[2] It's not known whether or where Everett received formal artistic training, but his landscape sketches resemble the Hudson River School.

In June 1846 his unit was reorganized for the Mexican–American War[1] and, as part of General Wool's Center Division,[3] arrived that summer at San Antonio to guard supplies.

[1] Everett, then a sergeant, served as a provost officer (military policeman) and on September 11, 1846, was badly wounded in the knee by a gunshot fired by a civilian while breaking up a disturbance,[1] a wound from which he never fully recovered and which left him unfit for field duty.

[2][1] While recuperating, Everett made many drawings of San Antonio and the surrounding area (including the Alamo), some of which are displayed at the Amon Carter Museum.

During the American Civil War, Everett served as an Assistant Quartermaster for the State of Illinois, with the rank of Major.