General regret will be express in Colne at the death of Mr William Taylor of 62 Alkincoats Road, and formerly of Duke Street, which occurred on Wednesday morning. Mr Taylor would have been 95 years of age if he had lived until Sunday. So far as we have been able to ascertain he was the oldest inhabitant of the town. For some time he had resided with his son-in-law and daughter, Mr and Mrs Joseph Hartley, at the above address. He was predeceased by his wife, who passed away in January of last year at the age of 86.
The late Mr Taylor was born at Burnley, and was a son of the late Mr Richard Taylor, of Lower Hood Hollow, Burnley. Mr Taylor was formerly in the employ of Colne Corporation, and prior to the incorporation of the borough, of the old Local Board, as Building and Streets Inspector. He held that position for a period of about 20 years, retiring 20 years ago.
Diamond Wedding Ten Years Ago
It is almost impossible to write of Mr Taylor without making reference to his wife. It will be remembered that Mr and Mrs Taylor celebrated their diamond wedding in July 1918. They were married at Gill Church, Barnoldswick on July 15th 1858, the ceremony being performed by Rev. J.C. Miller. They had 16 children, of whom only four are living - two sons and two daughters, one son being in Australia. They had also had nine or ten grandchildren and some great-grandchildren in Australia.
For many years Mr. and Mrs Taylor were the oldest married couple present at the annual old folk's tea given by the Mayor and Mayoress of the town, but Mrs Taylor was unable to go in 1927, and she died soon afterwards.
It will be remembered that Mrs Taylor was one of the lady veterans of Colne Ambulance Association, and held the position of Lady Superintendent of the Nursing Division for 28 years. For her ambulance work in the town she was elected an honorary serving sister of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem in England. Both Mr and Mrs Taylor had been connected with the Church Colne Parish Church, and the mission Churches - St James and St George's, Alkincoats. It is interesting link with the past to recall that Mrs Taylor's parents were married in the Colne Parish Church 110 years ago.
