The Louisville Daily Courier, Jefferson County, Kentucky

Wednesday, February 6, 1856

A correspondent of the Frankfort Commonwealth furnishes that paper the following:

Rev. Philip W. Taylor, a native of Caroline County, Virginia, a soldier of the Revolution, and one of the early pioneers of Kentucky, died on the 24th, in Shelby County, Kentucky.  He was present at the surrender of Cornwallis, a soldier in Col. Mathews’ regiment.  In 1781 he came to Kentucky.  On his way down the river his boat was attacked by the Indians twenty miles above Louisville, and several of his companions killed and wounded, himself among the latter.  he knew, personally, Boone, Kenton, Todd, Harlan, and indeed all the pioneer heroes who settled the state.  He was for many years a justice of the peace in the county of Shelby, for two years its high sheriff, and for sixty years a minister of the gospel.  He was, perhaps, the last of the pioneer fathers, and in him was severed the last link that bound the busy, bustling generation of today to that stern old warrior race who conquered and settled our beautiful state.

Mr. Taylor’s death was listed in the deaths of 1856 for Shelby County.  Philip W. Taylor, 93, January 24th.  Cause of death – fell off porch?  The last word is very hard to read.

Thank goodness for old newspapers who have been saved – they give us glimpses of life from long ago.