BACK TO 1888 PORTRAIT INDEX


JOHN TAGGART, one of the younger farmers of Bronson Township, has spent within its limits nearly his entire life, he having been born at the farm of his father on section 16, Jan. 20, 1840. The latter David Taggart, and his wife, formerly Miss Sarah Perry, were among the earliest pioneers of this region, coming here in the fall of 1836. They battled with the difficulties around them, the elements of a new soil, the inconveniences of mill and market, but by their perserverance and industry succeeded in building up a good homestead and gradually, as the country became settled up, the most tedious features of pioneer life melted away.

Our subject acquired his education mostly in the village school at Bronson, but when a youth of seventeen years entered the college at Ontario, Ind., where he completed his studies and thereafter followed teaching during the winter seasons for about fifteen years. In the spring of 1861, after the outbreak of the Civil War, he enlisted as a Union soldier in the 1st Michigan Infantry, serving with the first volunteers three months, and in 1862 re-enlisted, in the 67th Illinois Infantry, for the purpose of guarding prisoners at Chicago. In 1864 he joined the 7th Michigan Infantry for three years during the war, and was out in and around the Army of the Potomac in the 2d Corps, commanded by Gen. Hancock, about one and one half years. He participated in the battles of Bul Run, the Wilderness, Hatche's Run, the seige of Petersburg, and met the enemy in numerous other minor engagements and skirmishes. He was tendered the office of Orderly Sergeant but declined. While in camp in front of Petersburg he was clerk for the Captain T. S. Benham, whom he assisted in making muster rolls and description lists. After the surrender of the Confederate forces he was mustered out at Jackson, Mich., July 5, 1865, and on the 3d of October following was united in marriage with Miss Alma Smades, of Hanover, Jackson County, this State. Mrs. Taggart was born Jan. 24, 1949, in Jackson County, Mich., and is the daughter of Jacob and Harriet (Gifford) Smades, who were natives of Canada and Vermont respectively, and are now deceased. Mrs. T. acquired her education in the district school and remained with her parents until her marriage.

Our subject and his wife commenced the journey of life together in Bronson Township, and the household circle was completed by the birth of six children: Frederick W. died at the age of eight years; Frances Marian is at home; Lena Lee died when about one year old; Sarah Louise, JOhn H. and Grace May are all at home. The homestead of our subject includes sixty acres of land under a good state of cultivation, where he has a fine residence with commodious and substantial out-buildings, and makes a specialty of good grades of stock. He takes a lively interest in politics and uniformly supports Democratic principles. He has considerable influence in his township, where he has officiate as Superintendent of Schools and Highway Commissioner. Socially, he belongs to the G.A.R. and the I.O.O.F.