The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1886-07-01

mia. Pa. its Commander In 1885. His life and
services since the termination Of the war have
been Of inestimable value TO the very large
number Of his comrades needing his advice and
assistance, and he has always readily responded
10 the appeals Of the widow and orphans Of
those who laid down their lives in their coun-
tTys cause.
Comrade John Taylor was born in Philadel-
phia, Pa, April 5. 1910, attended the South
west Grammar School until l3 years Of age,
when he entered upon an active business career
in the notion house Of Messrs. Cummings *
Co. and from there 10 Messrs. Hess Rogers a.
Chambers where he remained until his enlist
ment in Co. Z Scotch Ri1es), I'd Pa. Reserves,
on the 9th day Of May, 1861. Immediately
after enlistment he was made Sergeant; was
promoted to First Sergeant July 4, 1861, and
TO First Lieutenant July y, 1862. For gallant
and meritorious conduct at the battle of the
Wilderness, May 5. 1864, he was brevetted Cap
tain. Immediately after the battle Of Gettys-
burg, Pa, Gen. McCandless, commanding the
First Brigade, Pa Reserves, caused him 10 be
detailed for duty upon his staff. where he con-
tinued until captured at the Wilderness, May
5, 1864, inside the rebel lines, while endeavor-
ing 70 force his way 10 the 9TH Pa Reserves
who were surrounded by the enemy. Upon
capture he was confined in the rebel prison at
Lynchburg Va; thence taken 10 Danville,
where he remained until July Is, 1864; thence
TO Savannah, Ga; thence 10 Charleston, S. c.,
and kept there under fire until the yellow
fever broke out among the prisoners. About
Oct. TO- 1864, was taken to Columbia, s. c.,
where, on Nov. 20, 1864, he escaped from the
prison-pen, and after three weeks Of incredible
suffering in wandering in the swamps of South
Carolina relying for subsistence upon such
matter as could be procured in the underground
and the occasional help extended from the
scanty hoard Of some colored man, alike fugi-
q
/ ilization, was reeaptured On Dec. q, 1854, al
| Piekensville, S. c., and taken back 10 Column
bia, remaining there until the rebels were
driven out by Gen. Sherman in 1865, when he
was removed 10 Charlotte, n. C., and again
made his escape, but was recaptured the next
day, and on March 1, 1865, was exchanged near
! Wilmington, n. G. On the 18th Of that month
1865, was mustered from the service Of the
| United States at Washington, ID. c.
Comrade Taylor, after being mustered from
the service returned 10 his native city, where
he remained until November, 1867, when hs
returned TO Virginia, entering the service o.
the Quartermaster's Department, where he re-
manned until September, 1870, when he lef
Virginia for the purpose of going TO Oregon
Stopping in Philadelphia, be was persuaded by
his family TO forego the trip. He then engaged
with Gen. Louis Wagner in the insurance bust
ness, where he still remains.
In presenting the records Of those in member
ship in the Union Veteran Legion, the intention
is not to unduly claim credit to the men wht
from pure principles responded 20 the call o
their country, but that the readers OF you
widely circulated paper may become familia
with the real records Of some Of their comrades
and more particularly that the loyal men anC
women Of America can better comprehend thu
arduous duties and the great suiferings ant
sacrifices made in those dark days Of Nationa
trouble and 10 enable them 70 realize hov
much the country is indebted 10 those who, II
the splendOr Of their opening manhood, wer
wrecked physically by disease and wounds con
sequent upon the service rendered. In tn
political strife for place, the man whose physi
cal condition has been so wrecked has often 3
be pushed aside from positions under the Gov
ernment in which be could faithfully perform
the duties and earn sufficient 20 make his de
clining years less struggle for existence, &
make room for those more active politically il
ward, County and State. IL IN the perusal O
these articles sympathy can be created 70 hel
make happy the decline in life Of one of tn
Nations defenders, the writer's mission will b
fulfilled.
Comrade Taylor was mustered into the Gran
Army of the Republic in Capt p. r. Sehuyle
Post No. 81, at Philadelphia, Pa August, 1875
made Post Adjutant October, 1876; reappoin te
January, lS77; elected Post Commander 1875
and reelected 1879; elected Delegate 10 Depart
ment Encsmpment 1877; appointed Quarter
master-General Of the Department 1873; re
appointed 1873 and 1880; then elected 10 th
position Of Department Commander January
; l5cl, and is now serving the second term j
Qnartermaster-Gener Of the National En-
campment-COMRADF PhiladelDhia