Pauline Estelle Starr

1905 – 1906

The story of Pauline Estelle is told by her siblings as much as is possible. Only one knew her in real life, but others grew up hearing her life’s story. Alice’s version is used when there are minor discrepancies in the story line.

P E

Pauline Estelle Starr was the fourth child and second daughter of Harry and Pauline (Rankin). Born 11 October 1905 she was last of the children of Harry and Pauline born in Sunnyside, Georgia. At the time her father helped manage the small grocery / trading store owned by her grandfather, Dr. John P. Starr. He was the one who helped deliver her, just as he had her three older siblings. Harry and Pauline lived in a house in the small village of Sunnyside, GA not far from Dr. John’s. Times were tough and had been for several years. Dr. John had previously purchased the store to better support his growing family. Paying the Doctor was low on every small town villager’s list of debts paid.

Sunnyside house Wm Estelle Harry Jr Alice
The house in Sunnyside where Harry and Pauline's first four children were born. L to R: William, Estelle, Harry Jr., Alice

Harry and Pauline wanted something different so a move to Calhoun, Georgia to be nearer her family seemed to be a wise one. However, Harry’s next job was a drummer – nickname for a door-to-door salesman. Pauline didn’t like Harry being away from home all week long and Harry began searching for another job. One that appeared right for him came along; we’re not so sure the required relocation was the best for his wife.

1906 Estelle Margaret Mamie Alice
Estelle with grandmother Margaret and aunts Mamie and Alice

JACK: Pauline’s brother, George, had moved to Arkansas earlier and it was decided to join him. They traveled by train to Arkansas, but Papa always said he walked the entire way. Their youngest child, Pauline Estelle, was ill when they left Georgia and Harry carried her in his arms while walking back and forth the length of the train.

Pullman car ca 1900

Traveling by Pullman Car at the turn of the century.

ALICE: We left Calhoun the first time in the spring if 1906. We came to Askansas first and lived at Cove a little while. We lost our little sister to an infected spider bite when we first moved to a saw mill set.

Cove depot

The depot at Cove, Arkansas

Pauline Estelle Starr, born October 11, 1905 and died September 20, 1906 near Cove, Arkansas, 11 months, 9 days old. Her grave site is unmarked. Reportedy in the 1980s older brother Harry Jr. said he could find the gravesite but he didn’t show it to others.