From A History of Crittenden County Arkansas
Lagnaippe, Page 324
by Margaret Elizabeth Woolfolk
James Grover Tarver, who died at his home at Turrell January 21, 1958, at the age of
72 and was a farmer in the Turrell area for 23 years, was a circus star for Ringling
Bros. and Hagenback & Wallace circuses from 1909 until he retired in 1935. Tarver,
billed as "The Texas Giant" and "the tallest man in the world", was eight feet, six inches
tall and weighed 435 pounds. Rings that he wore were 1.5 inches in diameter and a
50-cent piece could be passed through the opening.Tarver participated in a command
performance for the royal family in England in 1929. (James Grover Tarver is buried in
Section 5)
Lagnaippe, Page 324
by Margaret Elizabeth Woolfolk
James Grover Tarver, who died at his home at Turrell January 21, 1958, at the age of
72 and was a farmer in the Turrell area for 23 years, was a circus star for Ringling
Bros. and Hagenback & Wallace circuses from 1909 until he retired in 1935. Tarver,
billed as "The Texas Giant" and "the tallest man in the world", was eight feet, six inches
tall and weighed 435 pounds. Rings that he wore were 1.5 inches in diameter and a
50-cent piece could be passed through the opening.Tarver participated in a command
performance for the royal family in England in 1929. (James Grover Tarver is buried in
Section 5)
J G Tarver "The Texas Giant"
Author: Sinder Perring
Date: 9 Nov 2000 7:04 AM GMT
Post Reply | Mark Unread Report Abuse Print Message
OK, My dad is driving me crazy now. He is requesting more information about the
Texas Giant. He is dying to get a picture of him. If anybody can help, I would really
appreciate it. As noted in earlier message, my dad found a ring that has JG Tarver, The
Texas Giant engraved in it.
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec?htx=message&r=rw&p=surnames.tarver&m=129
Texas Giant
Author: Martha (Tarver) Cartusciello
Date: 7 Dec 2000 10:17 PM GMT
In Reply to: J G Tarver "The Texas Giant by: Sinder Perring
Post Reply | Mark Unread Report Abuse Print Message
My Mom is the Tarver expert, but she's told me about The Texas Giant, so here ya
go...he traveled with the Barnum Bailey Circus in it's early years. The ring your dad has
was a souvenir that was handed out during the 'giants' shows. The ring was a replica of
a ring he wore on his ring finger...looking at it this should let you know how huge this
guy was...and why he was such a huge attraction for the circus. I think my Mom has a
picture of him...I've told her of this site--I'm sure you'll hear from her soon. Hope I
helped a little!!! By the way, those rings are hard to come by and is very very old, so
tell Dad to hold onto it.
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec?htx=message&r=rw&p=surnames.tarver&m=129.139
Texas Giant
Author: Sinder
Date: 8 Dec 2000 6:00 AM GMT
In Reply to: Texas Giant by: Martha (Tarver) Cartusciello
Post Reply | Mark Unread Report Abuse Print Message
Thank you so much. My dad will be thrilled. I look forward to hearing from your mom.
Have a great holiday and thanks for taking the time to answer. Sinder
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec?htx=message&r=rw&p=surnames.tarver&m=129.139.140
texas giant
Author: sara Date: 1 Jan 2001 1:35 PM GMT
In Reply to: Texas Giant by: Martha (Tarver) Cartusciello
Post Reply | Mark Unread Report Abuse Print Message
the "texas giant" was my great uncle. his name was Jim.
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec?htx=message&r=rw&p=surnames.tarver&m=129.139.144
Texas Giant
Author: Aileen Tarver Date: 2 Jan 2001 8:56 PM GMT
In Reply to: texas giant by: sara
Post Reply | Mark Unread Report Abuse Print Message
His name was James Grover Tarver. Born Sept 1885 in TX. His father's name was
James born Sept 1845 in GA. His grandfather born in MS., grandmother born in GA.
Father's occupation was a farmer. Mother was Lizzie ______, born Oct 1862 in TX.
Her father and mother born in Georgia. His brothers and sisters were: Mattie, Edna,
John, Addie, Rubie and Acie (male). James and Lizzie had 9 children, two had died.
This info from 1900 census, Jewett, Leon County, TX. At age 35 he was 8ft 6in tall
and weighed 460 lbs. Said he was a cowboy until he got larger than the horse. He
worked in several circus'. He sat in the back seat of a car to drive. He was married 3
times. He died in Arkansas in 1958. Go to a library and find a National Geographic, Oct
1931. Find article about circus.....find plate 5. No name identifying him but he has
TEXAS on his boots. If you'd like info about him email me at AFOWL@aol.com
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec?htx=message&r=rw&p=surnames.tarver&m=129.139.144.145
Texas Giant
Author: Scott Date: 5 Apr 2001 2:48 PM GMT
In Reply to: texas giant by: sara
Post Reply | Mark Unread Report Abuse Print Message
I've got one of his rings and what is really weird is someone recently gave me a
panoramic photo that shows your great uncle in front of a lodge/temple with hundreds
of lodge members. He is standing in the center holding his big hat.
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec?htx=message&r=rw&p=surnames.tarver&m=129.139.144.154
Re: Texas Giant
Author: Travis Tarver II
Date: 30 Dec 2001 3:28 AM GMT
Classification: Query
In Reply to: Texas Giant by: Scott
Hi Scott
I am currently trying to search and find more Tarver information. James Grover Tarver
was my great uncle. Brother to my Grandfather Acie Howard Tarver. I have never seen
one of his rings although have heard abouth them since I was a child. They at one time
were numrous as Sovigniers. Although my quest for one has been fruitless, as pictures
are not easy to come by either. I would like to talk to you about the ring and pictures.
My e-mail is tltbonds@bellsouth.net
And anyone else who is reading and has information concerning "Big Jim Tarver" I
would love to hear more. Trying to save some history for my daughter as well.
Thanks in Advance. Travis Tarver II
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec?htx=message&r=rw&p=surnames.tarver&m=129.139.144.154.1
Author: Sinder Perring
Date: 9 Nov 2000 7:04 AM GMT
Post Reply | Mark Unread Report Abuse Print Message
OK, My dad is driving me crazy now. He is requesting more information about the
Texas Giant. He is dying to get a picture of him. If anybody can help, I would really
appreciate it. As noted in earlier message, my dad found a ring that has JG Tarver, The
Texas Giant engraved in it.
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec?htx=message&r=rw&p=surnames.tarver&m=129
Texas Giant
Author: Martha (Tarver) Cartusciello
Date: 7 Dec 2000 10:17 PM GMT
In Reply to: J G Tarver "The Texas Giant by: Sinder Perring
Post Reply | Mark Unread Report Abuse Print Message
My Mom is the Tarver expert, but she's told me about The Texas Giant, so here ya
go...he traveled with the Barnum Bailey Circus in it's early years. The ring your dad has
was a souvenir that was handed out during the 'giants' shows. The ring was a replica of
a ring he wore on his ring finger...looking at it this should let you know how huge this
guy was...and why he was such a huge attraction for the circus. I think my Mom has a
picture of him...I've told her of this site--I'm sure you'll hear from her soon. Hope I
helped a little!!! By the way, those rings are hard to come by and is very very old, so
tell Dad to hold onto it.
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec?htx=message&r=rw&p=surnames.tarver&m=129.139
Texas Giant
Author: Sinder
Date: 8 Dec 2000 6:00 AM GMT
In Reply to: Texas Giant by: Martha (Tarver) Cartusciello
Post Reply | Mark Unread Report Abuse Print Message
Thank you so much. My dad will be thrilled. I look forward to hearing from your mom.
Have a great holiday and thanks for taking the time to answer. Sinder
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec?htx=message&r=rw&p=surnames.tarver&m=129.139.140
texas giant
Author: sara Date: 1 Jan 2001 1:35 PM GMT
In Reply to: Texas Giant by: Martha (Tarver) Cartusciello
Post Reply | Mark Unread Report Abuse Print Message
the "texas giant" was my great uncle. his name was Jim.
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec?htx=message&r=rw&p=surnames.tarver&m=129.139.144
Texas Giant
Author: Aileen Tarver Date: 2 Jan 2001 8:56 PM GMT
In Reply to: texas giant by: sara
Post Reply | Mark Unread Report Abuse Print Message
His name was James Grover Tarver. Born Sept 1885 in TX. His father's name was
James born Sept 1845 in GA. His grandfather born in MS., grandmother born in GA.
Father's occupation was a farmer. Mother was Lizzie ______, born Oct 1862 in TX.
Her father and mother born in Georgia. His brothers and sisters were: Mattie, Edna,
John, Addie, Rubie and Acie (male). James and Lizzie had 9 children, two had died.
This info from 1900 census, Jewett, Leon County, TX. At age 35 he was 8ft 6in tall
and weighed 460 lbs. Said he was a cowboy until he got larger than the horse. He
worked in several circus'. He sat in the back seat of a car to drive. He was married 3
times. He died in Arkansas in 1958. Go to a library and find a National Geographic, Oct
1931. Find article about circus.....find plate 5. No name identifying him but he has
TEXAS on his boots. If you'd like info about him email me at AFOWL@aol.com
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec?htx=message&r=rw&p=surnames.tarver&m=129.139.144.145
Texas Giant
Author: Scott Date: 5 Apr 2001 2:48 PM GMT
In Reply to: texas giant by: sara
Post Reply | Mark Unread Report Abuse Print Message
I've got one of his rings and what is really weird is someone recently gave me a
panoramic photo that shows your great uncle in front of a lodge/temple with hundreds
of lodge members. He is standing in the center holding his big hat.
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec?htx=message&r=rw&p=surnames.tarver&m=129.139.144.154
Re: Texas Giant
Author: Travis Tarver II
Date: 30 Dec 2001 3:28 AM GMT
Classification: Query
In Reply to: Texas Giant by: Scott
Hi Scott
I am currently trying to search and find more Tarver information. James Grover Tarver
was my great uncle. Brother to my Grandfather Acie Howard Tarver. I have never seen
one of his rings although have heard abouth them since I was a child. They at one time
were numrous as Sovigniers. Although my quest for one has been fruitless, as pictures
are not easy to come by either. I would like to talk to you about the ring and pictures.
My e-mail is tltbonds@bellsouth.net
And anyone else who is reading and has information concerning "Big Jim Tarver" I
would love to hear more. Trying to save some history for my daughter as well.
Thanks in Advance. Travis Tarver II
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec?htx=message&r=rw&p=surnames.tarver&m=129.139.144.154.1
 |  |  |  |
| Quiz #80 - October 8, 2006 |
| Many thanks to Jim Davis at the Jefferson Parish Library in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana for submitting this week's quiz photo. |
| How tall was the man in the middle? What was his name? When did he die? |
| ********** |
| Answer: James Grover Tarver He was 8'4" tall. (Some sources say 8'2".) September 17, 1885 - January 21, 1958 |
| ********** |
| Robert Wadlow 8 ft 11.1 in 272 cm |
| Jim Tarver 8 ft 2 in 249 cm |
| Abe Lincoln 6 ft 4 in* 193 cm |
| George Bush 6 ft 1-1/2 in 187 cm |
| ********** |
January 24, 1958
SERVICES HELD FOR "BIG JIM" TARVER
*JAMES GROVER "BIG JIM" TARVER*,
former circus giant, died at his home in Turrell
Tuesday morning. He was 72. Services were
held Thursday afternoon at the Citizens Funeral
Home at West Memphis with the Rev. J. T.
McGill, Baptist minister from Helena , officiating.
Burial was in Crittenden Memorial Cemetery.
During his circus days, with Ringling Bros.,
Barnum & Bailey and others, Mr. Tarver
purchased a farm near Turrell where he lived
during the winter when the circus was not
traveling. Since his retirement from circus life he
had made this his home. Big Jim, in his prime,
weighted 460 pounds and was eight and one half
feet tall, and was billed as the "World's Largest
Man." At the time of his death he weighed about
400 pounds. Born in Franklin , Texas , Sept. 17,
1885 of normal sized parents, Big Jim, like
SERVICES HELD FOR "BIG JIM" TARVER
*JAMES GROVER "BIG JIM" TARVER*,
former circus giant, died at his home in Turrell
Tuesday morning. He was 72. Services were
held Thursday afternoon at the Citizens Funeral
Home at West Memphis with the Rev. J. T.
McGill, Baptist minister from Helena , officiating.
Burial was in Crittenden Memorial Cemetery.
During his circus days, with Ringling Bros.,
Barnum & Bailey and others, Mr. Tarver
purchased a farm near Turrell where he lived
during the winter when the circus was not
traveling. Since his retirement from circus life he
had made this his home. Big Jim, in his prime,
weighted 460 pounds and was eight and one half
feet tall, and was billed as the "World's Largest
Man." At the time of his death he weighed about
400 pounds. Born in Franklin , Texas , Sept. 17,
1885 of normal sized parents, Big Jim, like
If you have a picture you'd like us to feature a picture in a future quiz, please
email it to us at CFitzp@aol.com. If we use it, you will receive a free analysis of
your picture. You will also receive a free Forensic Genealogy CD or a 10%
discount towards the purchase of the Forensic Genealogy book.
email it to us at CFitzp@aol.com. If we use it, you will receive a free analysis of
your picture. You will also receive a free Forensic Genealogy CD or a 10%
discount towards the purchase of the Forensic Genealogy book.
| If you enjoy our quizzes, don't forget to order our book! Click here. |
| Contest #80 Results |
 |  |  |  |
| Congratulations to our winners! Eva Royale Jim Kiser Pam Rein Debbie Sterbinsky Fred Stuart Mary Fraser Maureen O'Connor Kelly Fetherlin If your name has been omitted from our list of winners, please let me know. It was unintentional. |
James Grover Tarver was born in 1885 in Franklin, Texas, moved to Memphis and
retired to Arkansas so he was always a Southerner. He entered the show business in
1914 and was billed variously as "The Texas Giant", "Texas Jim" or "What-A-
Man-Tarver". Jim travelled with various circuses for 26 years and spent his time off on
his Arkansas farm. Plagued by diabetes, he died on his beloved farm in 1958 at age 72.
http://community-2.webtv.net/THOMASPRESCOTT/TENGIANTSANDTHEIR/
retired to Arkansas so he was always a Southerner. He entered the show business in
1914 and was billed variously as "The Texas Giant", "Texas Jim" or "What-A-
Man-Tarver". Jim travelled with various circuses for 26 years and spent his time off on
his Arkansas farm. Plagued by diabetes, he died on his beloved farm in 1958 at age 72.
http://community-2.webtv.net/THOMASPRESCOTT/TENGIANTSANDTHEIR/
| Quiz Tip: The man in the picture is dressed as a cowboy because he was from Texas. If you search Google with the words "Texas Giant", you will find a website with a picture that is very similar to this week's quiz photo. |
| ********** |
| Ten Giants and Their Rings (Above) Click here for more information. |
| eBay Auction Ending 8/10/2006 |
(James Grover) Tarver was a member of Barnum and
Bailey circus and also the Cole Bros. circus, he was
also an actor and appeared in "Jack and the Beanstalk"
and other movies.
Modeled after the ring the Texas Giant wore, these
rings were a great keepsake for those who saw the
Texas Giant.
Bailey circus and also the Cole Bros. circus, he was
also an actor and appeared in "Jack and the Beanstalk"
and other movies.
Modeled after the ring the Texas Giant wore, these
rings were a great keepsake for those who saw the
Texas Giant.
It is said that people would purchase the ring which Jim would slip onto his finger
before handing it back to the buyer in a sort of "blessing" ritual.
The ring is huge measuring just over 1 1/4" across x 3/4" high. It is made from pewter
(I think) and is decorated on the side with an embossed floral motif.
The centre plaque reads "J.G. Tarver Texas Giant".
| ********** |
| Tall Man Postcard (Left) One man standing with arms stretched out above two other men. Printed: J. G. Tarver, Dallas Texas / Height 8 feet 2. Age 24 years. Weight 325 Lbs. Ronald G. Becker Collection of Charles Eisenmann Photographs Click here for more information. |
| In Comparison |
| Andy & Colleen 5'11" & 5'3" 180 & 160 cm |
| *The picture takes into account his hat. |
| Jim Tarver Biographical Information |
For a list of the tallest men, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tallest_men.
For more pictures of circus giants, see http://www.oldpostcards.com/page186.html.
For more pictures of circus giants, see http://www.oldpostcards.com/page186.html.
|
| Crittenden Memorial Park Cemetery Marion, Crittenden Co., Arkansas |
| Exchange of Messages by Tarver Descendants on the Tarver Message Board on Ancestry.com |
The Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus 1922
By Chang Reynolds. Bandwagon, Vol. 9, No. 6 (Nov-Dec), 1965, pp. 4-13.
Earl Moss had relinquished the post as Bandmaster which he held in 1921. Park B.
Prentiss was in charge of the band at the Louisville , Ky. , opening, but by the end of
July an advertisement for musicians in Billboard listed Harry G. Armstrong as
Bandmaster. The route book for the season listed William Matthews as director.
Professor T. E. White was in charge of the Side Show Band. The Side Show was
managed by Arthur Hoffman who also had the 1921 "kid show" under his direction.
Featured were: Sylvia Andrews, snakes; Sig Acaris and Nellie Brad, impalement; Little
Alright, wonder worker; Viola Barton, fat girl; Nena Appleby, Small Lady; Florence
Carlyle, novelty; Clayton Johnson, swords; Milly DeArcey. swords; Cleve Morris. Tall
Girl; Dolly Eisenberg and Grace Ringlin, novelty; J. G. Tarver, giant: S. M. Yatero,
fire eater. Barton, DeArcey, Andrews, Acaris, Johnson, Ringlin, and Appleby had been
on the 1921 circus. http://www.circushistory.org/Bandwagon/bw-1965Nov.htm
By Chang Reynolds. Bandwagon, Vol. 9, No. 6 (Nov-Dec), 1965, pp. 4-13.
Earl Moss had relinquished the post as Bandmaster which he held in 1921. Park B.
Prentiss was in charge of the band at the Louisville , Ky. , opening, but by the end of
July an advertisement for musicians in Billboard listed Harry G. Armstrong as
Bandmaster. The route book for the season listed William Matthews as director.
Professor T. E. White was in charge of the Side Show Band. The Side Show was
managed by Arthur Hoffman who also had the 1921 "kid show" under his direction.
Featured were: Sylvia Andrews, snakes; Sig Acaris and Nellie Brad, impalement; Little
Alright, wonder worker; Viola Barton, fat girl; Nena Appleby, Small Lady; Florence
Carlyle, novelty; Clayton Johnson, swords; Milly DeArcey. swords; Cleve Morris. Tall
Girl; Dolly Eisenberg and Grace Ringlin, novelty; J. G. Tarver, giant: S. M. Yatero,
fire eater. Barton, DeArcey, Andrews, Acaris, Johnson, Ringlin, and Appleby had been
on the 1921 circus. http://www.circushistory.org/Bandwagon/bw-1965Nov.htm
| Remember The Great Arcaris, Grandfather of Knife-Throwing? (See www.forensicgenealogy.info/contest_45_results.html for a reminder.) |
| 1900 Census Leon Co., Texas |
|
| 1930 Census Cook Co., Illinois |
| Jim Tarver's Draft Registration Record, WWI |
| ********** |
| ********** |
| Jim Tarver's Obit |
Topsy, "just growed." He was a 32nd degree Mason and a Shriner, and up until his
illness was active in Crittenden County affairs.
http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/read/TARVER/2006-06/1150404304
illness was active in Crittenden County affairs.
http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/read/TARVER/2006-06/1150404304
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