Tazewell Merriman Starkey (c. 1829–1901) was a farmer, banker and civic leader in Roanoke County, Virginia. Born in Franklin County, Virginia and moved to Roanoke County, Virginia, in 1850. "He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Starkey, and was educated in the private schools of his native county... In May, 1865, he was married to Henrietta P. Harvey, daughter of Colonel and Mrs. Robert Harvey, of Roanoke County, and as a result of that union there were four children; namely, Mrs. Junior W. White, of Cave Spring; Mrs. Eliza B. Smith, of Roanoke; II. Clay Starkey, of Roanoke; and Joseph G. Starkey, who resides at the old homestead."[1]
During the Civil War, he served in the 5th Virginia Cavalry. He was wounded during the Seven Days Battles and had three horses shot out from underneath him during the war.