John's pension file states they lived near Rockville until 1798 when they moved to Bourbon Co. Ky. After 2 years, they moved to Cedar Creek near Kentontown. "John went to Kentucky first alone and built a cabin. He killed a bear and hung the skin over the cabin door and then returned to Maryland for the rest of the family". Story told by son Leeson Taylor to his grandson Francis Lisbon Taylor. Francis told Charles Watson who retold story to Jim Dempsey 5/20/1995. In 1800, the Kentontown area was part of Nicholas Co. which in 1819 became part of Harrison Co. and in 1869 became Robertson Co. Tax records state he had 100 acres of land near Cedar Creek and East fork of Licking River near to Duncan and Harding families.

John applied for a pension in 1820, aged about 66 years, case W-8-780. On Sept. 12, 1820, at Harrison Co. Circuit Court, before judge W. Warren, John stated: "In April 1776 I enlisted at Baltimore Md. for 1 year with Capt. Samuel Smith, 1st Maryland Regt., under Col. Smallwood, in the Maryland Line. In 1777 I enlisted under Capt. Winder for 3 years, same regiment, under Col. Stone. In 1778, enlisted under Capt. Winder. I was a Private Sergeant and Orderly Sergeant under Captain's Samuel Smith, Levin Winder, John Jordan under Col's Wm. Smallwood and Stone. I was at the battle of Long Island, White Plains, Trenton, Brandywine siege, siege of Mud Island on the Delaware, Battle of Monmouth and wounded at Stoney Point." "Was 2d man over wall at Stoney Point and was bayoneted in the ankle. Came to Maysville" (Told to Jim Dempsey August 1967 by Taylor Cason jr. who was told by Ben. Frank. Taylor about his [B.F.] grandfather). He served until regularly discharged at Annapolis in 1782, discharge papers now lo st.

John applied again for a pension 2/12/1827, age 69 years. He had been dropped from the pension rolls because of the property requirement act of 5/1/1820. He stated that living with him were his wife Ruth 70, and Levi Sherley, a grandson age 8. He was poor, in reduced circumstances, could not pursue occupation as house carpenter and needed support from the government. Declared before Wm. Absury, JP, as he could not attend court due to Rheumatism and other diseases.

Five days before he died, he asked neighbor William Asbury to make his will which he did. Andrew Cameron (4/10/1790-11/9/1873), who witnessed this will, had the first store in Kentontown. He had to have goods brought in by pack mule from Cincinnati. He was born in Pennsylvania and was listed as a stonecutter in the 1850 census, living next door to Duncan Harding with his wife Anna. His grandson, Orville Cameron organized neighbors to join Confederate Army in Civil War (C.Watson).

John died in Kentontown on 5/12/1827 and is buried in Kentontown Christian Church cemetery, on US 62.

Will in Harrison Co. Vol. B. page 301 Extracts:... since not in perfect health, ... all estate to wife Ruth ... and all my children ... Witnesses: Wm. Asbury, A.M. Cameron, David Clark. Dated 5/9/1827, probated July 1827.

Ruth applied for pension as widow of a Rev. War Soldier, aged about 82, on 12/26/1838.

Benjamin Daley, Harrison Co., testified on 2/7/1838, aged about 60, at request of Ruth. "My father Brian Daley came to reside with the family near Montgomery Co. court house, now Rockville Md., in 1789 at which time the Taylors lived near Rockville. They had several children, the eldest 2 years younger than myself. John Taylor was a house carpenter and several times did work for Brian Daley. The Taylors were much respected. John Taylor had stated that he was detailed on recruiting service and statio ned at Montgomery court house as recruiting Sergeant. While there, he became acquainted with Ruth Baily and did marry her while in service. In the year 1796, Brian Daley and family moved to Ky. and finally settled in Nicholas Co. now part of Harrison Co. Ky. Shortly thereafter, Taylor came to Ky. and settled on a piece of land adjoining Brian Daly's farm where he resided until his death. Taylor was a man of honest integrity -- Brian Daly was one of the first '12 months men' raised in Maryland for the Ma ryland Line. They often mentioned Capt. Samuel, (now General Smith of Baltimore) commander of Mudd Fort. Taylor stationed there at time British attacked Mudd Fort. At no time had Taylor been worth more than $500 in cash." Witness Richard M Overbay and A.M. Cameron.

William Asbury, about 58, declared on 12/7/1838 that he had become acquainted with the Taylor's in 1803. He lived 1/2 mile from them and stated that John was never worth more than $500. Ruth held a small piece of poor land and some perishables.

Due to age and infirmity, Ruth was unable to appear in court. Ruth deposed on 6/6/1840: "After their marriage, John was not called into active service. They remained in Montgomery Co. where he pursued his occupation as House Joiner and carpenter until 1798 when they moved to Bourbon Co. for 2 years. Then to the location she now lives. She was about 83 years of age, living in Harrison Co. Until 2 years ago, she was able to keep house, but now lives with her children in Harrison Co. (with Walter in 1850 census). Mary and Jemima were dead, other 7 children still alive. Their Bible got wet and was destroyed several years ago. Her husband received pension until he had to sign affidavit stating he was worth less than $500 which he refused. He received nothing further until he died." Their children's names and birthdates are listed. These are given below with each child with reference (PF).

Benjamin L Daly, Harrison Co., personally testified 6/12/1840 before A.M. Cameron, jpHC, aged 62, as above, plus " ... Brian Daley, early part of 1789 ... Taylor House Joiner and Carpenter ... for last 37 years has lived next to Brian Daly farm in Harrison Co. ... known them nearly 50 years ... Ruth has not remarried ... Ruth a truly pious religious woman and highly respected by all her neighbors .. he affirms Mazza Baily's statements. She, wife of Basel Baily, is the only one now liv ing who would know about the marriage. Benjamin knew Basil in Montgomery Co. and he thinks Basil and family moved to Ky. about the same time as the Taylors. They have lived here many years in the same neighbourhood."

The tax lists are about the only year-to-year record that records the Taylor family. All white males over 21 years were entered. In 1800-1819 the Kentontown area was transferred to Nicholas Co. When the county seat was moved from Ellisville to Carlisle, the Kentontown people petitioned to re-joined Harrison Co. as Cynthiana was easier to travel to. In 1867, Kentontown became part of the new Robertson Co. Land was rated 1,2 or 3. The list below shows how the tax collectors refere nced different creeks as the closest landmark for the farms. Who the land was originally granted to (entered), who had the survey done and who the land was patented to. The questions varied somewhat year to year. In 1813, Regiment and Company was recorded. In 1822, school district and school age children was asked. Only the categories which impacted the Taylors are listed here. na means this was not recorded for anyone in that year, the - means no value was entered for John.