General Notes

REFN: 31
The family believes Samuel Taylor originally came from England, Most likely Liverpool,  but the 'ship' name that brought him to the American Colonies is still unknown. His entrance into Essex County however was some time prior to the Revolutionary War - 1776. Most probably he originally lived in the Williamsburg area.
The community was actually settled in 1633 as Middle Plantation. Then In just over 65 years, it was made the capital of Virginia in 1699 and renamed Williamsburg in honor of William III of England. The diverse settlement  grew and subsequently became a social and cultural center. Notable political debates preceding the American Revolution were held here. The seat of state government was transferred to Richmond in 1780, and Williamsburg declined in Virginia political importance. During the American Civil War, the city was captured, in May 1862, by Union forces under General George B. McClellan.

It was further up the Rappahannock River in Essex where Samuel met and married Susanah Upshaw who was the daughter of William Upshaw, Jr. In a Middlesex County Will book, Samuel mentions his father John, however John's wife's name was not mentioned.