Iowa
Old Press
The Monticello Express
Monticello, Jones County, IA
April 26, 1923
Mrs. Myra Starks
Mrs. Myra Starks died at the home of Thomas Carson last Sunday
morning, following a long period of illness. She accidentally
fell down stairs in the Carson home last fall, and later suffered
another fall when she tripped over a rug in her bedroom. As a
result she had been compelled to remain in bed during the past
ten weeks. Lately, her condition had become more serious, and she
passed away last Sunday. The cause of her death may be attributed
to complications brought on by old age. Mrs. Starks was a
daughter of the late Horace and Betsy Scott. She was born June
10, 1840, at Bridgewater, New York. Therefore at the time of her
death she was nearly 83 years of age. Her mother died when she
was four years of age, and a few years later, she removed with
her father to Whitewater, Wisconsin. Mrs. Starks was married
twice. The first time she was married to Isaac Jeffers, May 4,
1869 at Baraboo, Wisconsin. A number of years after their
marriage Mr. Jeffers passed away. There were three sons born to
this union, one of whom William Jeffers, formerly resided at
Sioux City, but recently moved to the southern states. The other
two sons are now deceased. Mrs. Starks was again married,
December 25, 1872 to Harry Starks at Beloit, Wisconsin. There
were no children born to this union. The late Mrs. Carson, who
was a daughter of the late Harry Starks had been cared for since
infancy by Mrs. Myra Starks. Therefore she always looked upon her
stepmother in the light of her own mother. In recent years, Mrs.
Starks had been unable to do much reading, but was able to get
about the house and enjoyed assisting her daughter in the
household work until her recent illness. She was a woman who took
a keen interest in every day events and was ever ready to assist
her neighbors if she found them in distress. She was a faithful
member of the Methodist Episcopal church and died with a lasting
faith in its teachings. She was of a cheerful disposition and
endured all the changes and care of a pioneer life with great
courage. She was of sterling character and observed
straightforward principles of living. She was a member of the
Order of the Eastern Star.
Mrs. Thomas Carson
Mrs. Thomas Carson passed away at her home in Monticello, last
Monday following a serious illness of two weeks' duration. Her
death came as a decided shock to her many friends and the
sympathy for her bereaved husband was universal among all
classes. During the past ten years, while her stepmother, Mrs.
Myra Starks was in failing health, Mrs. Carson gave her unstinted
care. During a period proceeding the last two weeks of her life,
Mrs. Carson cared for her mother almost night and day. As a
result her health broke down, and she was compelled to take to
her bed, Complications developed, and she passed away last
Monday. Minnie Starks, a daughter of the late Harry and Marie
Starks, was born in Monticello, October 9, 1871. She was married
to Thomas Carson, May 1, 1905. There were no children born to
this union. At the time of her death. Mrs. Carson was aged 51
years, 6 months, and 11 days. In addition to her husband, she is
survived by one brother, Eugene Starks of Medicine Hat, Alberta,
Canada and one half sister, Mrs. Carrie Smith of Canton, South
Dakota and one half-brother William Jeffers. In Monticello, as
elsewhere, Mrs. Carson had the fortune to have a large circle of
friends, who find it hard to realize the suddenness of her death.
Few knew of the intensity of her suffering, or the seriousness of
her condition previous to her demise, Mrs. Carson was a member of
the Methodist Episcopal church of Monticello, and also a member
of the Order of the Eastern Star. Her husband has the sympathy of
a host of friends in his bereavement.
A DOUBLE FUNERAL
The Funeral of Mrs. Myra Starks and Mrs. Thomas Carson Held
Yesterday
A double funeral, that of Mrs. Myra Starks, the widow of the late
Harry H. Starks and her step-daughter Mrs. Carson (nee Minnie
Starks) was held at the Methodist Episcopal church yesterday
afternoon, at two o'clock. The services were conducted by Rev.
William H. Mitchell of Sumner, assisted by Rev. Thomas M.
Nielsen, the local pastor of the Methodist church. Rev. Mitchell,
who will be remembered as the former pastor of the church, was
called to Monticello to conduct the double service, on account of
his close acquaintanceship with the family. He had spent many
pleasant evenings in the Carson home, during his pastorate in
Monticello, rehearsing with the men's choir of the Methodist
church of which Mr. Carson is a member. It was indeed fitting
that the members of the men's choir, assisted by Mr. Lazell
should sing the three numbers during the funeral services. The
members of the choir are Messrs. Harry Rodman, William Laude,
Cliff L. Main, William Corbin and Dr. George Meyer. Rev. Mitchell
spoke with much feeling and his message was one of solace to the
bereaved husband and other relatives. The floral offerings, a
symbol of love and friendship, were numerous. They bore evidence
of the high esteem in which the mother and daughter were held by
all. Burial was had, at Oakwood cemetery.
[contributed by Sandy, Jan. 2004]