Jonathan Taylor Sword Dedication Ceremony
December 13, 2023
Nitschmann Middle School Bethlehem PA
The sword of Jonathan Taylor, mortally wounded during battle in the Civil War 161 years ago today, was brought back to Taylor’s final resting place and dedicated as a living memorial and opportunity for history education.
Just recently a recruiting poster used by Taylor was discovered. Now, an exciting last-minute addition to the event was the announcement of previously unknown correspondence from the Taylor family at the Bucks County Historical Society.
What follows is one excerpt from a letter written by Joseph Taylor, brother of Jonathan, who served as a corporal in Taylor's company and watched him fall that fateful day.
"December 16, 1862 - I wrote you yesterday but the letter may not reach you, I will repeat that I am safe. Jonathan received a sever (sic) wound in the right shoulder. While cheering on his men, he was half turned round waving his sword when the ball struck him back of the shoulder blade and passed to the front of the collar bone. It knocked him down flat...."
It was always felt that Jonathan Taylor carried the sword on the tragic day. Now we have indisputable proof!
A number of students from Nitschmann Middle School spoke briefly about what this project means to them about Civil War and local history.
Thanks in a very large part to members of the CWRT of Eastern PA Jonathan Taylor's sword has come home!!!
Read or watch the story as reported on WFMZ - CLICK HERE
Read the article from Penn Live: CLICK HERE
Lehigh Valley News wrote this: CLICK HERE
