635Elizabeth Parsons, eldest daughter of William and Catherine Stoker Parsons, was born in Hardy County, Virginia. She received her education from the first schools established by the four Parsons brothers on Cheat River. After her marriage to James Taggart they moved to a home given her by her father, now known as the "Blackman Farm."

The soil of this land was of the finest quality; a large body of it was covered with oak, walnut and sugar maple trees. In the springtime, the blooming of the grove of sugar trees afforded a picture of rare beauty. The silver gray tinged with yellow and white gave the landscape a soft finish. The sap from the sugar trees was boiled in large iron kettles and made into sugar. During the sugar making season the young folks would have parties and pass evenings of much sweetness.

On this beautiful spot there was a large two-story log house which was furnished with hickory chairs, walnut tables and every other home-made furniture. The linens, quilts and coverlets were made by her own hands. She was what would be called in these days a "hustler."
She made all her children's clothes from flax and wool which she had spun and woven herself, and often sewed half the night to make the garments. Through her skill and energy and ambition, prosperity smiled upon her home. She labored bravely and faithfully for the uplift of her children.

The orchard of "Blackman Farm" was the best in the country; the garden a bower of roses, pinks and sweet Williams. How well I remember sitting 'neath the apple tree eating the delicious apples. Though the trees were covered with moss, and the old fashioned log house was inhabited by bats and owls it did not prevent me from weaving romantic stories of the family who had dwelt there long years ago.

Elizabeth Parsons Taggart was a member of the M. E. Church from her youth, and was a devout worshiper of God. She was a leader in the singing, a teacher in the Sunday School, and often leader in the prayer meeting. The Church was dear to her in all its services. Her lovable nature won for her many friends, and those who visited her when the end drew near could never forget her beautiful faith and clear vision of the Eternal as she was passing through the Gate and heard with new understanding the great words
"For God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten Son." She has many descendants in West Virginia and the Middle West.



635FAMILY RECORD OF ELIZABETH PARSONS TAGGART.
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Family Record.
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Born. Married. Died.
James Taggart
Elizabeth Parsons Taggart Feb. 14, 1787 James Taggart 1805 Feb. 17, 1835
Children.
Hesikia C. Taggart 1806
William P. Taggart 1808
Mary Taggart 1810 William Armstrong
Alonzo B. Taggart 1812 1812
Annis Taggart 1813 1814
Malindy Haggart 1815
Edith Taggart 1817 David Parsons 1833
Soloman P. Taggart Mary Ellen Chenoweth
James Taggart Serena McCrum
Hannah Taggart April 20, 1823 Alpheus Chenoweth
Amanda Taggart
John Taggart