"Thomas (Taylor), [born] Nov. 26, 1717 … s. of Thomas (4), b. 1717; captain; shoemaker; as sergt., was in command of that party of 17 men, which was attacked by 100 French and Indians, July 14, 1748, while on a march from Nfd. to Fort Dummer. … After a desperate resistance, Taylor was captured, and carried to Canada, where he was kept in close confinement until Sept. 2. He was released, and arrived home Sept. 27, and at once returned to his duties; Nov., 1748, the Gen. Court, 'in consideration of his bravery in that action,' voted Sergt. Taylor £50; he lost a 'choice good French gun,' worth £18, Old Tenor; and a pair of leather breeches, worth £10 O. T.; for both of which he was allowed pay. It is related by Dea. Shattuck, of Hinsdale, that after the action was over, Taylor was seated on a log, between two Indians, when one of them, who was an acquaintance, said to him : 'Tom I am going to kill you, because you killed my brother.' 'But,' said the sergt.,' he shot first.' The Indian, dropping his head, remained silent a moment, and then replied, 'So he did and the captive was spared. … He settled on land now in Hinsdale, where he d. March 24, 1778. He kept a tavern on the Charlestown road, which his widow continued, and made famous, for many years after his death."
