STARR, MILTON

STARR, KRATER

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 7/2/2004 at 16:49:17

Biography reproduced from page 299 of the History of Kossuth and Humboldt Counties, Iowa published in 1884:

Milton Starr, son of Jesse and Lucinda Starr, was born in Whitley, Canada, Feb. 17, 1846. His grandparents on his father’s side were natives of Pennsylvania. His father was a carpenter, but became part proprietor in a flouring mill, in which he retained his interest until removing to Wisconsin and settling on a farm in Dane county. The family remained at this place until the summer of 1861, when they removed to Jones Co., Iowa. In 1866 he entered Cornell College, graduating from that institution in 1870. In October, 1871, he came to Algona, and entered the office of the Algona Times, then just established by B. J. Castle, and assisted in the printing of the second number of the paper. He was a member of the firm of Horton, Jones & Co., who bought out the Times March 4, 1872, changing the name to the Algona Republican. In April, 1875, Mr. Starr bought the interest of J. B. Jones, thus acquiring a half interest in the paper. In February, 1881, he became sole proprietor by the purchase of the interest of A. M. Horton. Mr. Starr immediately put a power press in the office, and many improvements were made. In 1882 Mr. Starr erected a building 22x72 feet in dimensions, and twenty-four feet in height, which is intended for the permanent home of the Republican. The lower story is used for printing and editorial rooms, and the second floor for a public hall. In July, 1883, he admitted Gardner Cowles as a partner. The paper has always been uncompromising in its advocacy of republicanism and prohibition. Mr. Starr was a charter member of the lodge of Good Templars organized at Algona in 1876, and has since maintained his connection with the institution. In 1879 he was elected grant secretary of the order in Iowa, a position which he held four years. Mr. Starr is a member of the Congregational Church. He was married Oct. 1, 1879, to Kate Krater, born in Clayton Co., Iowa, July 23, 1952, her parents being natives of Lorraine. Mrs. Starr was educated at the Iowa Agricultural College, graduating in 1873. From that time until her marriage her attention was given almost wholly to her art studies, three years being spent in the studio of Helen M. Knowlton, in Boston, a pupil of the late William M. Hunt. Mr. and Mrs. Starr have two children—Helen, born July 30, 1880, and Robert, born March 15, 1882. Mr. Starr’s mother died Feb. 17, 1852. His father resides in Palo Alto Co., Iowa, being upwards of eighty years of age.