The Starr History

John Starr, the very first Starre. He lived in the very small town of Beer, which is about one mile south of Seaton, in Sevonshire, England  WBeer, or Beere as it was speed at the time is descried today as a small fishing village, once a harbor for pirates.

He was born about 1490 in Beer, England.  He passed after 1520.

The Starr family roots probably lie somewhere in the mainland of Europe.  The earliest record of a Starr was that of Leunot Stearre whose taxpaying status was noted in the English Doomsday book of the late eleventh century.  He was of French descent and emigrated to England after the invasion of William the Conqueror in 1066.

The "Doomsday Book" was described as:

(Historical Terms) History the record of a survey of the land of England carried out by the commissioners of William I in 1086

This book is Domesday Book, now held at The National Archives, Kew, in South West London, is the record of the great survey of much of England and parts of Wales.

 Another prominent family of Starrs to whom no direct relation has been linked (but probably exists) is that of Thomas Starr.  Thomas Starr lived in Kent, England as early as the fourteenth  century, and his descendants included Dr. Comfort Starr and many of the New England Starrs.  This line of the family is speculated to have immigrated from Flanders to England sometime in the thirteenth century and was identified with the weaving industry, bought to County Kent about 1331, in the time of Edward the III.

 The oldest know direct ancestor, is John Starr who was born 1515.  We know very little about him other than the fact that his son, John, purchased a manor home in the village of Beere, England, and was a prominent member of the mercantile guild.  Beere (or Beer as it is known) was a small fishing village on the southerncoast of England about a mile from Seaton.  The nearest city of prominence is Exeter.

After King Henry VIII dissolved the holdings of the Catholic church in the sixteenth century, he included the manor home of Beere in the dowry of Catherine Paar. Later it was sold to the Hassad family of Lyme Reg is who eventually  sold it to John Starr of the mercantile guild in Beere.  The manor home had  been an abbey for hundreds of years, and had even been a home for Saxon leaders before the conquest.  The manor had been rebuilt many times and after John Starr purchased it in 1550, an extensive renovation was performed.

John Starr married and had a son who was also named John (for clarity's sake, we can number him JohnIII ). John, in turn produced William, who also married and named his son John IV.  Surely, there were other children in the family.  A trip to Beer might uncover more of the family tree, but this line is the direct line.

Stearre altSteere

From this point, all I can find is our line picking up with Stearre alt Steere who was born in about 1390, in Surrey, England.  He passed away in about 1450 in Surrey, England. He had a son Stearre alt Steere

Stearre alt Steere

He was born in the year 1400 in England and passed away in the year 1427 in England.  He had a son named Stearre alt Steere.

Stearre alt Steere

He also was born in 1427 in Surrey, England and then passed in Surrey, England 1507.  He had a son named Nicholas Steere.

Nicholas Steere

Nicholas Steere was born in 1457 in Surrey.  He married Agnis who was born in 1457 in Capell, Surrey, England.  Nicholas passed in Surrey in 1507.  Agnis passed in 1535 in Surrey.  They had a son named John Starr.

John Starr

John Starr was born in 1490 in Beer, Devon, England.  He married Dorothy Bayley who was born in Yarcomb, Devin, England in 1495.  John passed away in 1544 in Ockley, Surrey, England.  She passed away in Devon in 1546.  They had one son Captain John.

Captain John Starr

Captain John Starr was born in 1515 in Ockley, Surrey, England.  He married Mary Thompson.  She was born in 1520 in Beere, Devon, England.  John passed 1551 in England.  She passed away in Seaton, Devon, England.  They had Mayor Thomas Starr. 





This is our family's coat of arms!  I think it is very gorgeous!

I have found Mary Thompson's coat of arms also:

Mr. Mayor Thomas Starr

Mr. Mayor Thomas Starr was born in about the year 1530 in New Romney, Kent, England.  In the year 1546, Mayor Starr married Agnes. In the year 1567 they gave birth to their first born son whom they named Thomas Starr, in 1574 they gave birth to daughter, Ann Starr, and then in the year 1579 they gave birth to another daughter Katharine Starr. In the year 1595 Mayor Thomas died England.

 Here is the will of Mayor Starr:

The Will of Thomas Starr, Mayor of New Romney, co. Kent, dated 10 Mar 1593/4, was proved 19 Jan 1594/5. IN THE NAME OF GOD amen the x daye of March Anno Dni 1593 and in the Sixe and thirtith yeare of the Reigne of our soveraigne Ladye Elizabeth by the grace of God Queene of England ffrance and Ireland defendor of the faith I THOMAS STARRE Maior of the towne and port of Newe Romney in the Countie of Kent beinge sick in bodye but of good and perfect rememberaunce I thanke allmightie god do ordeyne and make this my testament and last Will in manner and forme following first I comend my soule to my mercifull god and my bodye to the ground item I will and give to the poore people of new Romney viz viii d to be distributed unto them by my execurixe item I do give and bequeath to either of my Daughters Agnes Starre and Katherine Starre Thirtie pooundes apeece of them to be paid to be paid [sic] unto them at theire seuerall ages of twentye yeares and one of them to be thothers heire Provied alwais and my will is that yf it shall please god my said daughters Anges and Katherine or eyther of them sall atteyne to theire said ages or age of twentie yeares duringe the life of me the said Thomas Starre that then theire said seuerall porcions of thirtie poundes by me as aforesaid severally given shall be paid untio them or her so beinge of thage of twenty yeares wthin one whole yeare next after my decease and not before. All the residue of my coodes chattell plat and howshold stuffe whatsoe ever my debts legacies and ffuneral paid and discharged I do give and bequeathe to Agnes Starr nowe my wife whome I ordeyne and make sole executrix of this my testament and last will And my will and mid is that she my said execurtix shall bring up my said daughters untill they seuerally come to their said ages of xxtle yeares And further my will and mind is that yf my said wife shall marie againe after my decease that he that shall marie with her shall putt in good bonds to my overseer wth suerties for the payment of my said twoe Daughters portions as is aforesaid and fore the pforming of this my Testament and last will ideam I doe make and ordeyne Edward Marksted of newe Romney aforesaid overseer of this my testament and last will and I give him for his paynes vis viiid As towchinge the disposinge of my howse landes tenemente and Annuities this is the last will of me the said Thomas Starr made the daye and yeare aforesaid first I will and giue unto the said Agnes Starr my wife full and absolute power and authoritie to bargayn Alien and sell the howse wch I nowe dwell in, in New Romney aftresaid and all the gardens Closes and Backsides thereunto belonging or anywise appertayning will all and singular thappurtenaunces conteyning by estimation one acres and halfe acres of land scituat in Newe Romney aforesaid any time durine twe whole years next after the day of my decease for the most and best value and price she can. And I will ang giue unto her the said Anges my wife the said howse and all other the premisses wth theire appurtenaunce untill the same be sold during the said two yeares as is aforesaid. And all the monnye for the wch the said howse and other the premisses shal be sould, I do will and give unto the said Agnes my wife and Thomas SuY`r my sonne equally to be devided betwene them And whereas William Thurbarne of newe Romney aforesaid by his dede intended have given graunted and confirmed unto me the said Tomas Starre and to mine heires for ever one Anuitie or yearely rent of eight poundes issuing out of certaine parcells of the landes of hym the said William Thurbarne as by the dede thereof more a large appereth I doe will wive and bequeath the said Anuity or yearly Rend of viiill and the dede thereoof wth evidences and bonds that concerne the same unto the said Agnes Starr my wife and to her heires and assignes for ever on Conditcon that the said Agnes Starre my wife paie or cause to be paid untio the said Agnes Starr and Katheryne Starr and to either of them their executors or assignes the seueral legacies of Thirtie poundes a pece before herein given and bequeathed to them in manner and forme as before is lymyted for the payment thereof. But if the said Agnes Starr my wife shall not pay to my said daughters in maner and forme aforesaid theire seuerall legacies of thirtie pountds Then I will and give the said Anuitie or yearely rent of eight poundes and all dedes and bonds concerning the same unto the said Angnes Starr and Katherine Starr my daughters to their heires and assinges for ever anything herin before written to the contraty in any wise not withstanding. Witness this my testament and last Will Jonh Mynk William Kemp and Thomas Hele.

 Thomas Starr

Thomas Starr son of Mayor Thomas Starr was born in the year 1567 in Kent, England.  In the year 1586, Mr. Starr married Susanna. It is recorded this couple had 17 children!  On June 9, 1637 they immigrated on the ship "Hercules" to America.  In the year 1639 Thomas Starr died in Dorchester, Massachusetts, America.

 This is the Church at Cranbrook, Kent, England

St. Dunstans Church Tower at Cranbrook, Kent, England

Comfort Starr

Comfort Starr was one of Thomas Starr's seventeen children.  He was born in the year July 6, 1589 in Kent, England and baptized the same day.  On October 4, 1614 Comfort married Elizabeth Watts.

Ashford, once called the "manor of Esshetesford," is a small town forty-five miles southeast of London.  The most conspicuous object to the traeler,!.s he passes through on his way to or from the continent, and the most-interesting to all who love our name, is the grey old parish church of "St. Mary," a large building, with three aisles, transept, three chancels, and a beautiful tower of stone.  Its age is unknown; it had stood for centuries when, early in the seventeenth, our ancestor worshiped within its walls and brought his children to its altar for baptism.  Its ancient tombs, bearing the dates respectively of 1490, 1564, and 1591, were as old and remote to him as the French and Indian war is to us, and we shall be to some of our descendants who will read this.  In this old town Dr. Comfort Starr lived in the practice of his profession as chirurgeon, or surgeon as it is now called, and was evidently a man of wealth, for he owned an estate there which he retained until his death, and when he came to this country brought three servants, which a man of small property could hardly have afforded in those days.  That he was a man of position and some importance is certain, for in 1631 he was warden of St.  Mary's Church, and at a vestry meeting held in 1632, it was voted "That Comfort Starr should lent to Jno Langford the sum L12 on the security of his house, it being copyhold, etc."; and in 1634, only a short time before he left Ashford, was one of a committee to make repairs on the church of St. Mary.

It is recorded he had 5 children before immigrating on the ship "Hercules" in 1635:

• Thomas Starr 1615-1658
• Judith Starr 1617-1622
• John Starr 1626-
• Samuel Starr 1628-1633
• Lydia Starr Eyre 1634-1633

 He immigrated in 1635 to Cambridge, MA; on the ship "Hercules" with children: Thomas, Comfort, and Mary, and his three servants: Sam (use)l Dunkin, John Turkey, and Truth-shall-prevail Starre who was actually his sister.  He and Elizabeth resided in 1638 at Duxbury, MA, Boston by 1646.  On January 2, 1659 Comfort died in Boston, Suffolk County, MA.

 Dr. Comfort Starr brought his family from Kent, England, to New Towne (now Cambridge), where he reestablished his surgery practice in 1635. According to family history, Dr. Starr's house became the home of Nathaniel Eaton and served in 1639 as the site where Harvard College instruction began.

The Rev. Comfort Starr, one of Dr. Comfort Starr's nine children, was the first family member to graduate from the College (in 1647), and is one of five Fellows named in the Harvard College Charter of 1650, the document that officially incorporated the school." 

Harvard Charter

Transcription of text in document

WHEREAS, through the good hand of God, many well devoted persons have been, and daily are moved, and stirred up, to give and bestow, sundry gifts, legacies, lands, and revenues for the advancement of all good literature, arts, and sciences in Harvard College, in Cambridge in the County of Middlesex, and to the maintenance of the President and Fellows, and for all accommodations of buildings, and all other necessary provisions, that may conduce to the education of the English and Indian youth of this country, in knowledge and godliness:

It is therefore ordered, and enacted by this Court, and the authority thereof, that for the furthering of so good a work and for the purposes aforesaid, from henceforth that the said College, in Cambridge in Middlesex, in New England, shall be a Corporation, consisting of seven persons, to wit, a President, five Fellows, and a Treasurer or Bursar: and that Henry Dunster shall be the first President, Samuel Mather, Samuel Danforth, Masters of Arts, Jonathan Mitchell, Comfort Starr, and Samuel Eaton, Bachelors of Arts, shall be the five Fellows, and Thomas Danforth to be present Treasurer, all of them being inhabitants in the Bay, and shall be the first seven persons of which the said Corporation shall consist: and that the said seven persons, or the greater number of them, procuring the presence of the Overseers of the College, and by their counsel and consent, shall have power, and are hereby authorized, at any time or times, to elect a new President, Fellows, or Treasurer, so oft, and from time to time, as any of the said person or persons shall die, or be removed, which said President and Fellows, for the time being, shall for ever hereafter, in name and fact, be one body politic and corporate in law, to all intents and purposes; and shall have perpetual succession; and shall be called by the name of President and Fellows of Harvard College, and shall, from time to time, be eligible as aforesaid. And by that name they, and their successors, shall and may purchase and acquire t...

King's Chapel Burying Ground was founded in 1630 as the first cemetery in the city of Boston. It was Boston's only burial site for 30 years (1630-1660). After being unable to locate land elsewhere, in 1686 the local Anglican congregation was allotted land in the cemetery to build King's Chapel.

Comfort and his wife are considered to be one of the notable burials here.
It is on the corner of Tremont Street and School Street in Boston, Massachusetts.

This is Comfort's signature on his will!

Thomas Starr

Thomas Starr son of  Comfort Starr was born Dec. 31, 1615 in England where he was also Christened.  He had immigrated to America with his father on the "Hercules" in 1635. He was a M.D. In about the year 1639, he married Rachel Harris in Chatham, RI. They had eight sons

On May 17, 1637  thru 1638, Thomas was appointed "Chirurgeon" surgeon in the Pequot War. He was also Clerk of the Writs in Charlestown in 1654. On November 26, 1658 Thomas died in Duxbury, MA.

"Where Mr. Thomas Starr, deceased, having left a desolat widdow and eight smale children weas y churgeon of one of the campjes y went against the Pequotts in ans to the requests ofr seuerall gen on y behalfe the court jedgeth it meete to grannt fower hundred acres of land to the sajd widow and children and doe heereb impower y Tresurere and Capt Norton to make sale or oterwise to dispose of the sajd lands as may best conduce to y benefit of the widdow and children, as they shall see meete."

Rachel Harris was born in Plymoth, Scituate, MA in 1618.  She passed away on Long Island in 1659.

Josiah Starr

Josiah Starr son of Thomas Starr was born September 1, 1657 in Charlestown, M and also Christened. He was three years old when his father died, leaving him without paternal counsel, to make his own way in the world. Many of his descendants have followed his example in respect, few have been more successful. The first record of him after his birth is at age 21, on Long Island, where he petitions Feb. 17, 1678-9, for a grant of 100 acres of land in Hempstad. Now as his sister married in H. some 10 years before, it seems quite probable that their widowed mother had removed, with the younger members of her family, to Long Island, thinking perhaps, to better their condition, for great inducements were held out to settlers there, and many families did emigrate thither from eastern Massachusetts and Connecticut.  It is evident that his riches, or his farm stock at least, did not increase rapidly, for in, "An account of vallvation of the estates of three inhabitants of ye towne of Hampstead on Long Island is as followeth, Oct. 11, 1683, Josias Starr, heads 01, oxen 04, cowes 05,, two year oulds 04, hoggs 01, horses and majors 02." But for some reason it appears he was not contented to remain in Hempstead, for in 1693, in company with several of his neighbors, they cross L.I. Sound, travel back some 25 miles into the country, and locate at Danbury, Connecticut soon after the first settlement of that town.  Josiah Starr was one of the seven privileges to Danbury, and was elected the first Town Clerk, the second Justice of the Peace, afterward surveyor, etc.; in 1710 commissioned Lieut., and in 1713 Captain of the first company or "train band"; for three years was Justice of Fairfield, Co.; in 1702 elected Deputy to the "General Court," a position of great honor and distinction, to which he was annually chosen as long as he lived.

Thus he appears to have been one of the leading and prominent citizens of the town, and a large landholder therein. He passed away January 4, 1715-16; was buried in the ancient burial-place in the rear of the present Court-House.  An upright slab of gray native granite marks the sunken grave, the inscription  nearly obliterated by the storms of more than 160 years, and is the oldest gravestone erected to the memory of a Starr in New England. He is buried on Wooster Street in grave #40449501.

February 3, 1715-16, administration was taken on his estate by wife Rebekah and son Thomas; inventory L982 16s 3d.; was distributed to the widow, six sons, and two daughters, according to law the eldest son receiving a double portion. He was probably married on Long Island.  There is no record; however, of it. 

His wife was Rebekah Whitney.  She was born in the year 1665 and was buried by her husband in July 15, 1739 at the age of 74.  

Captain Jonathan Starr

Captain Jonathan Starr son of Josiah Starr was born in the year 1684 probably on Long Island; was young when his parents settled in Danbury. He owned a large tract of land in the Beaver Brook district, where he lived, in the northeast portion of the town.  A large part of this land lay within the present limits of the town Brookfield, * and remains in the possession of his descendants until this day.  It is evident he was a man of wealth and prominence in Danbury, for in 1731, '33, '34, and '35 he was sent as Deputy to the General Court, a position of great honor in those days, and the record shows that he left a large property to one, at least, of his daughters.  He was chosen May 10, 1723, Lieut., and May 14, 1733, Captain of the North company or "train band," and Oct. 9, 1739, the company was warned to meet to fill the office made vacant by the recent decease of Capt. John Starr.   He died July 27, 1739 at age 55; buried with his kindred in the ancient burial place in Danbury.  He left no will. Administration  on his estate was granted to his sons, John and Jonathan, Sept. 18, 1739; inventory taken Sept. 23 by his brothers, Benjamin and Josiah, and Nov. Josiah was appointed guardian to his son Eleazer, he being under age for choosing one. There being no will, and the town records destroyed, no trace is left.

Lieutenant Jonathan Starr


Lieutenant Jonathan Starr son of Jonathan Starr was born in Danbury; lived in the western part of the town, near if not with the limits of Ridge-field. He married Rachel Taylor in 1738 in Danbury, CT. Rachel was born in 1689 and passed away in 1779. Little can be known of him.  The fires by British soldiers buried his history in the ashes of the town and church records on April 27, 1777. In May, 1747, Serj. Jonathan was elected Lieutenant; May 6, 1751, the Co. was called to the choice of officers, on account of the death of Lieutenant Jonathan Starr.  The same date, Serj. Joseph Taylor, Jun., and (his brother) Ens. John Starr, were appointed administrators of his estate. He was a large land-holder.  The inventory of his estate, presented May 16, 1751, amounted to over 4,500 pounds, including "house, barn, and land adjoining, on this side of the brook" at 2,500 pounds; " the farm on the west side of the brook" at 360 pounds; land at Mid'l river 170 pounds; Rattle Hill land 350 pounds; land at Boughton Ridge 172 pounds 10s., etc., etc. He died before May 16, 1751. His resting place is unknown.

Three of Jonathan's family members were soldiers in the Revolutionary War, and lost their lives during the conflict.  Jonathan's son Benjamin was encamped near White Plains where he was stricken with camp fever.  Because he was so ill, he was given leave to go home.  He died on the way, near White Plains.  Nearly two years later, Jonathan's brother Eleazer Starr and Nathaniel Starr, who is believed to be brothers, both died on the same day. They were presumed killed by British troops as they burned Danbury.


Jonathan Starr

Jonathan Starr son of Lieutenant Jonathan Starr lived in Danbury; in 1757 he volunteered as a soldier, for the relief of Fort William Henry; in 1785 he sells nine acres of land at Rattle Hill, in Danbury. Nov. 2, 1805 deeds land in Danbury, which fell to hi from is uncle Joseph Taylor, dec'd, and soon after removed to Butternuts, Otsego Co., NY where his son was living and died February 1823.  Jonathan, Lucy, and Jonathan Jr. are seen recorded in 1790's first census of Connecticut.  He married October 1, 1760, Lucy Ruggles of Brookfield in Danbury Connecticut.  She died May, 1817.  They had seven children.


  Jonathan is Ancestor #A109085 Service: Connecticut; Rank: Patriotic
  Service Description: Taken Prisoner at the burning of Danbury

Salmon Starr

Salmon Starr son of Jonathan Starr was born Jan, 9, 1770, at Danbury; removed in 1800 to Butternuts, Otsego Co., NY; farmer; died December 2, 1858; Universalist.

He married Jan. 10, 1773, Elizabeth Adams, who was born June 18, 1760, at Bethel, Connecticut; was Christened July 27, 1760 Weston, Fairfield, Connecticut; died Feb. 26, 1841 in Otsego, NY. Her parents were David and Adrea Couch Adams.

Transcribed Will & Testament of Salmon Starr

Be it remembered, that heretofore, to witness on the twentieth day of December, in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty nine. Samuel Starr, one of the executor named in the last Will and Testament of Salmon Starr, late of the town of Morris, in the county of Otsego, and made application to have the such last Will and Testament, which relates to both his personal Estate, proved and on such application , the surrogate did ascertain, by satisfactory evidence, who were the heirs and next of kin of the said testator and their respective residences, and surrogate did therefore issue a citation in due form of law, directed to the said heirs and next of kin, by their respective neames stating their respective places of residence, requiring them to appear before said surrogate at his office in the county of Otsego on the thirteenth day of February and then the next of to attend the probate of the said Will.  And, afterwards to witness, on the said thirteenth day of February, satisfactory evidence by affidavit was produced and presented to said surrogate of the service of the said citation in the mode prescribed by law; and on that day, no one appearing to oppose the probate of such will such proceedings were thereupon  had, that the surrrogat took the proof of said Will and here in after set forth, and he adjudged the said Will to be a valid Will of real and personal estate and the proofs thereof to be sufficient, which said last Will and Testament and proofs are as follows, that is to say:

Will

The last Will and testament of Salmon Starr of Morris, Otsego County, New York.  I Salmon Starr being of sound mind and now disposed to settle my affairs in view of death, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament, in manner and form following, that is to say, I give demise and bequeath my entire estate real and personal to my son Samuel L Starr, subject to the following, 1st, the payment of all my last debts and charges.  2nd, he shall buy Cynthia wife of Jacob Row, thirty-five dollars.  To Czar N. Starr, fifty all which shall be a lien and charge upon my real estate until the payment thereof and my said son Samuel shall be at liberty to pay the said legacies at  any time in three years after my decease without interest.  I do hereby constitute and appoint my said son Czar N Starr, executor of this, my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former will by me made - In witness whereof, have here to set my hand seal seal this fourteenth day of June, eighteen hundred and fifty eight (1858). 

Salmon Starr ID

Signed, sealed, published , and declared by the above name testator, and for his last Will and Testament, in the presence of us, of who at his request and in his presence of each other, have hereunto subscribed our names as with a (?).

            Cephor S. Gillson, Morris, New York

             David O. Starr

In the manner of proving the last Will and Testament of Salmon Starr deceased (Otsego County, SS.) and Cephor S. Gillson and David O Starr, of the town of Morris, in the County of Otsego, hereby duly sworn and examined before Thomas McIntosh Jr. surrogate of the County of Otsego, do depose and say, they were well acquainted with Salmon Starr, now deceased, that they were present as witnesses and did see the said Salmon Starr subscribe his name at the end of the instrument in writing now produced and shown to these deponents, bearing data the 14th day of June, in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty eight, reporting to be the last Will and Testament of the said Salmon Starr deceased.  That the said Salmon Starr, at the time of making the said subscription, declared instrument to be his last Will and Testament and requested these deponent to sign their names as witnesses thereto.  There upon these deponents accordingly signed their names as witnesses, at the end of the said instrument.  These deponents further say, that the said Salmon Starr at the time he so executed the said instrument, was a citizen of the United States, of full age of sound mind and memory, in all respects competent to demise real estate, and not under provisions sworn to before me this 13th day of February 1860  Cephor S Gillson, Thomas McIntosh Jr,. David O Starr surrogate, county of Otsego ss.  If appearing upon the proofs duly taken in respect to the last Will and Testament of Salmon Starr, late of the town of Morris, in the county of Otsego, deceased, that the said will was duly executed and that the said Salmon Starr, at the time he executed the same, was in all respects competent to demise real estate and not under provisions, the said last Will and Testament and the said proofs and reexaminations are hereby recorded signed and certified by me, pursuant to the provisions of the revised statutes, this thirteenth day of February, in the year our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and sixty.

Thomas McIntosh Jr. 

Surrogate

 (Definition of Surrogate is a County Judge)

Samuel Starr

Samuel Starr son of Salmon Starr was born Aug. 7, 1801, in Butternuts, where he has always lived, but the division of the town makes him in Morris, Otsego Co., NY; farmer; Universalist; he married January 12, 1824, Mabel Hendrix.  She was born November 15, 1801, at Newtowne, CT.  She died Sept. 1, 1881 aging to almost 80 years old. Samuel and Mabel had many children: Bertha, Ira, Olive, Samuel LeRoy, Hannah, David, Gould, Helen, Henry, Harriet, and Elizabeth Starr.  In the 1850 population census, they resided in Morris, Otsego, NY.  In the 1850 census they had real estate of $10,000 which was much more than any others at the time.  Samuel had purchased nine cemetary plots at Hillington Cemetary which is in Morris, Otsego County, NY.  He passed away Sept. 13, 1880 aging to 79 years old.  They both are buried in Hillington Cemetery.









These two maps are from 1868 ATLAS of ITSEGO NEW YORK F.W. BEERS

The top map shows the split of Butternuts into Morris County. Where the arrow points is where the Starr family property was then. Samuel and his son, David, both had property next to each other.

This is a map from 2006 showing the recent map and location of the Starr property. This property is on Filor Hill Road just before Light Hill Road. This property is 3.4 miles from where Samuel is now buried.  

Their son Gould C married Mary

They had a baby girl named Francis M. that died at three years old

Gould., Mary, and baby Francis.

There was then four lots used by other family members.

Samuel LeRoy

Samuel LeRoy son of Samuel Starr was born June 15, 1827, in Otsego County, Morris, NY; removed October 1844; settled in Arbela, Tuscola, County MI; farmer. Married June 6, 1850 Caroline Jump in New York.  She was born April 2, 1831 at Greenville, NY. They had two boys, Floyd Adelbert and Samuel Russell.

Caroline's father was Russel Jump, her grandpa was Gilbert Jump

Gilbert was born January 11, 1757.  He was the son of Joseph

He served in the New York Militia under Col. Gilbert Drake

in the American Revolution. He married Esther Buckbee in the a

Salem, Westchesteer County Church of Christ on 1/18/1781.

In the 1790s the young family moved to Greene County, where

he built and operated a sawmill. In 1828, he and sons Russell and Ira

sold the sawmill and moved to Steuben County

He died February 4, 1843.
He and Esther are buried in Riverside Cemetery. 

Around the year 1869, Samuel and Caroline moved to Arbela County Michigan. For several years he worked in the lumber woods as foreman for James Talbert.

 In the 1880 population census, there was a 10 year-old female named Mattie Mead that resided with them. Her relationship to them is not known.  Caroline died December 6, 1899 from cancer of the womb.  She was buried December 8, 1898 in Arbela, Pine Grove Cemetary. 

Six years after Caroline's death, Samuel remarried Miss Fanny Phelps with whom he lived happily until he passed to the great beyond. LeRoy died in Arbela November 2, 1909 of bronchial pneumonia after a sickness of one and one-half days.  He was a man widely known and loved by all: a loving husband and kind father and a good neighbor. The funeral was held at Grove school house, serman by Rev. Taylor.  LeRoy is also in Pine Grove cemetary, section D, Lot 78, grave 8.  His headstone also reads "father".

Pine Crest Cemetery is on Lewis Road in Arbela Township

Floyd Adelbert

Floyd Adelbert Starr was born July 17, 1851 in New York.  He married Elvira R. Brainard Starr January 1, 1852 in Vassar, Tuscola County, Michigan.  Floyd was 24 years old and Elvira was 23 years old.

Elvira was born in February 24, 1852 in Millington Township, Tuscola.  Elvira was the first white born person in the township.  Her father, Edward, was credited with being the first white settler in Millington Township. She had three brothers and two sisters.  The Brainards go all the way back to Daniel Brainard who born March 1641 in England and died April 1, 1715 in Connect. and buried at Thirty Mile Island Plantation, Burial Yard Haddam, Middlesex County, Connect.

In the 1900 census, Floyd and Elvira lived in Tuscola, Michigan.  They had four children: Carrie M, Maude E, Grace E, and LeRoy. Floyd died April 7, 1931 and was buried in Millington, Michigan lot #8-035. He was 79 years, 8 months, and 20 days old.  He died of acute nephritis most likely stemming from arteriosclerosis he had suffered with for two years. Grace died in 1996.

Elvira died of sugar diabetes on April 5, 1918 and was buried in Millington, Michigan, April 8, 1918 in lot #8-035.

Millington cemetary is located on the corner of Main Street and Fulmer Road in Millington, MI

Grace E. married Reuben Burgess somewhere between 1920 and 1930

Rueben was born in 1882, Grace E. 1881

Rueben had lived with his mother up until he was at least the age of 37

His father was from England, his mom from Canada

He was in World War I in the years' 1917-1918

He could not read, nor write in 1920.

He came to be a lodger at Floyd A. home after 1920 where he obviously hooked up with Grace.

In the 1930 census he lived in Flint, MI in the lab.
Grace was a hospital maid 

Grace passed away in 1934, Reuben passed away in 1947.

They are also buried with Floyd and Elvira in the Millington Cemetary.

Samuel Starr is Floyd Adelbert's brother

Samuel was born in 1860 and died in 1942

He married Myrtle who was born in 1872 and died in 1922

He is buried in Pine Crest Cemetary grave 7

She is buried in Pine Crest also grave 8

Samuel and Myrtle had Arthur, Hattie, Gilbert, and William R.

Arthur, Sam, Gilbert, Myrtle, and Hattie Starr

William R. is buried in Pine Crest near his parents grave 3

Arthur was born in 1892 in FairGrove, MI

He died November 1947 and is buried in Woodlawn Cemetary in Clio 

He married Lena May Harrison December 23, 1917 in FairGrove, MI
Arthur and Lena had daugther Esther Allen who was born in 1917
Esther married Robert Allen 

Esther passed away in Millington in 1997, Robert passed away in 1996
Esther and Robert had three children: Sandra, Charles, and Dale Allen.

Arthur and Lena also had a Lee E. Starr died in the south Pacific, in 1947

Lee E. Starr was born Sept. 24, 1924 in FairGrove, MI

Lee E. Starr is in the Clio death Records

     Newspaper Findings:

• Mrs. F.A. Starr and Mrs. Sam Starr were both on the sick list the latter part of the week (Tuscola County Adviser, 2 July 1912, from the Arbela Correspondent July 8)
• Central Arbela, May ?? -Floyd Starr and wife visited their daughter Mrs. Carrie Rogers in Atlas from Saturday until Monday (Tuscola County Adviser, 30 May, 1913)
• C. Rogers and family of Atlas and Esther Allen of Flint spent Sunday at the home of F.A. Starr (Tuscola County Adviser 16 Oct 1914 Central Arbela)

          Early Settlement of Mr. Brainerd
Born 1825 in New York and passing away in 1850 in Trumbull, OH from Typhoid fever.
He married Miss Martha C. Hains who was born 1826 in New York.

Edwin Erastus Brainard was the first white man who came and commenced

in the wilderness now commenced in the township of Millington.

The woods were still spotted with Indians when he located on second

   six, on the northwest quarter, on December 24, 1850.

Mr. Brainerd was a young man at the time.  He was the only white

settler until 1853, then came Homer, A. Beach and located on

                                                         second eighteen.  The settlers began to come into the townships

quite fast in 1854. There were several families came in from different

parts of the country, some from Ohio, some from New York.

The township of Millington was organized during the winter of 1854-55.

LeRoy Starr

LeRoy Edwin Starr was born to Floyd and Elvira June 13, 1884. The name Leroy came from his Grandpa's middle name and has middle name, Edwin, came from his mom's dad's first name (That is what I think!)  LeRoy married Anna Letterman in Michigan May 22, 1918.  Anna was born in 1885 in Saginaw County. In 1910, she worked in the Birch Run Public School District.  They also had one son, Floyd.  In the 1930 census, they resided in Birch Run. 

I wish I had an older picture of Anna; however, the younger version is also a very neat photo to have!  It's amazing how much their son, Floyd, looks like his mom.  

This information of Anna was found in article in the "Discover Friendly Birch Run: The "School Days" of Mora Totten.  "School days, school days, Dear old Golden Rule days.  Reading and writing and 'rithmatic Taught to the tune of a hickory stick.  You were maid in calico. I was your bashful barefoot beau. You wrote my slate "I love you so", When we were a couple of kids."

This was told from one of Anna's student's, Mora Totten, he attended Marr school, located at the corner of Dixie Highway and Burt Road, the first established in Birch Run. He was there for eight years, and during that time the one and only teacher was Miss Anna Letterman.  This hardy lady not only taught fifty students all of the subjects of grades one through eight, but also was responsible for getting the pot-bellied stove going every morning and occasionally scrubbing the wooden floor.  She could hire a student to do these things, but it was rather a hardship when she only earned $20 to $30 per month.

He writes, "You hear a lot these days about pupil punishment. I do not ever remember Miss Letterman using but a ruler with about ten swats on your open hand..." (Song: Taught to the tune of a  hickory stick.)

He was born in Millington and Age 74, died Feb 7, 1959. He had had Rheumatoid Arthritis for 20 years.  Broncho Pneumonia killed him caused from coronary pulmonary failure which was due from bronchiectasis.  He had lived in Flint for the past 25 years as a production worker at Buick Motors, but had originally came from Birch Run.  Surviving are: Son, Floyd Starr of Flint; 3 grandchildren; sister, Mrs. Carrie Rogers of flint; several nieces. Floyd and Anna are both buried in Flint Memorial Park.

Anna had preceded him in death Dec. 21, 1944.

Anna had three siblings: Agnis, Richard, and Grace Letterman

Grace was born March 23, 1893

Somewhere after the 1910 census, she married a Sims/Seitz

And then in the 1930 census, she married Clare Hammond

He was born Nov. 4th 1891 and died before her on March 22, 1957.
He was drafted in the years 1917-1918 for World War I

Grace lived to be 103 years old, passing away June 18, 1996

Grace had been given a family locket from Grandma Anna that she held dear.  At some point she decided to give it to a Ruth Morse which I assume was a close family friend to Grace's as she was in Grace's Will.  After getting in touch with Ruth, she sent me some photos and to my surprise the locket that was Grandma Anna's.  This is the photo of the locket I have that was Grandma Anna's.

     

This is a photo of the Letterman's Parents

Charles Letterman & Catherine Vance
Catharine (Kate) was born in Canada, England and Charles was born in Michigan

Floyd Lavern Starr

Floyd Lavern Starr was born November 13, 1925 in Birch Run, Michigan.  Floyd passed away December 10, 1971 driving Genessee County Road Commission truck when stepping out had an acute coronary occlusion and died immediately. He was aged 46 years old.  He had been a resident of Flint for the past 40 years.

In the year 1973, Floyd and Edith lived at 4328 N. Genessee Road, Flint, MI 48506.  It's also noted that in the year 1947, Edith and Floyd lived at 1501 Mable, Flint, MI.  That means that they lived with Floyd's father LeRoy or LeRoy lived with them. 

Information pulled from the "National Personnel Records Center" in St. Louis, MO January 15 2013.
Floyd joined the military into active service February 21, 1944. He had attended grade school for 8 years followed by two years of high school.  He enjoyed buying old sports cars and repairing them. He had worked at A.C. Sparkplugs from 11-2-43 to the day before he joined the military. He worked as working with a tamper machine. At the time of joining he is described has being 5'5" tall, 170 pounds, blue eyes, brown hair, with a ruddy complexion. Service (vessels and stations served on) USNTS GREAT LAKES, ILL AND USS LONG ISLAND. His service # was 951 70 92. He was inducted into the US Navy as Apprentice Seaman, USN-I, this date 2-21-1944 in accordance with Selective Training & Service Act of 1940, as amended.

On June 1, 1944, he qualified for the American area and Asiatic Pacific campaign medals for serving outside the continental US. He also had received a Victory medal and an American Theater of War medal.  He served one year, three months, and fifteen days outside the continental U.S. March 1, 1946 he was transferred to the RecSt., Naysta., Seattle, Washington, FFA by CWSF.

On August 12, 1944 he was reported improper performance of duty; Carelessness; Endangering the physical welfare of another in the Naval service.  Remarks: Man was one of a group who rig the watertight hatches leading down Elect. Shop and #3 hold.  By failing to properly place pins in both hatch supporting bars a hazardous condition was created, dangerous to personnel using ladder.

Floyd was arrested from the USS Long Island ship January 5, 1946 by the Los Angeles Police Department for suspicion of burglary.  Officer reported proceeding east on 5th street at which time we observed the deft breaking in a folding door to Bldg 4, fifth street and then enter the store.  We immediately turned around and stepped in front Bldg 4, 5th and we apprehended the deft inside the store.  Apparently the deft had been in the office of the store as account books and other things had been knocked to the floor.  It appeared as if he were looking for something.  Booked as above on the advice of Sgt. Christenson, Metro Division. Floyds statement read: I guess I had to many coke highs, that's why I broke in and I was just going to sleep there. Charges were not made by victim due to the defendant being in a very drunken condition at time of arrest and does not remember breaking door and entering this place.  Leroy was sent a notice of Floyd's arrest.

On  March 23, 1946, he was transferred from Seattle, WA to CO, N.R.A. Chicago, ILL.  April 15, 1946 was honorably discharged from the U.S. Naval Service.  He was recommended to reenlist, but not recommended for good conduct medal.

He married Edith Mae Wilson on October 21, 1947. She was born June 18, 1927 in Genessee, MI to her parents Joseph W. & Lucinda Rulapaugh.  She retired in 1978 from AC Spark Plug in Flint, Michigan after 30 years of sevice. She had lived in Gladwin County since 1978, previously residing in Flint, and was a member of F.O. E. Gladwin Aerie 3292 Auxiliary. Edith died May 18, 2011 in Gladwin, MI.

According to my father, if his father hadn't died at such a young age, with the boys getting of age to work, he had plans to start their own excavating business with all the bigs toys!

                                         Grandpa Floyd in his navy attire



This was Grandpa Starr's sword he had in the military.  Aunt Betty and Uncle Floyd have it.





















Both Edith and Floyd are buried Flint Memorial Park Cemetary, Mt. Morris, Michigan.

They had four boys, the first baby Robert LeRoy Starr was born Nov. 1, 1947.  He lived for 21 days when he was taken to Flint Hurley Hospital where he was DOA.  His death certificate states that he had a circumcision on Nov. 21, and then on the 22nd passed away.  Immediate cause of death was Shock, Thymico Lymphatic Constitution.  Other contributing causes of death was his circumcision.  He was buried in Flint Memorial Park Nov. 24, 1947. 

This is called "Baby Land"

Mom stands where there should be a grave stone for Robert LeRoy

Floyd and Edith then went on and had Floyd, Jack, and Rick.

Floyd, Jack, and Baby Rick

                                                                      Rick

Floyd and Jack



This is a photo of Jack, Floyd, Gloria, Carolyn, and RoseMary - The girls are Rosalee's daughters (cousins)

Jack Lavern Starr

Jack Starr son of Floyd Starr was born December 31, 1951 in Flint, Michigan.  He married Marlene June Wilcox.  She was born July 4, 1956 in Wayne County, MI.

Story of how mom and dad met:

My mom had been chasing my dad for a year, but couldn't get his attention.  So, my Aunt Dar, who also would of liked to have got with him, decided to put on a lingerie dress and get on their tricycle and stop in the middle of the F-97.  They could hear him coming down the road and knew he would have to stop with her setting in the middle of the road. 

My dad asked my mom to go on  a hayride and she said yes of course.  She had to be home by midnight, so they followed behind the wagon in the truck.  They had a good night and that was that.

My Uncle Floyd and Aunt Betty were getting married, so the Wilcox family was invited.  My mom made up her mind that if she couldn't get my dad's attention, that was it she was done chasing him.  She spent all day getting ready to go.  As soon as they got to there and walked in, my dad got up from his chair and walked over to her.  It was a fun night, except for another lady be upset that my dad liked my mom, so she had someone else drop beer all over my mom who had taking all day to get ready!  After this night it was the start of a great life.

My mom and dad got married five months later on August 24, 1974.

Jack passed away December 11, 2008 in Gladwin County Michigan.  He was cremated and his ashes are in my mother's possession with a small amount being scattered on his mom and dad's grave in Flint. 

Jack's Obituary:

Jack L. Starr, 56, passed away suddenly on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008 in Gladwin.

He was born in Flint to Floyd and Edith (Wilson) Starr on Dec. 31, 1951.

Jack married Marlene Wilcox on Aug. 24, 1974 in Gladwin.
He was employed by the Gladwin County Road Commission as an equipment operator. He had lived in Gladwin since 1971, previously residing in Genesee.
He is survived by his wife, Marlene of Gladwin; daughter, Cheri (Thomas) Lail of Lavon, Texas; son, Jack L. Starr of Vernon, New Jersey; grandson, Kyle Lail of Lavon, Texas; brothers, Floyd (Betty) Starr of Gladwin, and Rick (Cindy) Starr of Gladwin; mother, Edith Starr of Gladwin; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Floyd Starr.
Visitation was held Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008 at Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home in Gladwin. A remembrance service and funeral services were held Monday, Dec. 15, 2008 at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Jack Starr to Gladwin County Toys For Tots.

This is the memorial spot me and mom made.  It is the spot my mom found my dad being passed away in the woods just next to where they lived when we were babies.

Jack and Marlene had two children, Jack Lavern and Cheri Marie.

Cheri Marie Starr

Cheri Marie Starr daughter of Jack Starr was born January 15, 1976 in Midland County, MI.  She married Thomas Clinton Lail May 16, 1998.  Thomas was born May 8, 1969 in Flint, MI. She has four children: Kyle Lail born December 17, 1997, adopted Allison Jian Lail from China who was born Oct 14, 2008, and has two step-children; Steven Thomas Lail born November 20, 1994 and Jessica Marie Lail born November 1, 1990.

This is a story of my childhood growing up:

My first years of life were very primitive.  They were years of hard times, but were also years of good times.   Those years are the ones that have made me the person I am today.

When my parents were married, they purchased a mobile home.  This mobile home was so small it was pulled onto property via a pickup truck.  It measured a whopping 9 X 50.  It was placed on the very back of my grandma's acreage.  This property was located in a little town in central Michigan called Gladwin.  The property was located a mile back in the woods.  The road was dirt and was not maintained by the road department.  Furthermore, it was ten miles north of any stores.  So during winter months, trips to the store were scarce.

My dad was a very avid hunter, fisherman, and gardener.  He was a very stern, hard-working, honest man.  He was a lumberjack when we were young and my mom was a stay-at-home mom.  My mom is a very loving, caring person.  She spent every minute she could trying to raise my brother and I the best way she knew how.  My brother was born less than a year later than I was born.

Money was scarce during my first years.  My dad's job as a lumberj2k was seasonal and did not pay very much.  So my dad's hunting, fishing, and gardening was very helpful.  There were many nights the only way we ate dinner was if dad went hunting or fishing.  I can recall eating rabbit, pheasant, venison, and frog legs.

In the summer, my dad would plant a large garden using only Seeds.&|bsp; He planted potatoes, carrots, corn, squash, peas, beans, among many other things. We would eat these fresh out of the garden.  My mom would work hard to can what she could. That way she had vegetables in the winter time. She would juice tomatoes to use for soups when it was cold.

Not only did gardens fill our yard, but so did our pets! My dad had his hunting dogs; he had beagles, a husky, and an American Springer spaniel. We had a goat; he was our lawn mower!  He often liked to stand on my mom's car.  We also had a pet raccoon. When I was in my walker outside, he used to love to run his nose in my hair to smell it.   He loved the smell of baby shampoo.  He would then use his paws to pull at my rubber pants.  My mom said I would squish my face all up because it tickled so.  We had cats; they used to like to chase my brother and me down the hall and attack our rubber pants.  My said it was funny to see them stuck on our behinds.  The cats helped to take care of the mice problem.  We had rabbits; they were in rabbit coops located in the side yard. Their purpose was for helping to train my dad's dogs.  They ate the leaves of the vegetables in the garden.  Every animal pretty much had a purpose, except for the raccoon.  He was just entertainment.

One of favorite stories to tell about is that of our animals going with my dad on his hunting trip one day. He had taken out his dogs to go hunting. My mom was watching  him out the window. She said it was funny because the dogs, the cat, the raccoon, and the goat were all following my father in a single file line. It was my dad's personal parade of animals!  When my dad returned, so did all the animals.

My mom would do our laundry in the backyard. She had an old manual wringer washer with the wash board. I remember helping hand her the laundry to put through the machine.  We would then hang them on a clothesline that was hung between two birch trees. If it rained, our clothes took that much longer to dry.

The sound of the rain on our tin roof was so neat.  We could also hear the squirrels that would chase each other on the roof.  The sounds of the birds in the trees and the croaking of frogs were pleasant and peaceful to hear.  At night when it was quiet, we could hear the river flowing less than a football field distance away.

My brother and I had a hammock that was tied between to trees in the side yard.  We thought it was great fun to play in it; my mom found us fast asleep in it many times.  We also used to like to play in a small clearing that was in the trees. We also liked to climb in the back of my mom's car.  That is where she kept the dog food, since she had no other dry, secure place to store it.  We thought the dog food was very good.  She would catch us stuffing our face with it. She said we looked like chipmunks!

Winters were cold and long. When I was young, it used to snow a lot more that it does now.  Once when I was two and my brother was one, there was a very large snowstorm.  My parents said we were snowed in. My parents decided they really didn't want to be snowed in for the couple of days that it would take to be able to be plowed out. So, they decided to bundle us up really well and walk to my grandfather's house that was a mile away.  They put our clothes and the supplies we needed in garbage bags.

Upon going outside in the snow, my dad decided to try and tie the garbage bags to the dogs in hope that they would pull them for us. No luck. So my parents tied the ropes around their waist so they could pull them.  My dad carried me, and my dad carried my brother.  We began the hike only to find the dogs now following behind us.

The snow was very deep. In spots, it was past my parent's knees.  They grew tired and thought they were never going to make it.  My mom said she dropped my brother a time or two.  The fall did not hurt him.  The snow was so deep and fluffy, that is acted as a cushion.  Amazingly, they said we slept the entire time we were outside!  Needless to say, the trip that was supposed to have taken only a little while took five hours. It was a trip that they would never forget!

By the time I turned four, my parents sold our trailer for a whopping five hundred dollars.  A man came and pulled it away with his truck. It made us sad, but we were looking forward to moving.  My parents were able to get a loan to build a new three-bedroom home.  It was located back out near the highway which was three miles south of where they had previously lived.  My mom still lives there today.

Our pets gave us an everlasting fondless for animals. I now have three cats, two dogs, and a rabbit. Unfortunately, my brother has never been able to follow in my father's footsteps.  He is too much of an animal lover.  My dad left behind with his passing a kennel full of dogs.  I helped to get rid of most of them, but my mom still has three English Setters left that are just like her kids!  My dad had a pen of pigeons and quails at one time that he used for dog training purposes.  My mom had our family cat "Boomer" for over twenty years.  He has now passed, but I thought he was going to live forever! He was very spoiled!  And as generations go, my son found hunting to be the greatest sport ever when his grandpa was still here to take him hunting.

Through those experiences, we learned that no matter how little a person my have, happiness and contentment can be easily found.  Where there is a will there is a way.  My parents as well as our animals have helped to shape my life by instilling high family values, having a close family, having a love for animals, and having the values it takes to be a "good" person.