On 6 June 1933 a memorial tablet
to James Taylor 1st was unveiled at King and Queen County courthouse in Virginia.
Dr. Rupert Taylor, Senator Henry Taylor Wickham and Admiral Hugh Redman of the
U.S. Navy addressed the gathering. Following is some information taken from
excerpts of their speeches: New Kent County was formed in 1654. King and Queen
was formed from New Kent 1691. Essex was formed in 1692, King William 1701 and
Caroline in 1727.
In 1690 as Sub-Sheriff of
New Kent, County, Virginia, James Taylor served summons on those connected with
Jacobite disturbances. He was Attorney of several cases in Essex County. He was
also connected with trying to stop the lawless organization known as 'Plant Cutters',
who destroyed and burned tobacco plants and beds at night in an effort to control
the price of tobacco. In 1683 Gov. Henry Chicheley called out the militia, arrested
and punished the offenders. However, Lord Culpepper who represented England's
interests, didn't agree with the decision. Consequently many were indicted and
hanged by the neck until they were dead.'
The Tablet is inscribed as follows:
James Taylor of England emigrant lawyer, public officer, lived in St. Stephen
parish, King and Queen County, Virginia, died April 30, 1698, first wife,
Frances Walker, born 1640, died April 22 or Sept 22, 1680, she was the daughter
of Thomas Walker and niece of Edward Walker of Virginia. James's second wife,
Mary Gregory, daughter of John Gregory the son of Roger Gregory who first married
Mildred Washington, aunt of General/President George Washington. Mary was from
Essex County, married August 12, 1682, from him were descended , President James
Madison, President Zachary Taylor, Colonel James Taylor (Knighe of the Horse Shoe),
Judge Edmond Pendleton, John Penn signer of the Declaration of Independence, John
Taylor of Carolina, General James Taylor of Kentucky, Admiral David Taylor,
Admiral Hugh Rodman, Admiral Robert M. Berry, and other distinguished churchmen,
soldiers, sailors and officials, in each generation who assisted in the formation
and perpetuation of the colonies and this nation.
This tablet given by Jaquelin P. Taylor, seventh in descent, June 1933.