold all his estate to Barry A. Page for five thousand dollars, and intends to purchase a farm. Capt. Page is about exchanging the estate with Jabez (name illegible) in North Providence, for his place. Doct. Sterling desires his best respects to you and family. He has met with an unfortunate loss in the death of his son a few weeks since, by suicide.
Your friends in town and country in general are well, and were exceeding glad to hear from you, and desire their best regards to you and family. I hope you have not made a purchase before you hear from Cincinnati. perhaps that part of the country would suit better than Marietta.
We have had a comfortable Winter. February and March were the most tedious. I hope in your next you'll be able to write us how you are settled, and your prospects, which i hope will be as soon as you receive this.
We have had great mourning and lamentation for the death of our illustrious and great General Washington, news of which has no doubt reached you ere this. As to politics, we have but little news except the New Constitution in France, and Boneparte being at the head of Government. We are all well at present. Mrs. Tilton and Mrs. (Benoset?) join with me in the most unfeigned love and esteem to yourself and family. And believe me, dear Sr., your humble servant,
John Tilton
P.S. Since writing the above, I thought it best to send this to the care of Col. Sprout, as you did not mention your being settled at Marietta, and perhaps you have gone to Cincinnati, and have paid the postage there. Please write to me often. Be assured that Mrs. Tilton and myself will be glad at all times to hear of your welfare and family. . . . Your son, Robert, thinks exceeding hard that you did not give him the lot up town, as now he is deprived of voting, and not eligible for any office in Town or Government. I remain as above.
John Tilton
