BACKGROUND:
Edward Ruthven Taylor, born in August 1845 at Independence,
Texas, moved with his parents
Edward Wyllys Taylor and Caroline Taylor to Houston in 1848.
Here, in the city’s formative years, the family made an impact in
the cotton business and in the public education system (and once
owned the land on which today's downtown Spaghetti Warehouse was
subsequently built).
At the start of the Civil War, Edward Ruthven attended private
school in New York. In 1862, at age 16, he returned to Texas and
joined Waul’s
Texas Legion. He served with the unit at the Battle of
Vicksburg, where he was captured. While held as a prisoner of
war, he contracted tuberculosis and the Legion later discharged him
from service.
As he recuperated at home, Edward became close to one of his
family’s slaves, a girl named Ann. Some sources indicate Ann came
from Hungerford, Texas, and slave papers list her name as Ann
George. Edward and Ann fell in love and unofficially married, as
interracial marriages were not legal in Texas at the time. At the
age of 25, Edward moved to Myrtle, later known as Pierce Junction,
with Ann and their first child, Pinkie. Establishing a farm of more
than 600 acres, the family grew, and Ann and Edward had five more
surviving children: Major Julius, Samuel, William E., Nettie C.,
and Burt Taylor. In 1903, Edward deeded half of his property to
Ann. She lived until 1909 and is buried on the original Taylor
homestead with three children who did not reach adulthood.
A few years before Ann’s death, the family became aware of
potential oil deposits on their land. In 1921, the Pierce Junction
Field had its first substantial oil strike. The oil rush continued
beyond Edward’s death in 1924, and his children, given equal shares
to the property, continued to maintain the land and its resources.
Family members donated the original homestead to the City of
Houston in 1986.
THE CACHE:
Your journey will take you to Houston's E.R. and Ann Taylor
Park, site of the original Taylor homestead. Nearby you can
explore the cemetery where Ann Taylor and three of her nine
children lie at rest. You might also notice other reminders of
days gone by, scattered haphazardly through the woods.
Please note: although it might be tempting to sort
through the antique bottles, strange metallic detritus, and other
interesting historical items in the area, be aware that the City of
Houston might frown upon such activity in what might be considered
an archeological site. Also, be aware that park personnel lock the
front gate (located on Reed Road) soon after dark; do not plan on
using this as a night caching opportunity.
You'll be looking for a camouflaged Nalgene bottle. Inside
you'll find a logscroll, a pen, and several nice bookmarks. Enjoy
the adventure!
 Kid Friendly 
Lunchtime Cache  Poison Plant Alert
 Restricted
hours  Historic Site
|
|
|