The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 69, July 1965 - April, 1966 Page: 300

8dward J. rarrait
ROBERT L. and PAULINE H. JONES
the Texas republic and early statehood, has remained a
shadowy historical character. Even the family name has
been spelled different ways: Torrence, Tarrants, and Tarrant.
Edward H., like many who have borne the name, probably traced
his origin to Leonard, a native of Scotland, who came to America
early in the eighteenth century. Some accounts say he settled in
Virginia and later removed to South Carolina.1
Many facts about Edward H. Tarrant remain to be determined,
including the names of his parents, and the day, month, and exact
place of his birth. On at least two occasions, however, he said
that he was born in South Carolina in 1799.2 He probably was
christened Edward Hampton, although there is no record of a
signature or reference in any manner by him to "Hampton." He
referred to himself as Edward H. or E. H. as did others, except
some of his household and'kin who called him Uncle Ned.3
After Tarrant's death, however, his widow married one of his
friends and former professional associates, James Emerson Hawk-
ins, and their first-born son was christened Wade Hampton. Years
later, the mother explained that Hampton was in honor of the
lamented first husband.4 A descendant of General Tarrant's sis-
ter, Nellie, the closest known relative, also believes the initial H.
was for Hampton."
Tarrant was described by one who knew him well in later life
1D. Graham Copeland, Many Years After; A bit of history and some recollections
of Bamberg, with appendix of data concerning a few Bamberg County families
and their connections (MS., Caroliniana Library, University of South Carolina,
Columbia), 410-424.
2United States Fifth Census, 183o, Henderson County, Tennessee, United States
Seventh Census, 1850, Ellis County, Texas (Returns of Schedule No. 1, Free In-
habitants, microfilm, University of Texas Library).
8C. David Thomson to R. L. J., no date, received February, 1936 (MS. in posses-
sion of writers).
"Mrs. M. F. Kolbe to R. L. J., December 13, 1961, ibid.
5A. L. Jones to R. L. J., May 22, 1961, ibid.