Edward R. Tarver Biographical Sketch

Memorial and Genealogical Record of Southwest Texas
Goodspeed Brothers, Publishers
Chicago: 1894
pp. 514-515

Capt. E. R. Tarver.
He whose name heads this sketch is an early settler of the town of Laredo, and owes his nativity to Lowndes County, Alabama, where his eyes first opened on the light of day in 1840, he being the filth of nine children born to the marriage of John Andrew Tarver and Mary Fields, the former of whom was born in Georgia and the latter in Alabama.

John A Tarver was engaged in planting throughout life, was always active and industrious, was prominent in the political affairs of his section, and represented his county in both branches of the State Legislature. He died in Alabama in 1850 and the same year the mother passed away in Texas. Her people were Virginians, while Mr. Tarver's ancestors were residents of Georgia.

When twelve years of age, the subject of this sketch came to Texas, and in this State received the principal part of his education, being an attendant of the Military Institute at Rutersville, from which he graduated in 1859, after which he was engaged in farm labor until the opening of the great Civil War. He at once enlisted in the Eighth Texas Cavalry (Terry's Rangers) and served in Company G, until after the bloody battle of Shiloh, when he was transferred to the trans- Mississippi Department and was appointed Aide-de-Campe of General Bee, and served with him until the close of the war.

He then returned home to resume the occupation of tilling the soil, and, after considerable time spent in preparation, he was admitted to the bar at Floresville, Wilson County, Texas, in 1874, and there his maiden work as legal practitioner was done.

Since 1881 he has been a resident of Laredo, and from 1882 to 1886 he was Superintendent of the schools of this place.

The four following years he discharged the duties of County Attorney, and at the present time is a City Alderman and Mayor pro tem. He is the democratic nominee foe the legislature from this district, and as he is a capable and worthy man in every respect, he will doubtless poll a large vote.

He has been a delegate to many county and State Conventions since the war, and was appointed receiver for the Laredo Improvement Company in 1892, and the duties of this position he is still ably discharging.

He is one of the enterprising and active citizens of southwest Texas and is a valued citizen of Webb County, is a competent and trustworthy official and is an excellent all-around man.

In 1867 his marriage with Miss Julia Leggette, a native of South Carolina, was celebrated, and to their union the following named children have been given: Kate, Ellen, Edward R., Bee, and Lizette.

Captain and Mrs. Tarver are members of the Episcopal Church and are highly valued members of society.