William Taylor

William Taylor (b. abt 1838) served as an under cook in Company H, 13th Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry. He is one of twenty-three black men known to have served with the regiment, all of whom served as company cooks.

Personal life
William Taylor was born about 1838 in Carter County, Tennessee.

Civil War service
Staples enlisted in Company K on October 1, 1864 at Carter's Station, Tennessee for a period of three years. He mustered in December 6, 1864 at Knoxville.

At enlistment he was 26 years old, 5' 6" tall, black complexion, black eyes, and black hair. At the time of his enlistment he was living in Carter County where he was a farmer.

According to the muster rolls Staples was present every month throughout his service. He mustered out with the regiment on September 5, 1865 at Knoxville. Records state that he was last paid to October 1, 1864 and owed $40.90 to the government for his clothing.

Later life
No further information about Taylor nor the location of his grave has been found.