635Mary Parsons, second daughter of William and Catherine Stoker Parsons, was born in Hardy County, Virginia, and was a small girl when her parents migrated to western Virginia. She was educated in the first school established in that vicinity. She was taught to spin, weave and sew when very young, as this was considered a great accomplishment in those days. The eldest daughters were kept busy sewing for the younger ones. Her father objected to her engagement to John Taggart, but the young folks made arrangements to meet at a place where a minister was staying over night, and be married. Mary arrived first and had to wait for her lover. In after years of wedded life her husband would laughingly remind her of the fact that she had been so anxious to marry him that she reached the trysting place first, to which she would reply that for doing so was that she had the best horse. The elopers were forgiven by the bride's parents, and a tract of land given to them lying along Cheat river, now known as the "Blackman Farm."
The house they built on the land was not a palatial residence, but sufficiently costly and tasty to satisfy any modern ambition. It disclosed an air of neatness, home life and contentment that constitute true happiness; for all joys of life lie in three words, "health, peace and competence." I have no record of how many years of perfect happiness was enjoyed in this home. Twelve fine healthy children were born of this union and reared on this prosperous farm. Two daughters were married and pushed out their bark upon the sea of action; the sons were entering upon the domain of manhood and desired to meet the vicissitudes and varying changes so common to the career of all. The parents decided to move to Buford, Highland County, Ohio.
This proud father and devoted mother showed an interest seen only in families where the marriage vow is based upon a foundation of infinite love. This family was noted for their generosity, hospitality and integrity; the light of truth and honesty was about them. In 1851, John Taggart and his family moved from Buford, Ohio, to Tazewell County, Illinois. Very few of the members of Mary Parsons Taggart's descendants are living at the present time.

1073<twins> Catherine S. Taggart m. Solomon Channel
Julia Anne Taggart m. George Slagle
Lorenzo D. Taggart
Solomon P. Taggart
Martha Taggart m. Frederick C. Baumann
Nancy R. Taggart m. William Moberly
William P. Taggart
Annie Taggart m. Builderback
Mary E. Taggart m. Henry Hensley
David C. Taggart
Harriet R. Taggart
James A. Taggart