Submitted by Carolyn Allen
Written by
family and passed down through the years.
A similar
biography may be found in A History of Central and Western Texas Vol. II compiled
under supervision of Captain B. B. Paddock The Lewis Publishing Company
1911
James Edward Tarver
James E. Tarver (better known as Jim) was
for many years identified with the handling of cotton in Rosebud, both in the
capacity of proprieter of cotton yards and buyer. He began this business
in 1897 managing the Union Cotton Yard in which he was a stockholder.
Later, he established his own cotton yard and was elected Public Weigher of
Precinct Seven. Two thirds to three fourths of the staple marketed at
Rosebud passed through yards under his control.
Mr. Tarver came to Texas in 1871 and to
Falls county in 1874. He was born in Lee County, * Mississippi on
March 7, 1867. His father, Albert G. Tarver, was born in the same
commonwealth. The latter was the son of another Albert Tarver who came from
Georgia and whose forefathers claimed descent from English blood.
Tradition has it two brothers from the British Isles came here in early years of
our national history and founded the family on the Atlantic coast.
Albert G. Tarver was a Confederate captain
during the Civil War. As a civilian he devoted himself to farming.
He was for a brief time a resident of Upshur County, Texas, this being upon his
advent to the state. Just following he prospected for a few months in West
Texas and finally stopped in Falls County. He passed the remaining years
of his life on a farm on the west bank of Pond Creek near where Rosebud was
subsequently located. He bought land for fifty cents an acre, cutting the
trees and hauling the logs to a saw mill and back, many miles away. The
he erected had the first brick fireplace and glass windows in this part of
the country. People came from miles around to see them.
A small group of settlers took up residence
near the Tarvers and for many years this settlement was known as Pool's Crossing
or Greers Horse Pen. The settlement grew and a gin and blacksmith's shop
were built by Albert G. Tarver. He later built a small store and a post
office was established with Albert G. Tarver as postmaster. The community
then was given the name of Mormon. The gin and blacksmith shop were
destroyed by fire and this calamity practically obliterated the place as a
community center.
Albert G. Tarver married Bettie Sinclair
and by this union the children were Ben C., who was killed by train robbers in
the Indian Territory (Oklahoma), John D., Ida, and Betty. His wife died
and later he married Sarah Jones. The children of this marriage were James
E. (Jim) and Thomas A.
On May 30, 1889, Jim Tarver married Ollie
Stark, daughter of James Stark of Missouri. The children of this marriage
are Leslie, Neoma, Victor, Ollie(deceased), LaVelle and Kathryn Lee.
James E. (Jim) was a property owner for
many years in Rosebud, having built the first residence in what is termed North
Rosebud. This house was built on the lot now owned by Mrs. Rose Cruvand.
The Tarver family lived in three houses in the block. In 1909 the George
Roper was purchased by the Tarver family and was known as the "Jim Tarver
Home." Here Mr. and Mrs. Tarver reared their family consisting of three
daughters and two sons. Mrs. Tarver passed away February 1939 and Mr.
Tarver April 1950.
~~~~~
Notes from Carolyn Allen:
Subsequent Tarver research has revealed
that the birthplace for James Edward Tarver and his brother Thomas A. Tarver was
Leake County, Mississippi.