The stone of Capt. David Mason Taggart sits in the Truro Cemetery, Colchester County, and, while definitely a lovely and large monument, it maybe doesn’t quite do him justice – This Nova Scotian has an interesting and impactful story.
David was born in 1887 to John and Mary Jane Taggart, who lived near Onslow in Fort Belcher, Nova Scotia… just a stone’s throw from Truro, North of the mouth of the Salmon River.
His career at sea began early, and he quickly rose to the position of captain, navigating routes between New York and South America for the W. R. Grace & Company. Notably, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross by King George for his courageous efforts during World War I, including the sinking of a German submarine during his time in the British transport service.
Captain Taggart’s life, however, was cut tragically short in an offbeat turn of events. Having recently married Grace Mingo of Truro only a few months prior, he returned to New York to prepare for a new voyage. Unfortunately, he contracted Spanish influenza, leading to pneumonia, and passed away on October 14, 1918, leaving behind his young widow. He was 31.
Grace went on to remarry and relocated to Fort Lauderdale, but her remains were returned to her home in Truro upon her death for burial and she is memorialized here on her first husband’s stone.
Read more about Captain Taggart’s sea service and death here:
https://nsancestors.ca/nscumber/other/nscumber-messages_10-14/msg36214.html
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/155194667/david-mason-taggart
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/155194718/grace_anna_marie_blumenkranz