The popular story has Edward Taylor, of Monmouth County, New Jersey, a Quaker, emigrating to the New World in 1692 after the death of his brother Matthew Taylor in New York. It turns out that this story is false. Not only is Edward provably in New Jersey by 1684, but Matthew's will does not in fact mention Edward at all, despite what the authors of this popular tale have contrived. See Edward's profile overview, and:
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Taylor-2794
And yet, the relationship with Matthew has not been adequately disproved, in my opinion. It would still be perfectly reasonable for there to be a filial relationship even if Edward in truth did not receive mention, and even if he arrived as early as 1677.
It's probably beyond our ability to find the truth of Edward's history in this small group. But I'd be very interested to put together what evidence we *do* have as to Edward's life story, starting with:
- when exactly did he arrive in New Jersey? With whom?
- did he marry in New Jersey? Ancestry thinks he did, but it seems once again to come from a genealogy book rather than records. Correct, or not?
- was he indeed a practicing Quaker? The fact that his sons all appeared to be of the Quaker faith would be a strong indication of that; is there evidence? It is noted that he himself avoided monthly meetings. True?