CDV is a full standing view of Edward R. Tarver in full Confederate uniform. He is posed beside a column with one hand on his sword and the other by his side holding his kepi. Tarver wears a light-colored double-breasted frock coat with a lighter collar bearing 1^st lieutenant’s insignia. He also wears dark trousers, sash, belt, sword and white gauntlets.

Contrast and clarity are good. Mount and paper show damage. Upper mount corners have been clipped and the bottom center edge of the mount has browned with age. This area also contains a good period ink ID that reads “E. R. TARVER C.S.A.” Paper has some missing material along the left side and scuff marks near the subject’s left arm and chest as well as at his feet.

Reverse has a beautiful period ink inscription that reads “MRS. JOHN WILLET FROM HER BROTHER E. R. TARVER ADC. C.S.A. FORT BROWN, TEXAS AUGUST 12^TH 1862.” Below, is an elderly looking pencil inscription “PERHAPS YOU MAY NOT HAVE THIS ONE.”

Image is from the collection of the late William A. Turner.

Tarver’s obituary as found on fingagrave.com is worth copying in full. It reads:

“Captain Edward Rex Tarver, aged 70 years, died at his home 1903 Victoria Street, in this city (Laredo, Texas) last night at 8 o'clock. Death resulted after an illness of several weeks.

Captain Tarver was one of Laredo's oldest residents having come to this city overland in 1881 and having served the city in many public capacities since coming here. He was born on a large plantation in Lownes County, Alabama on November 3, 1840. His father was an original Georgian and his mother a Virginian. He came to Texas in 1854 and received his education at the Rutersville College, graduating when that college was one of the principal education institutions in the South.

When the Civil War broke out E.R. Tarver, then a young man enlisted as a Private in Terry's Texas Rangers and served with them through Tennessee and Kentucky. He was later promoted to Captain on the staff of his brother-in-law, General Hamilton P. Bee and served throughout the War with distinction being in many of the principal battles.

After the Civil War he went to Mexico and spent several years and on his return married Miss Julia Legette of Seguin, Texas.

In 1881 they came to Laredo having to make the trip overland in ox carts and Captain Tarver began the practice of law in this city. He was later the organizer and the first City Superintendent of the public schools and has since served as County Superintendent. He has been City Attorney, Alderman, County Attorney, Street Commissioner and served several terms in the state legislature.

For many years he has been identified with public affairs in Laredo and served as editor of The Times for several years being also correspondent at this place for the Galveston News for practically thirty years. Out of respect to the memory of Captain Tarver the public schools were suspended today, the flag over the City Hall and courthouse were put at half-mast.

Captain Tarver is survived by his widow, two daughters and three sons, the daughters being Mrs. Albert T. Woodhouse of Raymondville and Miss Kate Tarver of Laredo and the sons are Bee Tarver of Mexica City, LeGette and Edward R. Tarver of Laredo. Three sisters and one brother also survive. They are Mrs. D. McKnight, Mrs. H.P. Bee and Mrs. John Willett of San Antonio and Dr. Charles Tarver of Eagle Pass.”

Tarver is buried in the Lerado City Cemetery.    [ad][ph:L]

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