8th Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers (British Army)
Date Of Birth:
23/09/1898
Died:
04/07/1916 (Killed in Action)
Age:
17
Summary
John Taylor was the son of James and Mary Taylor. He was born on 23rd September 1898 in Coalisland. He was one of at least six children. The family lived in Coalisland. His father was a farm labourer. John Taylor enlisted in Belfast. Private John Taylor was serving with the 8th Battalion of the Princess Victoria's Royal Irish Fusiliers when he was killed in action on 4th July 1916. Private John Taylor is commemorated on the family headstone in Gilnahirk Presbyterian Churchyard at Dundonald in Belfast.
Further Information
Author’s Preliminary Notes
The family headstone at Gilnahirk initially gives us the parents’ names along with the correct date of death of Private John Taylor. Both parents died some 40 years after their son, implying they were young when they were married.
The major discrepancy is that in both 1901 and 1911 census, his parents were listed as Church of Ireland, but they were both buried in a Presbyterian churchyard.
The upshot is that the details are best fit, and there is no definitive information on the family.
Speculated Biography
John Taylor was the son of James and Mary Taylor. James Joseph Taylor and Mary Hyde were married on 13th November 1891 in the district of Cookstown.
John Taylor was born on 23rd September 1898 in Coalisland. He was one of at least six children.
The 1901 census possibly lists John as age 2, living with his family at house 33 in Coalisland, County Tyrone. His father was a farm labourer.
Known family: James Taylor, Mary Taylor, Lilley Taylor (born 11th April 1894, Stewartstown), Robert James Taylor (born 16th April 1896, Stewartstown), John Taylor (born 23rd September 1898, Coalisland), Thomas Taylor (born 23rd October 1901, died 4th November 1901, Coalisland), William Taylor (born 6th May 1904, Coalisland), Thomas Taylor (born 8th June 1906, Coalisland).
The 1911 census possibly lists John as age 13, living with his family at house 3 in Derrywinnin Glebe, Coalisland. John was still at school. His father was a farm labourer.
John Taylor enlisted in Belfast.
Private John Taylor was serving with the 8th Battalion of the Princess Victoria's Royal Irish Fusiliers when he was killed in action on 4th July 1916.
Memorials
Private John Taylor is buried in St Patrick's Cemetery in Loos, France.
Private John Taylor is commemorated on the family headstone in Gilnahirk Presbyterian Churchyard at Dundonald in Belfast.
Inscription reads: TAYLOR – In loving memory of our dear mother Mary, died 11th March 1949. Also our dear father James, died 28th April 1949. Also their dear son, Private John Taylor, R.I.F., who died in France 4th July 1916.
