Assassination Trivia

[RJNorton]

Yes, Laurie, he was in the Marine Band. Here is his obituary:

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OBITUARY: 04/11/1881
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Taltavull, Peter
b. 1825 - d. 8 Apr 1881 55 yrs.
Taltavull. On the 8th of April 1881, Peter Taltavull, aged 55 years. Funeral from his late residence, No. 723, 8th street southeast, Sunday, the 10th inst. at 3 o'clock; p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.

The Evening Star, April 11, 1881

Mr. Peter Taltavull, a well known resident of East Washington, who died last Friday, was buried yesterday from his late residence on 8th street between G and H streets southeast. Mr. Taltavull was 55 years of age at the time of his death, and had resided since his early boyhood near the Washington navy yard. For over a fourth of a century he was a member of the Marine band, was a fine performer on many instruments and one of the best soloists on the French horn in the country. He will be pleasantly remembered by many of our music-loving citizens. He had many friends throughout the city. He leaves a family of six sons and three daughters. Forman, Stephen M., A Guide to Civil War Washington, Washington, DC: Elliott & Clark Publishing, 1995.
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Taltavull owned the Star Saloon next door to Ford's Theatre. He testified that he had served John Wilkes Booth a drink about ten minutes before Booth shot President Lincoln. Booth usually drank brandy, but Taltavul said that Booth drank whiskey and water before he left the saloon.

More About Peter Taltavull:
Burial: 10 Apr 1881, Historic Congressional Cemetery, Washington, DC
Obituary: 11 Apr 1881, Evening Star, Washington DC
Occupation: 1880, Paper Hanging