Joseph Hampton Taylor, son of Giles and Elizabeth Taylor was born near Mt. Pleasant in Bloomfield township, Johnson County , Feb. 25, 1844, and departed this life July 22, 1932, at the age of 88 years, 4 months , 27 days near Simpson.

His boyhood was spent on the farm with his parents until the call of his country beckoned to him for help in the great crisis it was facing in the Civil War. It was then that he unselfishly volunteered his service and life if it be necessary to save this great nation, that today we are enjoying.

On May 7, 1864, he entered as a private under Capt. Chapman, Co. A. 145, Regiment of Illinois Infantry and served bravely and untiringly for the great cause he knew was right until December 15, 1864, when he received an honorable discharge from his country for his service. It is to such lives as Uncle Hamp’s that we can look and find new courage and renewed strength to carry the burdens which may fall in our pathway.

 He, early in life, gave his life to God, choosing for the foundation of his life “Rock of Ages” upon which he was able to build this beautiful Godly life that has just past from our vision to shine more brightly in Heaven. He joined the Methodist church at Mt. Pleasant in his boyhood, determined to let his life be a shining light for his Master. He remained a member here until in later life he with his wife moved their membership to the Presbyterian church at Gilead , where he remained a faithful member until God knowing that his life of love and service was finished, called him home.

 On August5, 1866 he entered the holy bonds of matrimony with Eliza Herell (Harrell is correct spelling) and to this union 11 children were born, all of whom were at their father’s bedside except Sarah, who died in infancy. Their home was one of love and peace, where God reigned supremely, comforting them in time of sorrow, causing them to rejoice in time of pleasure. This beautiful home life was broken on Aug. 26, 1921, when the Death Angel entered clipping down the sacred life of mother. Since this time Uncle Hamp’s life has been lonely and filled with bodily pains until he often expressed a deep desire for his Master to call him to his Heavenly home, which he realized would be void of sorrow.

 He leaves to mourn his going, ten children: Mrs. Lydia Trigg, Mrs. Pearl Verhines of Vienna; Mrs. Cora Smoot, Mrs. Bertha Murrie, Mrs. Clara Kerley of Simpson; W. G. Taylor of Creal Springs; John, Jim, Tom and Fred of Simpson. Two sisters, Mrs. Lydia Taylor of Marion; Mrs. Louisa Lawrence of Carrier Mills; three brothers, Jim, Centralia; Ben, Marion and Jackson, Carbondale; 17 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, with a host of friends, which will mourn his gong.

Funeral services were conducted at the home by Rev. J. H. Morphis of Creal Springs, after which the body was conveyed to the Odd Fellow cemetery where the American Legion gave military tribute under Commander Benson, after which the body was tenderly laid to rest to await the final resurrection. The grand daughters were flower girls and the pall bearers were grandsons of the deceased.