Henry and Mary STARR, by Linda Sparks Starr with assistance from other researchers, summer 1997. According to tradition and family Bible entries written years after the fact, the narative of this family begins in Maryland with the 1752 birth of Henry STARR. If researchers are correct, the Wilkes Co. GA Henry Starr is the same person as Henry "Star" [Clements p. 193] or Henry "Storres" [Brumbaugh, p. 4] who appears on a 1778 militia list from that part of Maryland which now falls in Montgomery County near present day Washington D.C. This places him across the Potomac River from the PINKSTONs and CARROLLs who hook up with the STARRs in Georgia. Proof that the Wilkes Co. GA Henry Starr served in the Revolutionary War is found on the 1827 GA Lottery; his widow, then living in Morgan Co., won land in Lee Co. based on her marriage to a RW soldier. [Register] Some researchers have taken the above Maryland militia list and projected his service in Griffith's Flying Camp which saw battle in New Jersey during the conflict around New York City. However, archivists in the National Archives and Maryland State Archives failed to find proof of his actual service. Maryland officials required all able-bodied men between the ages of 16 and 50, not in service with the Continental Line, to enroll in the militia; however, an entire company was not called for duty at the same time. As a result, one person served two months of active duty, then returned home while other men took their turn. Therefore, it is impossible to say when or even where Henry was detailed. Tradition says Henry married Mary STEELE circa 1777 in Virginia. We have found no evidence which corroborates STEELE, but we do know her name was "Mary" from court records located in Wilkes Co., GA. [Deed Book UU, page 173; DB CCC p. 194] STEELE as her surname is based solely on the middle name for one of their sons. Again, family records and tradition suggest the eldest three sons were born in Maryland: Joshua (17 OCT 1778); John "Elijah" (1780) and Silas Henry (7 NOV 1782). Tradition here is born out, for even though one of Joshua's daughters [Sarah POYNER] told the 1880 census taker her father was born in South Carolina, Silas gave Maryland as his birthplace when asked by the census taker for Newton Co. in 1850. Moves from one area to another during the 18th century were usually undertaken in the fall, after harvest, but before winter storms set in. Therefore, we suspect the family moved from MD to GA fall 1783 (as reported in some undocumented accounts) or more likely fall 1784 as suggested by descendants of Joshua reporting his age at time of move. The move itself was not that difficult if they traveled by boat. Leaving one of many docks in the Baltimore, Annapolis or below the Great Falls of the Potomac area, they moved along the coastlines of Virginia and both Carolinas. At the city of Savannah, GA they probably transferred to a smaller craft for the final journey to Augusta or just beyond. From there, it was a short over land journey to the tallest hill in the rolling hills countryside along the waters of Kettle Creek and Little River in Wilkes Co. Here they began their new life on the GA frontier. Although Henry appears on Wilkes Co. tax records beginning in 1785, his first land grant isn't dated until 25 NOV 1788; [Book QQQ, p. 685] he sold this land the following year. [Deed Bk UU, p. 173] In 1791 he received a second land grant for the 350 acres where they had lived from the beginning. [WWW, p. 36] It was here, on the waters of Kettle Creek, where the rest of their children were born, beginning with Benjamin Franklin 29 JAN 1785. The only other child we have a birth date for is Samuel Steele -- 11 OCT 1794. Thus the birth order for Amelia, Asa D. and Caleb is not known. In fact, nothing more is known about Amelia and Caleb unless Amelia is the "Elizabeth" Starr who married William LUNSFORD 5 NOV 1812. [Davidson v.2, p. 345] This Elizabeth is too old to be a grandchild of Henry and Mary, but they (and their sons) are the only STARRs in Wilkes Co. in 1812. The STARR family has been linked with Methodism almost from the beginning of the movement in the colonies. According to Bishop Asbury the first Methodist meeting in America was on Sam's or Pipe Creek in Frederick County, MD in 1760. [Scharf, p. 551] The first six Methodist conferences in GA were held in Wilkes Co. The first conference (1788) was in the area that became Elbert County; the fourth (1791) was held at Scott's meeting house on Little River. [Warren, page 116-118] The location for the conference suggests a large contingent of Methodists in the area. Although Henry lived near Little River, he was actually closer to another meeting place. In 1783 a group of Presbyterians organized and built their first log meeting house one half mile from the site of the RW Battle of Kettle Creek. It was called "Liberty" for all orthodox denominations were allowed to meet there when the Presbyterians were not using it. This first log house was abandoned shortly after 1800 and a new building was constructed at the top of Starr's Hill under the name of Salem. This building was used until 1834 when the route of the old Greensboro Post Road was relocated. [Randall] Mary B. Warren adds a further nugget of information in her discussion of the history of Liberty Church: [They] "built another church on an elevated spot south of the battle ground at Kettle Creek, called Starr's Hill." [p. 185] Surely this hill is named for Henry and his family. Tradition says Joshua started the first Methodist church in GA; this is incorrect for he was too young; but he possibly was the one who initiated Methodist worship at the Salem Church building. Henry and sons Joshua and Benjamin were each entitled to two draws in the 1806 Lottery. [Davidson p. 324] Winners received 202 1/2 acres in Baldwin or Wilkinson Counties, GA. To be eligible for two draws, one had to be over 21, a resident of GA for three years and have a wife and/or children under 21. Henry won land in the northern part of Baldwin Co., in the area that became Morgan County in 1807. Henry probably made several trips between the two counties, clearing and planting fields and building shelter. It appears from Wilkes County records that Mary died before making the final move. Henry and Mary sold 53 acres to Benjamin 1 OCT 1813; [DB CCC p. 194] then Henry "only" sold 250 acres to sons Asa and Samuel 15 SEP 1814. [DB GGG, p. 121-2] Confirmation of her death comes early the next year when Henry took a second wife, Mary "Polly" MARTIN 11 JAN 1815. [Morgan Co. Marriage Records Book 1] Two years later Henry married a third time, and again to a "Mary" - Polly JENKINS 4 AUG 1817. [M-1, p. 180] Proof this is the same Henry Starr is the signature of witness G. W. JENKINS to his will dated 1 OCT 1818. Henry left Mary two slaves and a residence for life. The DAR uses this date for his death; however, Henry appears in Campbell's District on the 1820 census for Morgan County and his will wasn't probated until 7 MAY 1821. [Will Book, p. 89] Henry and his first wife, Mary, had eight known children: (1) Joshua b. 17 OCT 1778 [see following] (2) John "Elijah" b. 1780 MD appears in official records as Elijah only. He married Hannah TOWNSEND 15 APR 1805 in Greene Co. GA where they lived for several years. Elijah was appointed one of the executors of "brother" Asa's estate in Wilkes Co. [Davidson v.1 p. 99] Part of this involved the estate of Richard WATTS which also shows Elijah as guardian for two WATTS daughters; additionally he was paid by the WATTS estate for boarding two other children. [v.2 p.305] Elijah and Hannah moved to Habersham Co. before 22 FEB 1825, when the first known deed in his name was filed; however, they are listed among the pioneer settlers of that county, so may have arrived earlier. [Crain p.79] His will, dated 26 NOV 1836, probated in Habersham Co. MAR 1837, [Minutes & Wills Bk 4A, p.151] names wife Hannah and children: Amelia C., Elizabeth, Elijah and John H. (3) Silas Henry b. 7 NOV 1782 MD married 4 DEC 1806 the widow of John C. PINKSTON, Elizabeth (KAIN); she is believed to be the daughter of John CAIN /KAIN of South Carolina. She and John had two children, but only one was living at the time of her second marriage - Greenberry PINKSTON b. 8 AUG 1804 d. 28 MAR 1839. [See Shadrach PINKSTON following.] The STARR and EPPS families were the first to arrive in the area later called Starrville in honor of Silas H. Starr Sr., "a popular state legislator" according to GA PLACE NAMES. It is situated about six miles southeast of Covington in now Newton Co. Silas died 18 DEC 1857. According to his obituary printed in a Methodist Journal [Brinton] he was "Blessed with a fine constitution, and leading a temperate and virtuous life ... In all the relationships of life he was a model man. Although endowed with faculties, which by culture would have rendered him distinguished, he chose, in accordance with his unobtrusive nature to pass quietly through the world, serving his generation 'by the will of God.' He was conservative in his feelings, but firm in his disapprobation of all vice and error, whether in Church or State. As a citizen he was an ornament to the community in which he lived, and the influence that he exerted for good order, by his virtuous precept and pious example, will be felt for many days to come. He enjoyed the highest esteem and confidence of his neighbors, as well as of all who knew him ... In the vigor of manhood, he gave his heart to God and joined the M.E. Church. His christian career was widened as it advanced He was faithful in the discharge of his duties and punctual in his attendance upon all the ministrations of the sanctuary, until entirely disabled by disease. He was liberal in his support of the ministry, as well as of all the great enterprises of the church, and his house was the preacher's home. He lived the life of a christian and died 'the death of the righteous.'" Silas and Elizabeth's daughter Mary (1808-1845) married George W. LEAK who operated an early general stone in Starrville. One son died before the war, and the other two sons were killed in the war. After her death, George W. married her sister Elizabeth (1811-1886). They had two sons: John Kain and Silas Wesley. John was a "talented Methodist preacher and President of Andrew Female College at Cuthbert, GA. Silas W. married ?Veslons BORING; they moved to Panola Co. TX where he practiced medicine. [This per Brinton which differs from Crain.] Silas and Elizabeth's other children were: John Kain Starr (1809-1843) may be the John "W." partner with George Leak in the general store. [Newton p. 428]; Harriet Asemath (1814-1896) married Alfred M. RAMSEY; Silas Henry (1815-1894) m. Ann Jane DABNEY. He was a merchant and farmer before the war, but afterwards concentrated on farming [Brinton]; Eugenia C. (1817-1896) married William G. LEAK of Pike Co. GA [Brinton] or Milton LEAK [Crain]; Euphemia Crawford (1820- 1847); Emily (1821-1821); Lilly Barnett (1823-1897) m. Lemon M. BROWN. (4) Benjamin Franklin b. 29 JAN 1785 Wilkes Co. GA [see following] (5) Asa D. b. circa 1789 GA married Rhoda WATTS, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth (TOWNSEND). In 1814 he and "brother" Samuel purchased the remaining 250 acres homesite from Henry for $600. Asa died before 25 AUG 1817, the date his will was probated, leaving everything, including the final division of her father's estate, to his wife Rhoda and two minor sons, Samuel F. and Richard Capus; he also made provision for a possible third child. [Davidson v. 1, p 99] Asa's 144 acres of Henry's original tract was sold by the executors to Samuel Starr 15 SEP 1819 for $623. Earlier that year Samuel was appointed guardian of the orphan Richard C. Starr. Since Richard is the only child mentioned in guardian accounts, we conclude he was the only surviving child of Asa and Rhoda. [Davidson v.2 p. 294] Richard followed Samuel to Newton Co. for Samuel posted bond as guardian 17 NOV 1830. [Ibid] Richard b. 14 MAR 1816 m. 21 MAY 1837 Martha Jane EPPS in Newton Co. [Crain p.102] Depending on source, he either died during the war or in 1881. (6) Samuel Steele b. 11 OCT 1794 fought with the GA militia in the Creek War of 1814. [Crain p. 104] That fall he purchased half of his father's remaining land in Wilkes Co. He married 30 NOV 1815 Hannah MELEAR, daughter of Richard, and sister of Fenton, wife of Samuel's older brother Joshua. Although they purchased the other half of Henry's land from his brother's estate in 1819, they moved to then Walton Co. circa 1820 with his brother Silas. Samuel built a spacious14 room home in 1830 where he and Hannah raised their five known children. Hannah died 27 MAR 1856 and he married a second time; the name of this second wife is not known. Samuel died 19 AUG 1859 and is buried at Dover Cemetery in Newton Co. beside Hannah. Their children were: Mary Ann (1820-1844) m. Lemon M. BROWN; Martha Reid (1823-1844) m. Charles C. Shell; Amelia Hannah (1826-1848) m. Newton B. LEAK; Rebecca Hannah (1829-1905) m. Joseph Spencer STEWART; Samuel Henry Steele (1833-1863) m. Martha LEE. In 1834 the President of a church supported school in VA made a plea for financial support at the GA Methodist Conference; some countered with a plea to start a Methodist school in GA instead. The short-lived Manual Labor School located west of Covington was the immediate result. From this seed Emory College grew at what is now known as "Oxford Branch of Emory University". Named for Bishop John Emory, the college was chartered in 1836 and five faculty members, all "scholars, prominent in some field of study, and ministers" [Newton, p. 119] were hired by 1837. The campus was located on property adjacent Samuel's tract; he and Hannah later donated their residence to the college which turned it into a dormitory named Andrews Hall. [Crain p. 104] Samuel's will reflects his personality: "I want to be buried in just such a coffin as I got for your mother with the rocks that I have carried to the graveyard to cover the vault with. I want just such rocks on my grave ... To Steele in particular: I have left you Trustee for your stepmother in my Will, see to it she is taken care of during her life...Now my children, my last advice to you...I want you to be sound, religious, plain, old-time Methodists. And raise your families on that rule ... as the Word of God directs ... Be strictly honest, industrious and high-minded. ... Be certain to keep out of debt. Use economy; be domestic; don't live above your means ... In a word, Fear god and keep his commandments, for that is the whole duty of man ... Pray, don't have a fuss over what I have left behind, for you all to live comfortably on. For you know how I and your dear Mother ... felt bound to do our duty, and to leave an example behind, hoping that you would follow us as we did right ... Finally, children, Farewell. Live in peace, and may the God of love and peace be with you is my prayer for Christ's sake. Keep this in remembrance of your Father to the latest generations. And now, what I have said to my children and grand-children I say to my widow and don't do like most of the widows these days; but live to glorify God in your body and spirit, and be His, and he will be a husband to such widows. Oxford, Georgia, June 23, 1858. [Crain p. 104-5] (7) Amelia. (8) Caleb. SOURCES: Genealogical: THEY FOLLOWED the SUN: THE Story of James Penn STARR and Georgia THEUS: THEIR ANCESTORS and THEIR PROGENIES, compiled and Edited by Marguerite Starr Crain and Janell Turner Wenzel. Dallas Public Library DAR directory for state of Maryland, citing vol. 3 or 4 Chapters of DAR for Bible record. LDS Film #000362 of research of Francis D. Brinton. Additions and corrections to the above provided by various descendants too many to individually cite. Primary and Secondary: CHRONICLES OF WILKES COUNTY edited by Mary B. Warren. EARLY RECORDS OF GA: WILKES COUNTY, vol. I and II by Grace Gillam Davidson. HISTORY OF MARYLAND, vol. II by J. Thomas Scharf. HISTORY OF NEWTON COUNTY, GEORGIA, by Newton Co. Historical Society. MARYLAND MILITIA in the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, by S. Eugene Clements and F. Edward Wright. Newton Co. GA 1850 Federal Census, Hays Township, M432. Pages from Grants Book QQQ and Book WWW copied by GA Department of Archives and History. "Reprint of Official Register of Land Lottery of Georgia 1827", 37th Day's Drawings - April 18 REVOLUTIONARY RECORDS of MARYLAND, by Gaius Marcus Brumbaugh and Margaret Roberts Hodges, 1924. WILKES COUNTY CHURCHES, compiled and edited by Jo Randall. WILKES CO. GA DEED BOOKS A-VV: 1784-1806 by Michal Martin Farmer WILKES CO. GA TAX RECORDS; 1785-1806 in two volumes, by Frank Parker Hudson.