Jesse's parents were:
Benjamin Franklin Taylor, b. Aug. 4, 1805 in Pittsfield, Berkshire County, MA. and d. Dec. 9, 1889 in Levan, Juab County, UT. &
Ann Mennell, b. Oct. 20, 1812 in Huggate, East Riding of Yorkshire Unitary Authority, East Riding of Yorkshire, England and d. Feb. 4, 1875 in Grafton, Lorain County, OH.

In the 1850 U. S. census, 8 yr. old Jesse Taylor, b. in OH., was attending school and living in Utah, Utah Territory with his
45 yr. old (inferred) father, Franklin Taylor, a farmer, b. in MA.
38 yr. old (inferred) mother, Ann Taylor, b. in England
17 yr. old (inferred) sister, Henrietta Taylor, b. in OH.
14 yr. old (inferred) brother, Martin Taylor, attending school, b. in OH.
10 yr. old (inferred) brother, Crispin Taylor, attending school, b. in OH.
11 yr. old (inferred) sister, Elizabeth Taylor, attending school, b. in OH.
5 yr. old (inferred) sister, Augusta Taylor, b. in IL.
3 yr. old (inferred) sister, Sarah Ann Taylor, b. in IL.

In the Jun. 6, 1860 U. S. census, 18 yr. old Jessee (Jesse) W. Taylor, a farmer, b. in OH., was attending school and living in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
54 yr. old (inferred) father, Benj F Taylor, a gun smith, b. in MA.
47 yr. old (inferred) mother, Ann Taylor, b. in England
14 yr. old (inferred) sister, Caroline A Taylor, b. in IL.
12 yr. old (inferred) sister, Jane E Taylor, attending school, b. in IA.
8 yr. old (inferred) sister, France Engell (Frances Euzell) Taylor, attending school, b. in CA.
Jesse's personal estate was valued at $200.
Benj.'s real estate was valued at $200 and his personal estate at $1,000.

In Jun. 1860, Jesse Taylor and Mary Katherine Benson were married in San Bernardino, San Bernardino county, CA.

Jesse & Mary Katherine Taylor's children were:
1. Mary Ella Taylor, b. Dec. 7, 1861 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Jul. 26, 1945 in Costa Mesa, Orange County, CA. Mary Ella Taylor and George Franklin "Frank" Perdew were married on Oct. 26, 1882 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA.
2. Euzell Taylor, b. Dec. 30, 1863 and d. in 1866.
3. Hettie/Hattie Ann "Effie" Taylor, b. May 16, 1865 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. and d. Mar. 18, 1970 in San Diego, San Diego, CA. Hettie marr. Frederick "Fred" Amos. Seamann.
4. Ada Taylor, b. Jun. 5, 1868 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Nov. 30, 1874 at age 6 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA.
5. Jesse Franklin Taylor, b. Jul. 2, 1870 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Dec. 2, 1946 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, UT. Jesse marr. Cassandra Melinda Boren.
6. Lucy Taylor, b. Nov. 21, 1872 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Nov. 21, 1964 in Globe, Gila County, Ariz. Lucy marr. George Cook.
7. Edna Elizabeth Taylor, b. Aug. 27, 1875 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. May 30, 1958 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, Cal. Edna marr. Abraham Lincoln Finley.
8. Theodore Chrispin "Chap" Taylor, b. Jan. 9, 1879 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Dec. 13, 1937 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. Theodore marr. Lela C. Harthorn.
9. Clarence Walter Taylor, b. Jan. 14, 1882 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Feb. 8, 1945 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. Clarence marr. Maud Edith Segars (who died in 1915) and Estelle Hadden Taylor in 1921.

In the 1870 U. S. census, 29 yr. old Jessie Taylor, a teamster, b. in IL., was living in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
29 yr. old (inferred) wife, Catherine Taylor, keeping house, b. in IL.
8 yr. old (inferred) daughter, Ella Taylor, attending school, b. in CA.
4 yr. old (inferred) daughter, Effie Taylor, b. in CA.
2 yr. old (inferred) daughter, Ada Taylor, b. in CA.
Jesse's real estate was valued at $1,000 and his personal estate at $500.

In the 1880 U. S. census, 39 yr. old Jesse Taylor, a teamster, b. in OH., was living on Attah St. in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
39 yr. old wife, Mary Taylor, b. in IL.
18 yr. old daughter, Ella Taylor, boarding with the family, b. in CA.
14 yr. old daughter, Hettie Taylor, b. in CA.
9 yr. old son, Jesse Taylor, b. in CA.
7 yr. old daughter, Lucy Taylor, b. in CA.
5 yr. old daughter, Edna Taylor, b. in CA.
1 yr. old son, Theodore Taylor, b. in CA.
Jesse's parents were both b. in UT. Territory.
Mary's father was b. in MA. and her mother in OH.

According to the 1892 Great Voter's register for San Bernardino County, CA., 51 yr. old Jesse Wright Taylor, a farmer, b. in OH., was a resident of San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA.
Jesse was described as 6'0" tall, with a dark complexion, brown eyes, black hair and "the first finger of his right hand off".

The Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 3, Col. 2
Sat. Sep. 8, 1894
A PIONEER KILLED
JESSE W. TAYLOR SHOT DEAD IN CAJON PASS.
Causeless Quarrel With a Frenchman and the Use of a Shotgun - Taylor's Son the Only Witness to the Deed.
Last night great excitement was created-on the receipt of the news that Jesse W. Taylor, one of the oldest and most well-known residents of this city, had been killed yesterday afternoon by a Frenchman named Thomas Gaurert, in the Cajon Pass.
The first news of the killing was brought by Gaurert himself, who came to this city accompanied by Chap Taylor, a young son of the murdered man and gave himself up to the authorities. A reporter of THE SUN, in company with Deputy Sheriff Fred Pourade, went to the jail and through the courtesy of the jailers the prisoner was brought from the tanks to the corridor, where Mr. Pourade, acting as interpreter, his side of the story was told. He said that he was preparing dinner alone on his ranch when Taylor and his son came to the cabin. Taylor shook hands with him, asked him how he was getting along, and after being told all right, produced a gallon demijohn of wine from which both drank two or three times. Taylor was slightly intoxicated and after a few minutes conversation commenced to abuse him and finally walked around the table kicking things over. Gaurert ordered him to stop and to get out of the house, which Taylor refused to do. The prisoner then told him that he was master in his own house and that he would have to get him out. With that Taylor struck him three or four blows in the face and staggered him back; upon his assailant's following him he pushed him away and turned and seized his shotgun, which was loaded with bird shot, and whirling around pulled the trigger, just as Taylor seated himself in a chair. The prisoner then called the boy, who had heard him order his father out and commanded him to hitch the mules to the wagon that he might come to town and give himself up, which the boy did.
The boy's story to the reporter is materially different from the statement of the prisoner. He says that his father and himself arrived at the cabin about 12:30 and found the Frenchman getting dinner. That they were both invited to dinner, but that his father refused, saying he did not care for any. Himself and the prisoner dined and he left the house after seeing his father and Gaurert take several drinks from the demijohn. He then went out and cut some corn for the mules, and on returning to the cabin, his father came out and said: "I knocked Tom down, but am sorry I hit the old man, but I could stand it to be called a liar."
His father then went back in the house and took two or three more drinks with Gaurert, after which they both sat down. He then went out to a little out-building which was separated from the cabin a short distance and laid down. After a short time he heard loud talking and came out to the cabin where he saw the Frenchman standing just outside the cabin door, with the shotgun in his hands and heard him order his father to come out. He went up and said, "Don't shoot, Tom, and I will get him out," but was told to go away. He said that the Frenchman's looks frightened him and that he was afraid he would shoot him, so he stepped back. Gaurert twice ordered his father to come out and then pulled up the gun and shot.
The boy then rushed in and saw his father seated in a chair, with a great hole in the left side of his neck and blood spurting from his wound and from his nose. He saw that his father was dead and went and got two blankets and spread them upon the floor. In the meantime the Frenchman had gone out, untied his cow, which was picketed out, and returned to the cabin. The boy said: "If you will help me, Tom, we will lay him on these blankets," and was answered: "No, we will have to leave him there; the policemen will do that." He was then told to go and get the mules. Gaurert then put the gun away, locked the cabin door and they can into town. He says that on the way to the city the Frenchman kept repeating that he had to do it and couldn't help it.
The boy told his story without any hesitation and appeared perfectly cool, in fact, remarkably so, considering his age, which is apparently between 13 and 15. The prisoner is a man past middle life, small in stature and bowed over with toil. He shows many marks of a fierce combat, his face being badly bruised, the nose torn and both eyes discolored. With his excited gestures and rapid speech, coarse blouse and overalls, matted hair and swollen features, as he told his story, he was a pitiable object.
Gaurert, Frank Perdew and Taylor were partners in the ranch, which is located 15 miles from this city in the Cajon pass. For some time they have been making various improvements to the place, and it was in connection with this business that Mr. Taylor made his last and fatal trip.
Coroner Dr. Thompson and Assistant District Attorney Sprecher left about 9:30 for the scene of the shooting, where they will secure all evidence possible. The inquest will be held today in the undertaking parlors of Wm. McDonald & Son, who accompanied the coroner for the purpose of bringing the dead man to this city.
The deceased was born in Ohio 53 years ago, and has lived in San Bernardino since 1852. In early days he freighted all over this section of country and in later years has followed various occupations, principally ranching. He was known by all of the older residents as well as the younger.

Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 9, Col. 5
Mon., Sep. 10, 1894
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
INQUEST ON THE BODY OF JESSE W. TAYLOR.
He Was Shot by Thomas Gauvert With Murderous Intent
SAN BERNARDINO, Sept. 9 - The Coroner's jury in the inquest upon the body of Jesse W. Taylor, shot at Cajon Pass by Gauvert, brought in a verdict of death "caused by a gunshot wound, fired by Thomas Gauvert with murderous intent." The testimony showed that the gun had been recently and hastily loaded, as there was ammunition scattered about upon the table. The funeral of Mr. Taylor was held this afternoon from his late residence, Seventh and D streets.

Petaluma Courier (Petaluma, Sonoma county, CA.), P. 1, Col. 2
Wed., Sep. 12, 1894
Jesse W. Taylor was shot and killed recently by Thomas Gauvert, a Frenchman, at Cajon Pass, a few miles north of San Bernardino. The men had been drinking and quarreled. Taylor was a man of wealth, and well-known.

The Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 1, Col. 6
Tue., Jan. 29, 1895
THE JURY FOUND HIM GUILTY.
GAURIAT CONVICTED OF MURDER IN THE SECOND DEGREE.
The Killing of Jesse W. Taylor - The Jury Out About Four Hours - Sentenced on Wednesday.
The jury in the case of Thomas Gauriat, charged with the murder of Jesse W. Taylor, last night found the defendant guilty of murder in the second degree and he will appear before Judge Otis Wednesday morning to receive his sentence.
The case went to the jury a few minutes before 4 o'clock in the afternoon. Byron Waters for the defense and District Attorney F. B. Daley occupied the day with their closing arguments and the judge then gave the jury his instructions, briefly pointing out the different verdicts they might bring in. A little before 7 o'clock they sent word from the jury room that they had arrived at a verdict, but it required nearly an hour to gather the officers of the court so that the verdict might be received. At the request of Judge Otis, Judge Campbell was on the bench when the verdict was received.
The crime for which Gauriat was convicted was committed September 7. Jesse W. Taylor was one of the best-known residents of this city, and on the day of his murder had gone to a ranch in Cajon Pass, which he owned in partnership with Gauriat and Frank Perdew, Taylor's 14-year-old son going with him.
Arriving at the ranch Taylor and Gauriat quarreled, and the result was the death of Taylor, Gauriat discharging a shotgun at close range, the charge tearing a great hole in Taylor's neck. Gauriat and Taylor's son came at once to this city where the former surrendered himself to the authorities, and officers went out to Cajon Pass to bring in Taylor's body and gather what evidence of the crime they could find.
The trial completed yesterday was the second hearing of the case, a juror having become ill during the former trial, and that trial was therefore discharged and a new trial ordered.

Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 11
Thu., Jan. 31, 1895
SENTENCED TO THE PENITENTIARY
This morning Judge Otis in Department One sentenced Thomas Gauriat, convicted of murder, to thirteen years' confinement at San Quentin for the murder of Jesse Taylor.

The Evening Transcript (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 7, Col. 3
Thu., Jan. 30, 1902
SEVEN Years Afterward Thomas Gauriat Dies in Prison.
A TERRIBLE TRAGEDY.
He blew off the Top of Jesse Taylor's Head in Cajon Pass.
A seven-year-old tragedy is recalled by the news of the death of Thomas Gauriat in San Quentin January 23. The prisoner died of heart disease.
Guariat was an old Frenchman and was serving sentence of twelve years on account of one of the county's most terrible tragedies.
In 1895 he blew off the top of Jesse Taylor's head with a shotgun in Cajon Pass. His defense was that Taylor while drunk had brutally beaten him. The two men owned a quarter section of land and one day Taylor came to Gauriat's cabin while under the influence of liquor. The two men had a fight and Taylor was terribly beaten. Afterwards, while Taylor was sitting at a table, Gauriat came to the door and with a shot gun and taking deliberate ain tore the top of Taylor's head off.
The widow and children of the deceased live at the corner of D and Seventh streets in this city.