| Scope and content |
Papers consist chiefly of correspondence from John C. Taylor to his sister, Alya Ray Taylor, and his parents. The correspondence, mainly personal, reveals the close relationship between Taylor and his sister. Topics include family matters, colleges, books, and life in general. Letters from Navy officials concern Taylor's death. Other correspondence, photographs, postcards, and a diary reflect Taylor's service aboard the Plattsburg during World War I and his sightseeing activities in Europe and America. Other photographs depict the trenches at Argonne, Dead Man's Hill at Verdun, an early motorcycle, and members of the Taylor family. Other postcards show views of Camp Jackson, Columbia, S.C., and USS Montpelier. Taylor's diary contains brief entries pertaining to the movements and activities of the Plattsburg and its crew. |
| Access restriction | No access restrictions. |
| Cite as |
John Clayton Taylor Papers (#442), Special Collections Department, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA. |
| Terms of use | Literary rights to specific documents are retained by the authors or their descendants in accordance with U.S. copyright law. |
| Acquisitions source |
Joyner- Gift of Miss Alya Ray Taylor. |
| Biographical note | John Clayton Taylor, son of Mr. and Mrs. John G. Taylor of Greenville, N.C., attended the Medical College of Virginia at Richmond. He completed an internship at the Virginia Home for Incurables and joined the U.S. Navy with the rank of assistant surgeon. During World War I, Taylor served aboard USS Plattsburg. Taylor remained in the Navy until January 30, 1921, when he was accidentally shot and killed by a sentry at the East Camp on the naval base at Norfolk, Va. |
