Revised 3/2024 

Benjamin Taylor was first generation American. His father was John Taylor, born in Suffolk England. John joined the ranks of the British "Redcoat" army and was sent to the colonies (America) to keep order in the English realm. Sometime later, perhaps after seeing the unlimited opportunities in this new and growing nation, he deserted, given the choice after being captured and became an "American", joining the patriots in Connecticut.

Later, John moved down to Maryland. Arriving in Maryland, he was back among fellow Englishmen, as well as Germans. I believe he fell in love and married Mary Keyser there. The Keysers were already established west of the Baltimore area. Relatives were already headed for Pennsylvania. John married Mary Kisor / Kaiser / Keyser of German heritage there. They continued to live in the area for several years. At least 2 of his children, Sarah and Ann Margreth were born in Frederick, Maryland.  Mary Keyser was the mother of all of the children born in Whitely, Greene, Pennsylvania. Eight are known.

Benjamin Taylor was born July 10, 1803. He grew up in an area that was known for its rich soil for farming. An area fed by two rivers. Just 25 years earlier, it had been in the hands of the Indians. Less than 50 years earlier, was the scene of the French and Indian War. By the 1830's, school districts were being formed.

By 1825, Benjamin took a bride, Margaret "Peggy" Bradford. The Bradfords had also been in Greene County for some years, possibly arriving near the time of Benjamin's father did and were also from Maryland.

During the 1820's, some of Benjamin's brothers and sisters were contemplating a move. Some left for Ohio. Benjamin and his wife soon left and traveled to Wetzel, West Virginia (then Tyler, VA) and raised their family there. He supported his family by his learned trade of a farmer.

Children of Margaret & Benjamin Taylor:

• Samuel Taylor (1825-1917)

• Robert Taylor (abt. 1833 - bef. 1843)

• Christian J. Taylor (abt. 1836-1914)

• Gillead Taylor (1835-1919)

• William Taylor (1839 -1885)

• Benjamin Taylor (1842-1862)

On July 4, 1844, Benjamin died. His wife was heartbroken. She struggled. Her children ranged in age from 6 to 23. On September 14, 1848, Margaret married a widower, Johannes "John" Strosnider, with at least as many children as she had. She had 4 more children.

Children of Margaret and John Strosnider together:

• Isabel {Elle or Ebbe} Strosnider (1850-)

• James Strosnider (1849-1925)

• Laner or Lanier Strosnider female (bef 1858 -bef. 1860)

• Martha Jane Strosnider (1851-1932)

On October 26, 1888, Margaret Bradford Taylor Strosnider died in her sleep of old age, in a land she first saw 50 years earlier as a young bride.  * M.Bell – relative