James Ambrose Starbuck

STARBUCK, UPTON, CONE, GRISELL, SUMMERS

Posted By: Carrie Robertson (email)
Date: 10/17/2016 at 23:29:30

Thursday February 29, 1912 The Marion Sentinel
Obituary of J.A. Starbuck
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James Ambrose Starbuck was born December 8, 1842, at Logan, Ohio, and died at his home in Marion, Iowa, after a week's illness, February 21, 1912, being at the time of his death 69 years, two months and thirteen days of age. He was the youngest of five children and lost both his parents when a babe. He then made his home with his grandparents until their death, when he was five years of age. He lived with his uncle, Will Upton, until thirteen years of age and then hired out as an apprentice in a wagon shop at the meagre [sic] wage of thirty dollars a year. By his industry and thrift he learned every detail of the trade and was rapidly promoted. He was especially skilled in the art of painting and decorating wagons and carriages. He painted the first wagon that left the Star Wagon shop at Cedar Rapids and made the design which that company used for years. He became an artist in his profession and took much pride in his work.
On August 28, 1861, Mr. Starbuck enlisted in Company C of the Second Indiana Volunteer Cavalry and rendered four years of faithful service to his country, being mustered out July 22, 1865.
He came to Iowa in 1866 and worked for Norris Cone, later becoming a partner. In 1867 he was united in marriage to Miss Laura Cone, who with her four sons, A.L. of Marion; Norris of Seattle, Washington; Frank of Eureka, Illinois, and Nathan of Valier, Montana, survive him.
Except for thirteen years absence, Mr. Starbuck has lived in Marion ever since he first came, making forty-three years that he was in business here. During his absence he lived in Shenandoah, Bingham and Yorktown, Iowa; Ellis and Duluth, Minnesota. While at Yorktown, Mr. Starbuck professed belief in his Savior and united with the Presbyterian church.
Besides his wife and four sons, who survive him, he leaves also two brothers and two sisters, J.M. of Seattle, Wash.; James of Camden, Indiana; Mrs. Rachel Grisell and Mrs. Grace Summers also of Camden, Indiana, together with many other relatives and friends.
Mr. Starbuck was of Quaker parentage and while always undemonstrative in his feelings, yet he was a man of generous impulses and he contributed liberally to every good cause. He took a very active part in all political questions that vitally concerned his countrymen. The principle of brother love was supreme in his life. In every respect he was a broad minded citizen, encouraging all public enterprises. His loss will be felt by the entire community.