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Earlier Taylors
It seems that our earliest confirmed member of the family was Arthur
Taylor born in 1797. Although his baptismal record has as yet to be found, the name Arthur Taylor was passed down
through three subsequent generations.
It seems possible that Arthur born 1797 may have also been the son
of an Arthur Taylor. If so, a candidate is noted as having been baptised at Rosemary Street Presbyterian Church on 10 FEB
1750 or 10 FEB 1751. He was noted as the son of an Adam Taylor.
Several trade directories in the late 1830s and early 1840s also note the
existence of an Arthur Taylor and Company, a wine and spirit merchant based at 27 North Street, Belfast.
Further work needs to be carried out to stand up either or both connections
as being related to our line.
 Arthur Taylor
b: 1797 d: 14/12/1892
Arthur was Calum's and Jamie's six times great grandfather.
Information on Arthur, including his wife's first name Ann,
was established from his grandson's Old Age Pension application in early 1918. The grandson (also called Arthur)
could not be found in the 1851 census for the area stated as his residence; the application also noted, however, that
his grandfather was to be found at McLellands Lane or McLellands Entry, by Lime Street, and that Arthur junior had lived with
him for a time. A search for this address by the Public Record Office of Ireland confirmed Arthur's presence along with that
of his wife Ann, and stated that the couple had married in 1819. Arthur's and Ann's record was found in Volume 295 of the
now sadly destroyed records (Source: PRONI).
It is possible that Ann was a second wife - if Arthur's son was born in
1813, it was clearly six years before 1819. The 1819 Belfast directory does not record an Arthur Taylor at Peter's Hill, but
there is a William Taylor, shoemaker, at 25 Peter's Hill, who could have well been related (Source:
LennonWylie.co.uk).
We also know that Arthur was a postman in Belfast, as recorded in the wedding
record for his son Arthur in 1857. He was also referred to in 1858 as a labourer, in his son's subsequent
wedding record.
Arthur Taylor was noted in the 1856 Belfast and Ulster Street Directory as living at 61 York Street,
and operating 'cars for hire' (Source: FindmyPast; Belfast and Ulster Street Directory, 1856).
NB: It should be noted that in the 1843-44 Post Office Belfast Annual Directory, two additional entries
of note in the York Street area were for a James Taylor, car-owner of 20 York Lane, and John
Taylor of the posting establishment, 67 York Street, residence 49 York Street both of whom may have been related.
In an earlier 1831-32 directory, a John Taylor was also noted on York Street as running the 'livery stables'.
In Matier's directory from 1835 this John had a considerably lengthier description, noted as Taylor, John, tavern keeper,
livery stables and posting establishment, 4 Little Patrick Street, and 69 York Street. In Martin's Belfast Directory
1840, this John was noted as being owner of a livery and posting establishment, 67 York Street, dwelling house 47
York Street. Could he have been Arthur's father? (Arthur's son Arthur did name his first son John).
Arthur moved his business in 1856 to Curtis Street, as noted in the Belfast Mercury on Tuesday
9th September and in The Ulsterman on Wednesday 17 SEP 1856 (and in other editions for a few weeks after):
NOTICE OF REMOVAL
ARTHUR TAYLOR respectfully informs his numerous Customers, and the Public
generally, that he has REMOVED his POSTING ESTABLISHMENT from 61, York Street, to 16, CURTIS STREET, about one minute's walk
from his former residence, where all Orders will be punctually attended to, on the shortest notice.
Arthur was then noted in the 1858 Belfast and Ulster Directory with his posting establishment
at 16 Curtis Street, and as a car owner (there are in fact two separate entries on the alphabetical lisitng page for Taylors). Arthur is
again found at Curtis Street in 1860 in Griffith's Valuation, which notes the street to be in the townland of Townparks, parish
of Shankill, and in St. Ann's Ward of Belfast. His landlord was Hill Hamilton, and his annual rent £5 10s (Source: FindmyPast.com;
Griffith's Valuation).
In 1861 Arthur is still noted there, and as a car owner (Source: 1863 Belfast and Ulster Directory; LennonWylie). In
1863-64 he is still listed as such, and again in 1870. By the time of the 1877 directory (the next available on the PRONI
site), the house has been occupied by an Edward McNally (Source: PRONI Street Directories).
During his time at Curtis Street, the Revaluation Books confirm that Arthur continued to pay annual rent of £5 10s for his
house and yard (Source: PRONI: VAL 12/B//43/C/1 p.148 1863-1881).
Arthur appeared at least twice in the Belfast newspapers for prosecutions for minor misdemeanours.
On 12 JUN 1868, he would appear to have been answering the court on June 10th after being a little worse for wear with the
drink (Source: Belfast Morning News 12 JUN 1868):
BELFAST POLICE COURT...
Arthur Taylor was charged by Sub-Constable Pickett with being drunk yesterday
in charge of a horse and car in Great Patrick Street. Car Inspector Duff states that this was the first charge against the
prisoner. In reply to Mr. Orme, Taylor stated that he had been driving a car for 40 years. Fined 5s and costs.
Less than a year later the Belfast Newsletter mentioned him in a story on 18 MAR 1869, after another
slight brush with the law:
BELFAST POLICE COURT, Yesterday, the presiding magistrates at this court
were J. C. O'Donnell, Esq., R.M., and E. Orme, Esq, R.M...
Arthur Taylor, car-driver, Curtis Street, was summoned, at the instance
of the Mayor, Aldermen and Burgesses, for driving his cab on the wrong side of the street, on the 10th inst., whereby a gentleman's
carriage was injured. The defendant made a satisfactory apology for his misconduct, and the charge was withdrawn.
Arthur eventually passed away on 12 DEC 1892 at Nazareth House, Belfast.
He was noted as a 95 year old cab driver and widower, with the cause of death being general debility, suffered for six months
and certified by a doctor. The informant on 15 DEC 1892 was Mary Paul, of Nazareth House. (Source: GRONI D/1892/57/1007/30/470; GROI
ref is 1892 Q4 Vol 1 p.314 Belfast).
CHILDREN of ARTHUR TAYLOR and Ann:
Arthur Taylor
b: 18?? -
Calum's and Jamie's five times great grandfather - see
below.
Arthur Taylor
abt 1813 - 23/9/1882
Arthur was Calum's and Jamie's five times great grandfather.
Arthur was the son of Arthur Taylor, postman, labourer
and car-driver. He was born in approximately 1813, and grew up to work as sawyer in Belfast, Ireland.
Arthur appears to have first married an Ann Graham, at some stage just prior to 1831.
The couple had four children between 1831 and 1837, though their baptismal entries are vague in details, offering little more
than the names of the parents, the dates of baptism and the denomination as Anglican (St. Anne's, Shankill). However, the
marriage records of three of the four children subsequently refer to their father as 'Arthur Taylor, sawyer' (in one case,
'carpenter').
In the 1843-44 Post Office Belfast Annual Directory Arthur Taylor, sawyer, is noted as residing at
17 Seymour Lane.
Presumably Ann died not long after their fourth child Elizabeth, for at
some stage in Belfast, prior to 1848, Arthur then remarried to Isabella Hall, who bore two sons,
James in 1847, and Arthur in 1848. However, not all appears to have been well with their marriage, as the following
article in the Banner of Ulster noted from 21 MAY 1850:
ATTEMPTED SUICIDE. - On Saturday morning last, a poor
woman, named Taylor, wife of a sawyer, residing at the corner of McClelland's Entry, Old Lodge Road, attempted to take away
her own life by inflciting a severe wound on her throat with a razor. The unhappy women, whose rash act almost terminated
her existence, and who now lives in a precarious state in hospital, had been drinking for several days, and was in a
state of intoxication when she attempted to commit suicide. Had it not been for the prompt attendance and skilful exertions
of Dr. Harkin, she could not have survived. Several causes, in addition to what may have been delirium tremens, from
drunkenness, are alleged to the commission of the unhappy act.
There is no further mention of Isabella after this,m and it is possible she may have eventually succumbed
to her suicdiee attempt injuries.
In 1856, Arthur was noted in the Belfast and Ulster Street Directory as a sawyer, residing at
16 Cargill Street Upper in Belfast, just off Boundary Street (Source: FindmyPast; Belfast and Ulster Street Directory
1856).
Also in 1856 it appears that Arthur may have got himself into a spot of trouble with the law.
On Monday 5th May an article in the Belfast Newsletter states what happened:
BELFAST POLICE COURT - Saturday
LARCENIES
...
Arthur Taylor was also ordered to be imprisoned one month, in default of
paying a fine of 20s and costs for having stolen a saw, the property of his late employer David Ruddell, and pawned it with
Mr James McCleery.
Arthur remarried on 25 MAY 1857 to a Jane Coulton, daughter
of Glenn Coulton, tailor. Arthur was noted as a sawyer, and a widower, and as the son of Arthur Taylor,
postman. The witnesses were a William McClintock and an Isabella McClintock, with the ceremony performed after banns at St.
Anne's Church of Ireland by the Reverend T. F. Miller.
This weddding was noted in the Belfast Weekly News dated 30 MAY 1857, with a slightly different surname
spelling for Jane noted (Source: EddiesExtracts):
At St. Anne's Church, by the Rev T. F. Miller, Arthur Taylor, to Miss Jane
Coltan, both of Belfast.
Jane did not survive long herself. It would seem that just a year later,
on 24 NOV 1858, Arthur remarried for a fourth time, this time to Mary McGlade, daughter of soldier James
McGlade. Both were noted as being of full age and Presbyterian. Arthur was again noted as a sawyer and a widower,
and the son of Arthur Taylor, now designated as a servant. The witnesses were Thomas McCormick and Elizabeth
Salters, and the ceremony carried out at Rosemary Street 2nd Presbyterian Church by Rev J. Porter.
In Griffiths Valuation, published November 1860, Arthur is still noted at 16 Upper Cargill Street,
Belfast, leasing a house and yard from Alexander Green at an annual rate of £3 (Source: FindmyPast.com; Griffith's Valuation).
The house was off Boundary Street in the townland of Townparks, parish of Shankill and ward of St. Ann's.
In the 1861 Belfast and Ulster Street Directory, Arthur was still listed
as living at 16 Upper Cargill Street, and as working as a sawyer. In 1870 he is found at 116 Boundary Street, again noted
as being a sawyer (it should be noted that in 1863-64, there was a John Taylor at 8 Boundary Street, noted as a stonesawyer).
And in his son's wedding entry to Christina Kane in
1873, Arthur senior was further recorded as a sawyer, and as still being alive.
Arthur eventually died on 23 SEP 1882, aged 69, at 5 Lyon's Court, Belfast. He was noted as both a
sawyer and a widower, with the cause of death given as senile decay, as suffered for 4 years. His daughter in law Sarah
Taylor, of 5 Lyons Court, was the informant to the registrar on 23 SEP 1882 - four years earlier Sarah Taylor (nee
Connor) had given birth to Arthur's granddaughter Sarah Jane at the same address (GRONI:
D/1882/49/1007/31/151 Urban 3; the GROI ref is 1882 Q3 Belfast Vol. 1 p.182).
CHILDREN of ARTHUR TAYLOR and ANN GRAHAM:
John Taylor
b: abt 2/10/1831
John was baptised at St. Anne's Church of Ireland, Shankill, Belfast, on 2 OCT 1831, by the Rev. R.
T. Hindes.
On 13 DEC 1873 John married Elizabeth Quinn. He was noted as a Presbyterian gardener,
son of Arthur Taylor, carpenter. Elizabeth was the daughter of David Quinn, farmer, and also Presbyterian. Both were of full
age. The witnesses were Charles Townsley and Margaret Morrow, and the marriage itself was carried out at Great Victoria Street
Presbyterian Church, after license, by Rev. R. Montgomery.
William Taylor
b: abt 18/8/1833
William was baptised at St. Anne's Church of Ireland, Shankill, Belfast, on 18 AUG 1833, by the
Rev. R. H. Moffat.
Richard Taylor
b: abt 21/6/1835
Richard was baptised at St. Anne's Church of Ireland, Shankill, Belfast, on 21 JUN 1835, by the Rev.
R. J. Hinds.
On 16 AUG 1863, Richard married Sarah Connor. Richard was a labourer from Belfast,
son of Arthur Taylor, sawyer, and of full age. Sarah was the daughter of James Connor, gardener, and also of full age. The
marriage was performed at Trinity Belfast Church of Ireland by license, by the Rev. T. Campbell. The witnesses were A. Rolins
and Elizabeth Connor.
In 1877, Richard is noted at 5 Lyons Court, and as a mechanic. In his daughter's birth record a year
later he is noted at the same address as a labourer (Source: LennonWylie.co.uk).
CHILDREN of RICHARD TAYLOR and SARAH CONNOR:
William John Taylor
b: 12/7/1867
William John was born in Belfast in 1867 (Source: GRONI U/1867/51/1007/5/149 Belfast).
Eliza Jane Taylor
b: 9/7/1869
Eliza Jane was born 9 JUL 1869 at 14 Brown Street, Belfast. Her father was Richard Taylor, labourer,
and her mother Sarah Connor. Richard was the informant on 28 JUL 1869, and signed with an X (Source: Emerald Ancestors/GRONI
U/1869/51/1007/8/118 Belfast Urban 5).
Arthur Taylor
b: 7/9/1871
Arthur was born 7 SEP 1871 at 14 Brown Street, Belfast. His father was Richard Taylor, labourer, and
his mother Sarah Connor. Sarah was the informant on 20 SEP 1871, and signed with an X (Source: Emerald Ancestors/GRONI
U/1871/51/1007/11/480 Belfast Urban 5).
Mary Taylor
b: 22/3/1874
Mary was born 22 MAR 1874 at 26 Greenland Street, Belfast. Her father was noted as an iron
plainer. Jane Thorpe of 44 Gardiner Street was the informant, signing with an X on 27 MAR 1874 (Source: Emerald Ancestors/GRONI
U/1874/51/1007/15/101 Belfast Urban 5).
Richard Taylor
b: 12/6/1876
Richard was born on 12 JUN 1876 at 5 Lyons Court, Belfast. His father was noted as a labourer and
his mother was the informant, signing with an X on 27 JUN 1876(Source: GRONI U/1876/49/1007/37/351 Belfast).
Sarah Jane Taylor
b: 7/12/1878
Sarah Jane was born on 7 DEC 1878 at 5 Lyons Court, Belfast. Her father was noted as a labourer
and her mother was the informant, signing with an X on 20 DEC 1878. She was baptised on 20 DEC 1878 (Source: RootsIreland/GRONI
U/1878/49/1007/45/173 Belfast Urban 3).
Elizabeth Taylor
b: abt 30/8/1837
Elizabeth was baptised at St. Anne's Church of Ireland, Shankill, Belfast, on 30 AUG 1837, by
the Rev. T. Hincks.
On 22 JUL 1856, 19 year old Elizabeth married 21 year old Robert Frazer, a sail maker
from Belfast, son to rope maker Robert Frazer. Elizabeth was also noted from Belfast, and the daughter of Arthur Taylor, sawyer.
The witnesses were Francis Agnew and Frances Armstrong, with the ceremony performed at St Anne's Church of Ireland after banns
by the Rev W. Anderson.
CHILDREN of ELIZABETH TAYLOR and ROBERT FRAZER:
Arthur Frazer
b: 1857
Mary Jane Frazer
b: 1859
Robert Frazer
b: 1860
Robert was born in 1860, but presumably died in infancy.
Robert James Frazer
b: 28/4/1866
Robert James was born at 25 Lower Cargill Street in Belfast on 28 APR 1866 . His father was noted
as Robert Frazer, a sail maker, who was at the time of the birth at sea, and his mother Eliza Taylor, who acted as the informant
on 16 MAY 1866 (Emerald Ancestors: Belfast Urban No. 3)
CHILDREN of ARTHUR TAYLOR and ISABELLA HALL:
James Taylor
b: 1847
James was born in approximately 1847.
James married Mary Donnelly on 7 DEC 1872 at St. Anne's Church of Ireland, after
banns, with the the ceremony performed by Reverend R. Hannay. James was a 25 year old labourer, resident at Greenland Street,
and son of Arthur Taylor, sawyer. Mary was 21, resident at Boundary Street, and the daughter of Robert Donnelly,
labourer. The witnesses were James' brother Arthur Taylor, and his future sister in law, Christina
Kane.
CHILDREN of JAMES TAYLOR and MARY DONNELLY:
Mary Eliza Taylor
b: 3/4/1874
Mary was born at 11 Croziers Row, Belfast (urban district no. 5), on 3 APR 1874. Her father was noted
as a labourer, and acted as the informant. James was noted as signing with an X. Mary was christened on 18 APR 1874.
Rachel Taylor
b: 1/2/1876
Rachel was born in Belfast on 1 FEB 1876, at 38 Downing Street, urban district no.3. Her father was
noted as a labourer, and the informant was her mother, noted as Mary Taylor. She was christened
on 22 FEB 1876.
James Taylor
b: 22/4/1878
James was born at 13 Croziers Row, Belfast (urban district no.5), on 22 APR 1878. His
father was a labourer, and his mother acted as the informant. James was christened on 11 MAY 1878.
William John Taylor
b: 10/3/1887 d: 27/6/1887
William John was born on 10 MAR 1887, but died a few months later on 27
JUN 1887. At the time of his death his home address was stated to be 13 Croziers Row. William was buried at the City
Cemetery Public Ground on 28 JUN 1887, after his death at the Union Infirmary. The burial record notes he was Anglican
and four months old, cause of death 'carosmus' (Source: Belfast City Cemetery burials 7545.581).
Arthur Taylor
b: 11/8/1848
Calum's and Jamie's four times great grandfather - see below.
Arthur Taylor
11/8/1848 - 29/10/1929
Arthur was Calum's and Jamie's four times great grandfather.
Arthur was baptised in a Church of Ireland ceremony on August 11th 1848 in the St. Anne's parish of
the Shankill district of Belfast, Ireland. The baptism was recorded by R. Outton.
As a child, Arthur lived at some stage at Abbey Street, near Peter's Hill in Belfast. In 1918 Arthur
believed his family would be found here in the 1851 census, as part of an Old Age Pension application. He was incorrect
in this, as his entry could not be found, but he may well have lived in the area circa the early 1850s - we know he was certainly
there in 1871, when his first son was born.
As a follow up to this, he also suggested that as a child he had lived with his grandfather Arthur
Taylor, who was resident at McLelland's Entry or McLelland's Lane. Again, he was not found in the census, although
his grandparents Arthur and Ann were. A third suggestion to the pension folk was to try Cargill Street for him in 1851, again
unsuccessful. We certainly know that from 1856 that his father was resident there, however, presumably with young Arthur around
there also.
Arthur in fact married twice in his early adult life. On December 7th 1867 he married 22 year old
mill worker Elizabeth McNeil, daughter of weaver Michael McNeil. The ceremony took place
at St. George's Church of Ireland in Belfast's Shankill townland, was performed by the Reverend E. K. Howe, and witnessed
by William Bailie and Mary Anne Everett. Arthur's father, Arthur, was listed as a
sawyer, whilst Arthur himself was noted as a hackle maker, aged 19 and resident in Belfast. The couple are known to have had
at least two sons and a daughter, providing further useful address information. In November 1868, Arthur was resident at 148
Peter's Hill; in May 1870 he was at 1 Brady's Lane; and in November 1871 he was at 6 Craven Street.
Elizabeth died on November 15th 1871, aged 28 and resident at 6 Craven Street. The cause of death
has not yet been ascertained, as a death certificate cannot be located, but her own daughter Eliza had died the previous
day of bronchitis. Both were buried at Belfast City Cemetery on the 16th, Eliza senior in lair H340 and her daughter in H339
(Source: Belfast City Council cemeteries database).
Arthur remarried to Christina Kane, daughter of watchman James Kane.
The marriage took place on August 2nd 1873, in a service performed by the the Reverend J. Spence at St. Anne's Church of Ireland,
in the Shankill townland. Both Arthur and Christina were described as residing in Belfast, with Arthur listed as a 25
year old labourer and widower. His father, Arthur, was noted as a sawyer. The witnesses to the wedding were a C. Kane
and a J. Rogers.
In his daughter Matilda's marriage entry in the Belfast register for January 5th 1892, Arthur was
later described as a mechanic.
As already noted, Arthur applied for a state pension in early 1918 when aged 69/70. (Source
Film ID 0258526; transcript accessed Ireland-Genealogy.com ID no:362)
Arthur died on October 29th 1929 aged 82 at Union Infirmary, Belfast, and was buried at the City Cemetery
(Public Ground) on November 2nd. His cause of death was senility and myocardial degeneration, and his religion noted as Episcopalian (Source:
Belfast City Council cemetery database). His death certificate adds that he was a widower - the informant to the registrar
was J. Mahood, occupier at 51 Lisburn Road (Source: GRONI D/1929/50/1007/193/31 Belfast Urban 4).
CHILDREN of ARTHUR TAYLOR and ELIZABETH McNEILL:
William Taylor
b: 14/11/1868
William was born to Arthur and Eliza (sic) at 148 Peters Hill in Belfast urban district no. 5, on
November 14th 1868. His father was noted as a labourer, and the informant was a Jane Hodgson (she was present at the birth
but noted as illiterate).
Robert Taylor
b: 29/5/1870
Robert was born to Arthur and Eliza (sic) at 1 Bradys Lane, Belfast urban district no. 5, on May 29th
1870. His father was noted as a labourer, and his mother was the informant. A note explains that she signed with an X. Robert
was christened on 3 JUN 1870 (source Emerald Ancestry website, uncited).
Eliza Taylor
b: 29/4/1871 d: 14/11/1871
This baby girl was initially found to have been born to Arthur Taylor and Eliza
M'Neill (sic) on April 29th 1871, in Belfast urban district no. 3 (source Emerald Ancestry website, uncited).
Eliza died in infancy on 14 NOV 1871 at 6 Craven Street, the cause being bronchitis, as suffered for
four days (uncertified). She was noted as being the child of a labourer. The informant was Mary Sparks, present at the death,
who resided at Romford Street (GRONI: D/1871/49/1007/12/314).
From the Belfast City Council cemetery database and the Roots Ireland website it was mistakenly noted
that she died on November 16th 1871, the day after her mother's own death, rather than the day before. She was buried
in lair H339 at Belfast City Cemetery, next to her mother in H340. Her address at the time of death was 6 Craven Street.
CHILDREN of ARTHUR TAYLOR and CHRISTINA KANE:
Matilda Jane Taylor
b: 28/5/1874
Calum's and Jamie's great great great grandmother - see
below.
Isabella Taylor
b: 9/4/1876 d: after 1912
Isabella was born in 25 Cargill Street, Belfast, on April 9th 1876. Her parents were Arthur Taylor,
labourer, and Christina Kane. The informant was Rosina McLelland, who was illiterate and signed with a mark (Source: RootsIreland,
Urban 5, Belfast).
Arthur Taylor
b: 9/4/1879 d: 27/6/1914
Arthur's birth was registered before he was christened, and so he was recorded as an unnamed child.
He was born April 9th 1879 at the Lying In Hospital in Belfast. The sponsor was noted as the Chief Resident Officer in the
Lying In Hospital, and the parents as Arthur Taylor, labourer, and Cristina Kane. Arthur's address was 5 Cargill Street, Belfast
(Source: RootsIreland, Urban 2, Belfast). The fact that it was Arthur is later confirmed by his
military service record.
Arthur signed up to the Royal Irish Rifles on 19 MAR 1898 at Belfast, as a 19 year old labourer, having
already served time with the militia. At his medical examination he was noted as 5 feet 4 1/2 inches tall, 115 lbs in
weight, and with a chest measurement of 34 to 35 1/2 inches. His complexion was fresh, he had brown hair and fair hair,
and was noted as Anglican by way of religion. In the section noting distinguishing marks it records that Arthur had a tattoo
of a girl on his right and left forearm, a compass and square on the back of his left hand, and a flag on the back of his
right hand. He appears to have been called up to serve, most likely for Boer War service. (A later record notes his next
of kin as his younger brother David, who was serving in the Royal Navy, and his sister, married to a Mr Montgomery at 6 Cavour
Street, Belfast.)
Arthur appears to have been based at the RIR depot in Belfast until 14 DEC 1898, and then to the 2nd
battalion on 25 FEB 1899. On 15 MAR 1899 he was promoted to Lance Corporal, and on 25 OCT 1899 set sail for South Africa to
fight in the Boer Wars, for which he was later awarded the South Africa War Medal. He set sail for the UK again on 28
APR 1900, where he would remain for just under twelve years.
Arthur was promoted to Corporal on 1 JAN 1902, and on 31 JUL 1902 he was paid a war gratuity of £6
5s. On 18 DEC 1902 he passed his third class certificate of examination. On 15 NOV 1902 he reverted to the rank
of Private, but bizarrely seems to have been appointed back to the rank of lance Corporal on the same day. He was again made
up to a Corporal on 4 JAN 1903. On 20 APR 1903 he was sentenced to be reduced back to a Private again for absence without
leave, and fined 1d.
On 31 APR 1903 Arthur extended his duration of service to a term
of 8 years. He married Annie Myers in Belfast's Shankill parish on
December 11th 1903, at Trinity Church of Ireland. The witnesses, as noted in his army service record, were a James Rodgers
and Sarah Taylor. Arthur and Annie went on to have five children.
Arthur was posted to the depot on 20 JUN 1904, and then appointed as an
unpaid Lance Corporal on 6 JUL 1904, and with payment from two days later. On 26 SEP 1905 he passed his professional
examination for promotion to Corporal, and on 8 DEC 1905 passed his 2nd class certificate of examination. On 6 MAR 1906 he
was permitted to extend his service to 12 years with the colours. On 23 DEC 1906 he was promoted to Corporal, and then on
22 SEP 1909 was transferred to the 3rd battalion. On 4 JAN 1910 he re-engaged to complete service at 21 years. On 11 MAY 1911
Arthur was promoted to sergeant, and then on 4 AUG 1911 transferred to the 2nd battalion.
On 9 OCT 1912 Arthur was again transferred, this time to the 1st battalion,
with whom he set sail for India. Sadly, it was in India where he would finally end his days, dying of cholera on 27 JUN 1914 at Kirkee. He had served in the army for 16 years and 101
days. The following is from the medical report:
Severe vomiting and diarrhea from 5am till noon on 26-6-14, when vomiting
and diarrhea ceased. He collapsed on admission, but improved on being put to bed with help. As the improvement did not continue
by perti[..] Labour he was given intravenously with wonderful improvement. He got worse on following morning & saline
1 1/2 [..] to pint given but he got worse in spite of it & died when it was given.
L. G. Nash
Major, RAMC
Commanding Station Hospital, Kirkee.
The War Office was informed 2 JUL 1914:
Sir,
I am directed to inform you that a telegram, of which the following is
a copy, has been recieved from a General Officer Commanding 6th (Poona) Division. "Regret to report death of 5518 Sergent
Taylor 1st battalion Royal Irish Rifles died of cholera.Kirkee June 27th".
I am therefore to request that you will cause the next of kin of the deceased
soldier to be informed accordingly, expressing the sympathy and regret of the secretary of State
I am Sir, Your obedient Servant
H. G. Fitton
Brigadier General,
Director of Recruting and Organization.
On 10 JUL 1914 an auction of Arthur's clothing was held, raising 19 rupees.
The following items were sold to others in his unit - helmet, khaki trousers (3 pairs), putties, three khaki jackets, flannel
shirts, jerseys, tartan jackets, cotton shirts, two F S caps, a holdall, two pairs of boots and two w. jackets and a pair
of trousers. A week later a grave was dug at Kirkee cemetery on 17 JUL 1914 at a cost of Rupees 1/8/-, with Arthur's
body received from O C F Company. Interestingly, on 20 JUL 1914 a subsistence allowance was given to Annie for herself and
four children, of seventy rupees. This suggests that one of the children may have been deceased.
On 20 JUL 1914, Arthur's sister placed the following notice in the Belfast Telegraph:
TAYLOR
- June 27, at Kirkee, India, Sergeant A. Taylor, R. I. Rifles, the dearly beloved husband of Annie Taylor.
Deeply regretted
Inserted
by his loving sister and brother-in-law
JOHN and MATILDA MONTGOMERY
6
Cavour Street, Belfast
In 1925 Annie requested the army to send her confirmation of her husband's
death and daughter's birth in India:
49 McTier Street
Belfast
1/12/25
Sir
Could you please forward me the following certificates of my Husband's
death who died at Kirkee, India, on the 27th June 1914, Regimental no. 5518 Sergeant Arthur Taylor, 1st Battalion Royal Irish
Rifles and also a birth certificate of a child born at Kamptee India on the 26th May 1913 name Matilda Jane Taylor.
Sir if you have these would you kindly send as soon as possibleas I am
putting in for the widow's and orphan's pensions which is payable on 4 January 1926. Please oblige
Yours respectfully
Annie Taylor
49 McTier Street
Belfast
The requested confirmation was sent of this event by the army:
Mrs Annie Taylor
49 McTier Street
Belfast
Madam,
1st instant, and to attach hereto the information asked for.
No. 5518, Sergeant Arthur Taylor, 1st battalion, Royal Irish Rifles, die
at Kirkee, India, on 27th June 1914.
Matilda Jane, daughter of above named, was born at Kamptee, India, on 27th
May 1913.
I am, Madam
Your obedient servant
? Colonel in charge of Infantry Records.
Children of ARTHUR TAYLOR and ANNIE MYERS:
Arthur John Taylor
b. 11/6/1905
Arthur was born in Londonderry on 11 JUN 1905 and subsequently baptised there by the Rev. Adams on
28 JUN.
Gertrude Mary Taylor
b. 1/1/1908
Gertrude was born in Aldershot, England, on 1 JAN 1908 and subsequently baptised there on 23 JAN by
Rev. W. H. L. Miller.
Annie Taylor
b. 31/1/1909
Annie was born in Aldershot, England, on 31 JAN 1909 and subsequently baptised there on 15 FEB by
Rev. W. H. L. Miller.
David M. Taylor
b. 15/3/1910
David was born in Dover, England, on 15 MAR 1910, and subsequently baptised there on 30 MAR by Rev.
J. J. O'd Donohoe.
Matilda Jane Taylor
b. 27/5/1913
Matilda was born in Kamptee, India, on 27 MAY 1913, and baptised there on 22 JUN by Rev. P. G. Winning.
Her birth was confirmed in a later undated letter to her mother, following her father's death, as noted above.
David Taylor
b: 2/7/1882
David was born on July 2nd 1882 at 29 Boundary Street, Belfast. His parents were Arthur
Taylor, a labourer, and Christine Kane. The informant was A. Clegg (Source: RootsIreland, Urban 2, Belfast).
David was noted in his brother Arthur's army service record as serving with the Royal Navy prior
to 1914. He signed up initially as a boy in the RN's servcie from January 1898, but later signed up for continuous service
engagement at Devonport, England, from 2 JUL 1900 (his eighteenth birthday) for a 12 year period, his RN service number being
197716. At the time of engagement his occupation was noted as being a shoemaker. He was five feet four and a half inches
in height, had black hair and brown eyes, and a dark fresh complexion. He had the initials TD and and anchor tattoed onto
his left forearm, and an anchor on his right forearm.
His first ship was the Black Prince, on which he served as a Boy 2nd Class from 29 JAN 1898, and then
from 9 NOV 1898 as a Boy 1st Class, until 16 MAR 1899. On 17 MAR 1899 he transferred to the Minotaur until 23 MAY (conduct
VG), and then on the Agincourt from 24 MAY to 12 JUN. On 13 JUN 1899 he served on the Vivid I until 19 SEP, and then on the
Terrible from 20 SEP (conduct VG). He was promoted to Ordinary Seaman on his 18th birthday, continuing his service on the
Terrible until 21 NOV 1900 (conduct VG, 31 DEC 1900).
On 22 NOV 1900, David served on board the Barlleur, until 22 JAN 1902, at which point he returned
to the Vivid I until 11 MAR. He transferred to the Jib (?) until 11 FEB 1903, and then on the Royal Oak (for the first time
with his conduct listed as 'Fair', rather than VG). On 30 SEP he was promoted to Able Bodied Seaman. On 27 APR 1904 he transferred
to another ship (name illegible on digitised record), but from 8 MAY 1904 served on the Cambridge, until 19 NOV. he served
briefly on another vessel (name illegible) for a month only, before transferring to the Bulwark, serving on board for two
years from 1 JAN 1905 to 11 FEB 1907. At various stages his conduct was noted as Good or VG.
From 15 MAR 1907 to 4 MAY 1908 David was on the Vengeance, and then returned to the Vivid I on 5 MAY
1908 to 6 AUG. At this point, he was committed to the Cells for 5 days, cause unknown, returning to duty on 12 AUG, and continuing
his service until 30 SEP 1908. On 1 OCT he moved to the Leander, staying on board for just under a year until 9 AUG 1909,
and then saw service on the Majestic from 10 AUG 1909 to 1 AUG1910. He then appears to have had a somewhat unhappy
posting on board the Cornwallis from 2 AUG 1910 until 14 FEB 1912, with two periods in the cells, from 3 JAN to 7 JAN
1911, and then for ten days from 1 MAR to 10 MAR 1911.
ON 12 FEB 1912, David returned again to the Vivid I until 25 MAR 1912. On 26 MAR he returned for another
stint on the Leander, until 30 JUN 1912, and then from 1 JUL 1912 to 4 JUL 1912 he spent four days on his final posting, once
again on the Vivid I, although was officially shore based. His continuous service expired at this point, and it is presumed
he then left the Royal Navy. (Source TNA ADM/188/342/0/164).
What became of David after his Royal Navy career has as yet to be established. A David Taylor
is reported as having died at the Union Infirmary in Belfast on 31 JAN 1935, aged 53, which matches our David's birth
year. If this is him, he was buried on 15 JUN 1935 at Belfast City Cemetery Public Ground. His occupation was noted as a labourer,
the cause of death being lobar pneumonia (Source: Belfast City Council burials; 4450-3964).
Matilda Jane Taylor
28/5/1874 - 3/2/1917
Matilda was Calum's and Jamie's three times great grandmother.
Matilda was born at the home of James Kane, her maternal grandfather, 5 Cargill Street in Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland, on May 28th 1874, and was baptised
shortly after on June 10th. In the baptismal entry for her birth, her father was listed as a labourer, and the sponsor was
noted as Ann McClelland.
Matilda married clerk John Montgomery on January 5th 1892 at St. Enoch's Church of Ireland in Belfast. She was described as being a spinster
of full age, i.e. 21 or older, with her father Arthur listed as a mechanic. The witnesses to the wedding were John
McCormick and Isabella Montgomery, presumably a relative of her husband, whilst the minister was
the Reverend William Wallace.
On March 6th 1895 Matilda was living at 50 Seaview, off the York Road in
Belfast, where she gave birth to her daughter Charlotte.
In the 1901 census, Matilda was noted as being the head of the house at the family home on
Cavour Street, perhaps implying that her husband John, a seaman, was away at sea when the record was taken.
In the 1911 census, Matilda was noted as residing with her family at 6 Cavour Street in
North Belfast (parish of Shankill), of being 36 years old and able to read and write, born in Belfast, and Church of
Ireland by way of religion. She was stated to have been married for 19 years and of having mothered six children, with only
three alive at the time of the census.
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| Matilda's signature on the loyalty Declaration of 1912 |
The next we hear of Matilda is on Saturday, September 28th 1912, or "Ulster Day",
the date on which she signed the Declaration of Loyalty to the British Crown, an act of opposition to the possible ceding
of Home Rule to Ireland by the British Liberal Government. Whilst her daughter Charlotte signed the declaration at Clifton
Street Orange Hall in North Belfast, Matilda opted to sign the document at Belfast City Hall, in the city centre. It is not
yet known where (or even if) her husband John signed the parallel Ulster Covenant (the men's equivalent). Like most Ulster
Protestants, Matilda no doubt went to a church service before the act of signing, such was the almost religious zeal in which
the cause of both the Covenant and the Declaration were treated. As well as recording her signature, the declaration also
lists the fact that Matilda was living at the time at 6 Cavour Street, Belfast (PRONI:D1327/3/5324).
On 27 JUN 1914, matilda's
brother Arthur died in India. She placed anotice in the Belfast Telegraph on 20 JUL 1914:
TAYLOR
- June 27, at Kirkee, India, Sergeant A. Taylor, R. I. Rifles, the dearly beloved husband of Annie Taylor.
Deeply regretted
Inserted
by his loving sister and brother-in-law
JOHN and MATILDA MONTGOMERY
6
Cavour Street, Belfast
Matilda died on 3 FEB 1917 at 6 Cavour Street, at the age of 42. In her death
record she was noted as married to John Montgomery, fireman, and the certified cause of death was malignant disease of stomach,
dropsy and anasarea. The informant to the registrar on 5 FEB was her cousin Sarah Gibson, from 42 Bracken
Street, Belfast (Source: GRONI/GENI D/1917/48/1007/78/444 Belfast Urban No.2).
Matilda was buried at Belfast City Cemetery on 7 FEB, her lair number being P2
236. In the burial record the cause of death was stated now to be an ulcer of the stomach, with her age listed as 43 and her
religion as Presbyterian. Her address was noted as 6 Cavour Street, and the registered proprietor of the ground was James
Taylor, who purchased it on February 27th 1904. The cost of her burial was 7s 6d. (Source: Belfast City Council Cemetery
database)
William John Montgomery
b. 19/3/1893 d. 26/2/1904
Charlotte Harper Montgomery
b: 6/3/1895 d: 29/4/1974
Calum's and Jamie's great great grandmother - see Montgomery page.
George Rodgers Montgomery
b. 6/8/1898 d. 31/3/1900
David Taylor Montgomery
b. 3/1/1902 d. 19??
Mary Harper Montgomery
b. 7/9/1904 d. 19??
Christina Montgomery
b. 18/5/1907 d. 22/2/1909
Robert Montgomery
b. 12/9/1911 d. ????
Connecting to Calum and Jamie
Charlotte Harper Montgomery married Ernest Graham
in 1919.
Son, Ernest Graham, married Martha Jane Elisabeth
Watton Smyth in 1943.
Daughter, Charlotte Harper Graham, married Colin
Paton in 1969.
Son, Christopher Mark Paton, married Claire Patricia
Giles in 2000.
Sons, Calum Graham Paton and Jamie Christopher Paton.
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