Charles C. Starr papers

The Charles C. Starr papers are a collection of eighty-nine documents dating between June 2, 1855 and July 1909. A majority of the collection is the correspondence between various members of the Starr family during the 1850s, 1860s and 1870s. While most of the letters are the incoming correspondence of Charles C. Starr, there are several other members of the family whose letters are included in this collection. A series of papers documents Elizabeth Starr's attempt to obtain an appeal for a pension through her invalid husband Charles.

The collection is of interest to researchers in a variety of disciplines, including women's studies, social and economic history, Civil War, treatment of minorities, life on the frontier, and agriculture.

A series of documents (1897-1909) details Elizabeth Starr's efforts to obtain a pension from the government, through her husband Civil War veteran Charles C. Starr, whom the government deemed to be an invalid and "insane."

Originating from many different members of the Starr family and its acquaintances, these letters provide details about each writer's daily life and activities.

Relates general information about recent events in the lives of her family, as well as Fremont-area births, deaths, and marriages.

Describes a recent episode in which Lizzie talked with an impressive gentleman at the depot in Oberlin, Ohio.

She discusses her plans and those of several friends and discusses her studying habits for school.

He waits for her return home from Margaretta, Ohio. He talks of the goings on. "Charles" was forced to take care of the house.

She writes of family developments, Margaretta-area deaths and funerals, and a political meeting she attended. The nature of the meeting was not discussed, as she had difficulty understanding the proceedings.

She complains of sickness and lack of correspondence.

S/he(?) needs companionship, especially since the "friend" has left Oberlin.

She tells of her recent visit to see her family. She gives an account of her music lessons at Oberlin, and her new roommate, Lizzie Edinger.

She tells about her schooling, asks for a visit and inquires about a recent trip to Brownsville.

Lizzie discusses the appointment of a woman to a superintendent position at an area school. Oberlin College is repeatedly mentioned. Lizzie encourages Libbie to join her in studies.

She discusses prospects for future schooling at Oberlin. The letter was written from her home, immediately after her departure from Oberlin.

"School duties" are the reason she hasn't written. She intends to spend the winter at home. General comments on family. The letter is water-stained.

She talks about several friends, discusses the past holiday, and mentions that she is home most of the time. Ellis, her husband, is a railroad worker and only home twice a week.

He tells her about a trip through Sandusky, "our folk's home," Clyde, Grafton, and Medina.

He writes about friends and the weather. He is concerned about a journey which Lizzie took by herself, and is disappointed to postpone a visit with her.

He writes about his search for employment. He traveled from Toledo to New Orleans, by the steamer Queen of the West from Cincinnati. Unable to find work, he continued up the Mississippi River on the steamboat Hannibal, and finally arrived in Columbus, Kentucky. He describes the town and his work and encounters with slaves.

General letter relating the goings-on in his life.

A journey to Toledo made by "Cousin Rus." The text lacks detail.

Contains an interesting account of one individual's activities over a period of twelve days. "Lizzie" was gone from Whitehouse, Ohio for at least two weeks.

He had only spent a short time in Columbus, Kentucky, but he journeyed to Leavenworth City, Kentucky in search of work. He discusses the possibility of going to Pike's Peak and the "gold mines." He doesn't expect to return home for two to three years.

She tells of her husband Charlie's departure for Pike's Peak with a group of men. He will be gone all summer while Sarah remains in Sheffield (Ohio). She also writes of relations with her brother and sister.

He describes his boarding house in Leavenworth City, Kentucky. He expects to leave for Pike's Peak around June 1, 1859. He comments on the rains and their effect on the dirt roads.

He remains in Leavenworth City. He expects to leave for Pike's Peak the following morning (July 7, 1859). The journey will cost thirty-five dollars. Solomon Collard will come along as a companion.

Nelly discusses family and friends and is considering a trip.

Applauding "Old Abe" at one point in this general letter, he speaks of his return from Buffalo and talks about family and friends.

He discusses his work on the railroad. He might return to school soon. Their mother lives with/near him. He is concerned that Lizzie has not written for some time.

She discusses family in military action. "Ben" is near the Missouri River building Fort Rice while "Uncle C" remains near Lawrence, Kansas. She is concerned because of raids on that city.

He discusses military progress of the Civil War, and he congratulates Charles for becoming regimental commander under General Hill. Hagerstown, Pennsylvania was occupied by the Rebels. He speculates about the Union's position at that stage of the war. He sends greetings to family and friends.

They are apparently staying at Willie's grandfather's home. The letter covers mostly miscellaneous personal business. There might be a need for another draft by the Union Army. His work keeps him busy.

She discusses events in the lives of family and friends. She complains of rheumatism. A local woman was taken to an "insane house."

The writer descibes Des Moines, Iowa weather, disease, poor-houses, and bachelors. Construction of her house is nearly complete. The back page is written by "J.B."

This letter covers personal and community affairs. She describes (with statistics) their sorghum production and apple sales. She describes the postwar lives of her immediate family.

Relates anecdotes about life. Many personal affairs are discussed.

She relays details her family's lives. Other topics include religious events, a trip to Ithaca, a "university band," and other experiences. "Rob" visited "Uncle Charley" in Lawrence, Kansas.

She relates information about family and friends, mentions trips to Ithaca and area events.

Agricultural matters; market prices for farm goods are lagging. She describes "Elijah's" farmland in Eldora [state not mentioned] and gives harvest figures for oats, wheat, and other goods.

Mr. Gillette discusses local agricultural matters and his work on the"Penn and Lodus Bay Railroad." Commenting briefly on the Civil War, he is concerned about "destruction of life and property in the Western states." Mrs. Gillette comments on family, mentioning Ella Starr's trip to Ithaca.

She mentions parties and other family gatherings. Several people are mentioned for the first time. The financial and agricultural affairs of "Lewy" are discussed at length.

Brief list of the birth dates and death dates of Charles' family. Hicks mentions "drawings" and "monuments" in reguard to this information. "Aunt" Thirza's recent visit with Charles, is discussed and her later trip to Iowa.

Hicks has arrived in New York stateand has seen "your mother and Ella." A trip to Ithaca is highlighted.

A general update of events that had occurred over the last five years, including business investment, numerous journeys, a wife, and a dead baby. He discusses his life in the West. The back page contains a paragraph from a "Mrs. Graham" and gives a brief and general note to "Kate".

Ella's references to God and religion dominate this letter, as she was recently baptized. She wants to share her joy with other family members, especially Sarah and Thirza.

This letter discusses the recent lives of Elijah, Ben, [Uncle] Charles, J.B., and Lews and mentions Ella's conversion. Old age has caused her to remain in Iowa.

Can Charles help "Uncle Smith," with his need for a job?

Ella details her teaching position, discusses their mother's health, the weather, and the spread of measles. She talks about visitors, including Samuel Hicks and "Sarah." She has attended a Baptist church service and a series of Methodist baptisms at a local creek. Finally, she speculates about family members and their spiritual lives.

She discusses the recent death of "Skinner." She mentions recent events and asks about family and friends.

She mentions correspondence with Philip Fetter, complains of poor health, and tells of her upcoming trip to Pennsylvania.

She tells about the recent trip of Charles' wife and two children from Ella's home back to their home in Toledo. Ella asks for information about the Starr family.

He tells about the death of "Fred's" child. Fred may be paying Charles C. Starr a visit.

She discusses her busy life, mentioning her attendance at church services, and the company she had brought home. She also talks about an upcoming picnic and their children, Lizzie and Katie.

She discusses family in Newfield, talks about her activities and complains of homesickness. She is concerned about his health.

Libbie is concerned about Charles' sickness. He might need to see a doctor. She discusses her activities and tries to persuade Charles to come to New York. She mentions several people.

She tries to persuade Charles to come to New York after his recent illness. She is willing to come home if he wishes. Libbie also mentions the activities of their daughters.

Several people and activities are mentioned, including a visit to "Sam's". Penmanship is difficult to read.

Wilson discusses Elizabeth (Fetter) Starr's childhood in Germany, including her birthplace and birthdate and the arrival of the Fetter family in the United States in 1844.

This letter seems to correlate with the correspondence dated September 28, 1873. The writer mentions various illnesses, visits, and other affairs of friends and family. Portions of this letter are difficult to read because of poor penmanship and paper deterioration.

This letter appears to correlate with the incoming correspondence to Libbie Fetter of September 28, 1873 and February 24, 1874. The letter discusses events including weddings, visits, etc.

This letter discusses the ancestry of Elizabeth (Fetter) Starr.

The writer thanks Libbie for her recent "kindness" and mentions washing and sleeping on Independence Day. Huckleberries are ripening and she asks about "Charlies's sore finger."

Inquires about a story. Enclosed are two poems,"The Text Upon My Wall" and "Once Before."

Inquires why she has not received a letter from Libbie. Otherwise, "we are all well in these parts."

Envelope only.

She discusses cold weather and the activities of Ella, Mr. Gillette, "Aunt Thirza," "little Libbie Gillette" and others.

Lizzie reminisces about their past in Oberlin. She is attending a new school, which she does not think is the equal of Oberlin. She mentions "Judd", "Addie", and "Carrie" and discusses her travels through Lockport.

She describes her mother's activities and looks forward to a visit from Lilla. She mentions Betty, the "old colored" chambermaid who "presides over the kitchen."

She is disappointed that he had cancelled a visit. Since Ella's school had just let out, they have not been able to make any "visits" yet. She plans trips to Ithaca and notes the activities of several people.

She discusses her return home from Toledo three weeks ago and her activities since then. She includes fascinating stories of many friends.

Recent activities of the Starr family, including Ella, Katie, Lizzie, and Mr. Gillette. Libbie talks of extended visits to Ithaca. She comments on her spending and finances and asks about things at home.

This letter correlates with the previous Nellie/Libbie correspondence (Not Dated). She discusses the activities of her friends and family.

She is concerned about his illness and hopes he can come to Newfield. She mentions her recent activities with Libbie and other events.

She tells a story about someone they know. Nellie notes the illnesses in the area. A note from "Ella" is included.

The weather is discussed. Nellie may attend a "preaching" that night. She has a problem with her eye. She discusses the activities of her friends and family and gives a brief description of an upcoming election and wishes she could vote.

Many people are mentioned. Mollie discusses a few details of her own life.

She mentions Ella's recent illness and her job taking care of her. Nellie discusses her activities as well as those of "Fred Burroughs" and "Henry."

Detailed letters describe recent activities of friends and family.

"...increase pension...issued in favor of Charles C. Starr (Insane) payable to Mrs. Elizabeth Starr." Fifty dollars per month beginning November 8, 1897. J.W. Morris, attorney.

Incomplete(?) form certifying Charles C. Starr as "invalid," March 4, 1898-June 4, 1898. A dollar value of $72 is noted; one of Starr's pension certificates was dated December 30, 1884.

For the burial of Charles C. Starr, specifying the location of the plot.

She should "apply for pension under the new law;" and describes the procedure. A short note is written on the back.

"Your application has been received and filed in the U.S. Pension bureau." She needs to sign the "Fee arrangements" and describes more formal procedures.

Postcard noting receipt of her pension claim and its number.

Advice to her regarding future steps in the pension process.

This is a form letter. A handwritten note from Seher on the back describes how to fill out affidavits that were enclosed.

Morris explains the twenty-five dollar fee for his work on Charles C. Starr's pension claim. A handwritten note from Morris on the back page discusses the new pension law.

Charles C. Starr is certified to be an invalid for the period from March 4, 1899-June 4, 1899 $150 noted. A "Deposition of Two Witnesses" is attached but not completed.

Incomplete "Application for Reimbursement" form certifies that Elizabeth Starr died on July 22, 1909 from a cardiac dropsy. Clara H. Gillard is listed as the attending physician.