John R. Tayloe

Cause of Death: Massive heart attack. (November 1979 open-heart surgery was performed to make three bypasses and installed an artificial valve). The surgery was accomplished at the Norfolk General Hospital, Norfolk, Virginia. Source: Personal Knowledge of David Williams Other Personal Data: Married Dorothy White April 17, 1927. After her death married Irma Lee Currin on 4 June 1938. Hobbies included fishing (fresh and salt water) and playing rook cards with friends. Occupation was farmer (tobacco, peanuts, corn) and raised hogs. Until he was older he slaughtered his own hogs each year. The killing of hogs was a family and community event each year. Normally 4 to 6 hogs were killed each and the meat was cured (salt) and frozen for use throughout the year. The meat from the hog killing was almost the exclusive source of meat (except chickens raised and slaughter on the day to be cooked). He loved pets (dogs and cats). Sam, a bulldog, was his last dog that frequently accompanied him in his pickup. Statue - he was about 5 foot 8 inches tall and in later life weighed around 180 to 200 pounds. He had red hair, blue eyes, and very fare skin. He quit school before completing. In addition to faming, he worked in a cotton gin in Edenton, NC. He was also a skilled carpenter and to a lesser degree a mechanic. Health - He was not drafted during WWII because of heart disease. In addition to heart problems, he frequently had kidney stones and also developed diabetes in later life. Was known by family & friends as "Cephus".