STARR, Atty. Robert Hillis

STARR, SMITH

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 1/26/2017 at 19:46:09

DEATH OF LAWYER
-------------------
Attorney R.H. Starr's Demise Occurred Thursday.
-------------------
CAME TO KEOSAUQUA 1874.
-------------------
Had Good Law Practice Here - Served in the Civil War and Had Many Friends - Action of the Bar.

Mr. Robert H. Starr, whose critical condition was mentioned in our last issue, died Thursday evening at 7 o'clock. Deceased came from Clark county, Mo., to Keosauqua in 1874. He engaged in the practice of the law and the past few years enjoyed a prosperous business. About a year ago he moved to Boonville, Mo., but about May 1, was attacked with the fatal paralysis of the brain, from which death finally resulted. After taking treatment at Kirksville without beneficial results, he came here about two months ago to die. His family followed a few days after. Mr. Starr was one of the kindest of men and had many friends. The funeral Saturday afternoon was a very large one. It was conducted by Rev. W.R. Jeffrey, Jr.. The burial being by Harper Post G.A.R.

Robert Hillis Starr, a son of James and Phoebe Starr, was born in Berks county, Pa., April 16th, 1840, and departed this life Aug. (13th), 1901, and was therefore 61 years, 5 moths and 29 days old at the time of his death.

At the age of 15 he moved with his father's family to Stark county, Ohio, which remained his home until the spring of 1861, when he moved to Illinois. On August 12th, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Co. "K" 36th Ill. Vol. Inf. He was promoted to corporal and sargeant. On January 1st, 1864, he was honorably discharged on account of re-enlistment and as a veteran enlisted for three years or during the war. He participated in the following battles: The battle of Pea Ridge, Perryville, Chicamauga, Lookout Mt., Missionary Ridge, Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca and Adairsville, at which latter place he was wounded in the right leg by a minnie ball, which shattered the bone and amputation was necessary. It has become necessary at two different times since then, to have two similar operations performed. He was honorably discharged from the army on account of this wound on Jan. 6th, 1865.

After his discharge he located in Clark county, MO., which remained his home until March, 1874, and during which time he held several important offices in his county. At this place he was married on Des. 24th, 1865, to Mary C. Smith, who survives him. There were born to this union 11 children, 10 of whom are living and present to comfort the bereaved mother and to pay the last sad duty to a kind and loving father. Of his father's family three sisters and three brothers survive him.

He was admitted to the practice of the law in the state of Missouri on Jan. 28th, 1874, and on the following March removed his family to Keosauqua, at which place he has lived with the exception of a few months. Soon after his arrival in Keosauqua he was admitted to the practice of law in courts of Iowa, and continued in the active practice of his profession until with a few months of his death. The deceased was a member of W.C. Harper Post, department of Iowa, Grand Army of the Republic.

The immediate cause of his death was a general breaking down of his whole system which commenced the first of last May. The shock to his system from his wounds and necessary amputations, had much to do to hasten the day of his death.

In the departure of Robert Hillis Starr, the state suffers the loss of a loyal and honest citizen, the community a sympathizing neighbor, the member of his chosen profession a congenial and trustworthy brother, the bereaved family an attentive husband and an ever thoughtful father.

At a meeting of the Van Buren County Bar Association, the undersigned committee was appointed to prepare the following resolutions:

Whereas, Death has removed from our midst one of our beloved and respected brothers, Robert Hillis Starr.

Therefore, Be it resolved by the Van Buren County Bar Association, that the following memorial and resolutions be presented to the District Court of Van Buren county, Iowa, with the request that the same be spread upon the records of said court:

Robert Hillis Starr was born in Berks county, Pa., April 16, 1840, and departed this life August 15, 1901, being 61 years, three months and 29 days old at the time of his death. ON August 12, 1851, he enlisted as a private in Co. K, 36th Ill. vol. inf. He was promoted to corporal and 2nd sergeant. On Jan. 12, 1864, he re-enlisted as a veteran for three years or during the war. He participated in the following battles: the battle of Pea Ridge, Perryville, Chickamauga, Lookout, Mt. Missionary Ridge, Rocky Face Ridge, Reseca and Adairsville, at which latter place he was wounded in the right leg by a minnie ball, which shattered the bone and amputation became necessary. He was admitted to the practice of the law in courts of the state of Iowa in March, 1874, and continued in the active practice of his profession until within a few months of his death.

In view of his loyal services to the nation as a soldier; his high character as a citizen; his ability and integrity as a layer; we, the members of the Van Buren County Bar Association, in testimony of the high esteem in which he was held by his brethren at the bar do, therefore, resolve:

1. That we recognize the ability and integrity with which he discharged his duty in every relation in life. That his private life was without blemish; that his professional courtesy and fidelity, and his generous bearing toward his brethren of the profession endeared his memory to us all.

2. That knowing his faithfulness as a husband and father, we extend out sympathy to the bereaved family in this, their great los.

3. That, at the coming session of our district court we request that a time be named and set apart for a memorial service to be held in open court.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book H, Pages 83/84, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA