Family History
The Tarver's came from either Wales or England, though probably England. Most researchers believe that the first Tarver was Thomas Tarver, born about 1650 who settled in Isle of Wight,Va. His son Samuel married his step sister Mary Boyce and they had seven sons; Thomas, Samuel, James, Jacob, Andrew, Benjamin and John. It is from those sons that all the Tarver lines are suppose to descend.*
This line of Tarvers came out of Georgia. They were very large plantation and slave holders. Most of the Tarver men for many generations have been big men. It seems unlikely that Jim was a small man, though he might have been.*
Census
records indicate that Jim and Sidney's mothers
were from Georgia.
Based on the recollections of several family
members, the Tarver Family can be traced back to a farm in Texas, near Beaumont
or Woodville. The farm was believed to be that of Jim Tarver, located in Tyler
County. Jim, by all accounts, was Sidney's father. He was described as a small,
Englishman. Sidney's mother was a slave on the farm and we have not been able to
learn her name.
With the passing of the
Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, the states began to free their slaves, some
ran away and others chose to remain in the only place they knew as home. Texas,
however did not get the news or the slaves did not get the news of freedom for
two years after passage of the law. So, many Texas plantations still maintained
the practice. History indicates that a few slave owners from other states came
to Texas for this reason; hoping to keep their slaves and avoid the onset of
their emancipation.
As the story continues, it
is said that a Marter Mallard (the spelling and telling of his first name is
doubtful) left Georgia coming to Texas in hopes of keeping his slave and
starting a new life here. His first name may have been the mispronunciation for
"master". In any event, it was thought that he knew Jim Tarver since
they were both from Georgia. Mallard was said to be from Stewart County, Gerogia.
He had several slaves with him, among them were Caroline, her brother Charles
and their mother, Harriet. Caroline is said to have had red hair.
Things began to change for
Mallard after his arrival and he found it difficult to survive in Texas. He
decided to sell his slaves and return home to Georgia. He needed to do this
before the word of the emancipation reached Texas.
Slaves were sometimes sold auction style at different locations
throughout the state. In Tyler County, there was the Colmesneil Trading Post.
Allowing for a little literary license; possibly the two men met there to make
the arrangements or being that they were both from Georgia, private arrangements
may have taken place. Jim Tarver purchased Caroline and her family. It is not
known if other slaves were purchased at this time and I guess for the purpose of
this family's history, not relevant.
Caroline and her family became a part of the Tarver farm. Their surnames
were changed to that of their new owner. There is no recollection of how Sidney
may have wooed and won Caroline's affections and maybe it didn't happen that
way, but I'd like to think it did. Stories told about Jim Tarver, indicate that
he may have been a "caring" master and could have possibly allowed
relationships to develop naturally among his slaves. Yes, I know, more literary
license or wishful thinking on my part. Caroline's nephew, Clint
Toliver, Charles's son shared that Jim cared a great deal for Sidney,
although he had to guard those feelings carefully.
*This information provided by Lotus Cirilo, a Tarver descendent.
