Obituary of Bazel White Taylor
(1841 - 1903)

Bazel White Taylor was born in Knox county, Ohio, Feb. 24, 1841. He moved to Fayette county, Ill, in the autumn of 1850, being nearly ten years of age. He received his early care and training from a step-mother, whom he loved and honored in boyhood days by leading an obedient and exemplary life. This grand old lady who had such an influence for good in his early life, still survives him and is known by the respectful name of Grandma Taylor.

He enlisted in the service of his country in August 1862, and although physically weak, he served faithfully until honorably discharged in June, 1865. He came home untainted by the immoral social influences of Army life and was considered a most excellent young citizen in his vicinity.

He was married to Miss Mary Jane Fulks on August 1, 1867. They have lived together over 35 years, fulfilling the marriage vows in caring for each other in their continuous afflictions and the rearing of their two daughters -- Laura Belle and Georgiana. He has been a faithful and consistent member of the Christian church for more that 30 years, fighting the good fight of faith as a true soldier of Jesus, not shirking his post of duty nor asking for furlough or discharge. But the great General of this warfare has called for a cessation from strife and retired him on full pay according to the reward of the victorious over death, hell and the grave, having died May 4, 1903, aged 62 years, 2 months, 10 days. He leaves his faithful consort, who so patiently watched over and cared for him until death, and who is now following him to his last earthly resting place where she must pause to await the call of the Master to join him and their sainted daughter Georgiana, who preceded him some years ago. "Yes, comfort yourself, my companion, that you weep not as those who have no hope."

The funeral services were held at the Universalist church on Tuesday conducted by Elder Finnelle, of Altamont, and the remains laid to rest in the Beecher City cemetery. The wife and daughter have the sympathy of the community in their sorrow.

The golden gates were opened,
A gentle voice said, "Come!"
And with farewells unspoken
He calmly entered home.

This document was typed by J.L. McKenzie from a newspaper clipping in Bazel Taylor's Civil War pension file. He was the son of William Taylor.

NOTE: He was a Union Soldier in the Civil War in Company B, 115th IL Volunteer Regiment and Company I, 7th Veteran Reserve Company. His Pension was # 587440. In various records, his name was spelled: Bazzle, Bazil, Bassell, Bazial, and Basil. Bazel was the most frequent spelling I found.