Colonel Parmenas Tayolor, one of Jefferson County's foremost early settlers, was born in Prince William county, Virginia, on April 4, 1753.  In forces in North Carolina, serving first as a lieutenant and later as captain in the regiment of Colonel William White, probably of Burke County, North Carolina.  He and Col. White were captured by the British during an engagment in Norther Carolina and held in prison many months. When they were exchanged they both retuned to active duty.  He was among the valiant "Overmountain men" who destroyed the British army at the Battle of Kings Mountain in 1780.  Their victory played a significant role in turning the tide of Revolutionary War.  His military career was enhanced some years later when he was appointed Colonel of Militia in Jefferson County, Tenneessee. Hence, the title of Colonel Taylor.
        In 1779, he married Betty White, who was born in North Carolina about 1760, and was the daughter of his Revolutionary commander, Col. William White.  One historian says that the commander disapproved of the marriage, which may account for their leaving the more civilized and thichkly and thickly populated Colony of North Carolina not long after the marriage for the "Wilds of East Tenneessee".
        Arriving in the Tennessee country, then a part of North Carolina, they settled on a rich and productive but still forested site which is still called "Taylor Bend" on the French Broad River about nive miles northeast of Dandridige in Jefferson County.  Eleven children were born to the couple; William, Leanna Taylor McClannahan, Leroy, Polly Taylor Butler, Matilda Taylor Inman, Mahala Taylor Turnley, Argyle, Willis, albert Gallatin Taylor, Elizabeth Taylor Langdon and Alfred.
        Col. Taylor's children and later his grandchildren were taught from the start to do their share of work on the plantation.  There was much to be done to claear away part of the wooded area for crops and for pasture, to build a house and outbuildings, as well as to procure and raise adequate food, clothing and other necessities for the rapidly growing family.
        Parmenas taylor was a large man, over six feet tall, muscular and strong, with an intellect to match his physical size.  Like other leading patriots of the period, he was a necessity and by inclination and talent a "man of many parts'. In addtion to managing a large plantation, he was a mechanic, had a small blacksmith and carpenter shop where he repaired his plows.  During his military service, he had also acquired a knowledge and skill for repairing the old-time flintlock guns.
        An affectionalte memoir by his granson, Parmenas Taylor Turnley, mentions that the Colonel often brought his moulds and metal over to the shop of his son-in-law, John Cunningham Turnley, who had better facilities.  it was a memorable occasion for the young grandson.  He was allowed to blow the bellows to melt the brass and lead and to help hold the moulds.  At the same time, he could sample "Granmother Betty's" delicious sheet bread and honey from the family bees hives that his Grandfather brought for him.
        Always active in service to his community, county, state, and country, Col. Taylor was member of the Assembly of the Territory South of the River Ohio, as well as a member of the legislative council for the Territorial Government. He was member of the convention that formed the Constitution of the State of Tennessee.  Governor John Sevier appointed him one of the Justices of the Peace for the recently organized Jefferson County.  His concern for education was demonstrated when he was made one of the county seate, in 1806.
        On February 28, 1827, his rather sudden death came as a tragic loss to the community and county.  Apparently still a robust man, he had  caught a cold four months earlier which he had neglected to care for and it had turned into serious lung complications from which he never recovered.
        Parmenas Taylor was buried in the "Family Burying Ground" on his own plantation not half a mile from his home, where a large number of his family and descendantes are also buried.
        From an obituary, signed only "One Who Knew HIm Well", found much later by a descendant, comes a summation of the character of this outstanding patriot, "... in all the numerous stations in which he was placed by his government he uniformly sustained the character of a worthy, hones, upright man. he left a numerous circle of friends, relatives and acquanintances to deplore their loss... which it is believed was his unspeabable gain". Taylor Bend, French Broad river, March 1827.  (sources" Taylor Family papers and Ramsey's Annals of Tennessee".)

sources:

Bible, Mrs. Betty. biography of Parmenas Taylor. DAR records.
White, Gifford. James Taylor White of Virginia, 1982 . Gifford White, Austin TX

return to White Family Index || Ancestoral Chart #14

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