STARR.OBITS2 Obituary published in THE SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, Vol. 11, No. 40, March 10, 1848, page 160: Sister Frances M. Hightower died, Dec. 29th, 1847, in the 23d year of her age, at the residence of her father, Hope H., and F. C. Ogletree, in Fayette co, Ga. She has left two little children to be reared without a mother's love and care. To us short-sighted mortals, the Providence of God is mysterious indeed, but those who are best fitted to be useful on earth are precisely those who, being ripe for heaven, God often sees fit to remove from earth. Six months previous to the death of sister H. she was in good health and doubtless looked forward to a long and happy life, bur the messenger of death suddenly came and affixed his seal to his victim; all that a devoted father, mother, brothers, and sisters, friends and physicians, could do, was done, but in vain was the help of man. Sister H. embraced Christ, about 13 or 14 years since. From her conversion to the day of her death she was a devoted Christian, and consistent member of the M. E. Church. She was strongly and zealously attached to the doctrines of Methodism, and evinced this attachment by a godly walk and conversation. The flame of piety burned upon her heart with a steady and increasing brilliancy. She spoke of death with a calmness and serenity of spirit which can be witnessed in those only who are brought by faith in full view of heaven. She requested that the song "When I am gone," should be sung over her grave. She remained calm and cheerful to the last hour of her life; when her friends would come to her bedside she exhorted them all to live the life of the righteous, and meet her in heaven. One of her friends asked her a few moments before her departure, if her confidence was still strong, after her speech had failed her, but she gave a sign that all was well. A few moments before the spirit took its flight her husband asked her to give him a sign if all was still well with her; she raised both of her hands, and clasped them together as her last evidence that she was going home to rest in heaven. Obituary published in THE SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, Vol. 27, No. 24, June 16, 1864, page 2: Mrs. Mary L. Starr, wife of John H. Starr, was born on 15th April, 1814 in Clark County, Ga., and died in Spaulding co., Ga., on 14th March, 1864. Mine was a good mother, and it was a struggle to give her up. She embraced and professed religion and joined the M. E. Church in early life. From that time she had a firm and constant purpose to obtain the prize presented by faith in Christ, ever ready to help and encourage the young, by words of admonition, the old, by example, to do good and win souls to Christ. For many years she was a constant teacher in the Sabbath school and a member of the "General Bible Class." She taught her children to love this nursery of the Church. When my father was absent at the hour for family prayer, she would have his place filled by one of her boys, though young in years. She was an affectionate wife, a good mother and kind mistress. Her servants expressed to me, what a deep loss they had sustained. She passed through great affliction to a glorious perfection in Christ Jesus. For twelve long months she suffered and endured all the acute and agonizing pain of a very grievous cancer. But she counted this affliction light compared with the glory which should be revealed to her in Christ. She said to me at one time "I cannot now see the divine object of my deep affliction, yet I believe it is in mercy sent, and will be for the good of my family." In this faith she seemed to rejoice, counting it an honor to suffer for his name sake. In her last hour she was happy, and gave us dying testimony of her acceptance with God. All that seemed to trouble her at this time was the absence of her four sons in the army; but to us she left a rich legacy--God's blessings--with this word: "Tell my boys to meet me in a land of peace and love, where affliction and war will never enter, nor separate us." D. E. Starr Obituary published in THE SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, Vol. 20, No. 29, December 18, 1856, page 116 Joshua F. Starr, son of Rev. John W. Starr and Hannah Starr, of the Alabama Conference, died 25th Nov. 1856, of congestive chills. Though within only 12 miles of his parents at the time of his illness, so rapid did death do its work, that the spirit had fled before they reached him. He was a good child, kind to his mother, obedient to his father, affectionate to his younger brothers and sisters. He was the eldest son. Converted to God at the age of 14 years; joined the M. E. Church on the 15th August, 1841. His spirit, we humbly hope, is now united in immortal bliss with that of his dear wife who died on the 8th June, 1853, and his dear brother John, who went from Mobile to Heaven in shouts of triumph on the 20th day of September, 1853. His daughter of the tender age of 4 years still survives. New Orleans Christian Advocate please copy. Obituary published in THE SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, Vol. 17, No. 7, July 15, 1853, page 28 Died at Oak Bowery, Ala., June 8, Mrs. Adalia M. Starr, daughter of Jesse and Ann Faire of Talladega, Ala. Her pious parents brought her up in the fear of God. She improved by their instructions, --was converted at the age of 12, and joined the M. E. Church. She afterwards experienced seasons of spiritual languor but, never cast away her confidence in God. Her faith in Christ waxed stronger as death approached, and her end was one of the most peaceful I have ever witnessed. Her Father was with her when she died, and through him she sent pious messages to her mother, exhorting her to trust in God. She sung, in a heavenly manner, the hymn, "How Firm a Foundation, etc." She said when about to depart, "I have the clearest, fullest, assurance that I shall be saved." She has left a youthful husband, to whom she had been married about 18 months, and one sweet babe. J. W. Starr, Sr. Death notice published in THE SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE Vol. 27 No. 20, October 14, 1853, page 78 THE REV. J. W. STARR, JR. Mr. Editor,--I send you herewith a letter of the Rev. John W. Starr, Jr., who died of Yellow Fever in Mobile, Ala., September 20. It was finished, as you will perceive, just seven days before his death, having been begun on the 12th, the day before. It was sent by his father to Bro. Samuel Starr, of this place, who had been John's benefactor, and to whom he was much attached and reached here by the same mail that brought us the melancholy news of his death. The letter will speak for itself, and will, I think, justify the opinion of the fitness and propriety of its publication in your paper. Our departed brother graduated at Emory College at the Commencement of 1852, and shared at that time the first honor of his class. His improvement after he came among us was as rapid perhaps as that of any young man I ever knew. He as a thorough scholar, and was distinguished both as a writer and speaker. His deportment was specially dignified and manly. His piety was uniform and exemplary, and in all respects I may safely say he commanded the respect of all with whom he mingled. I distinctly remember the mighty struggle which he experienced during he last term he was with us in reference to his call to the Ministry, and in the several conversations which he sought with me on that subject, I could but notice with admiration his enlarged and enlightened views, and the evident manifestation of a heroic purpose to assume the full measure of christian responsibility. Few young men have left us, in regard to whom more confident anticipations were indulged of a successful career of honorable fame and distinguished usefulness. But how soon has that career terminated. The providence, though mysterious, is yet just. Resignation becomes us. Though dead he yet lives. He lives in heaven. He lives on earth, in the hearts of those his virtues had won, and in the bright example he has left us, of unfaltering trust and courageous devotion to duty. "He died at his post." William J. Sasnett Oxford, Ga., Oct. 4, 1853 Obituary published in THE SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, Vol. 18 No. 17, August 15, 1854, 48 Mrs. Elizabeth P., consort of Rev. W. D. Starr, and daughter of Joshua and Ann Elder, was born August 24, 1822, joined the M. E. Church almost in childhood, was happily converted in her fifteenth year, under the labors of Rev. W. D. Matthews, and in her sixteenth year was married to our now bereaved brother Starr. She led a quiet, unobtrusive, Christian life, and was for years much attached to class-meetings, and a devoted Sabbath school teacher. About the middle of July she was taken sick, and suffered for two weeks without murmur or complaint, expressing constant resignation to the divine will, and on the first day of August, calmly and peacefully fell asleep in Jesus. She was followed in a few days by a babe ten or twelve days old. She left an affectionate husband, six children and many relations to mourn her loss; but they look forward to a blessed reunion in heaven. J. C. Simmons Obituary published in THE SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE Vol. 36 No. 49, December 10, 1873, page 196 Sister Rebecca Ann Irby, daughter of Wm. J. and Martha H. Sappington, was born February 24, 1833, was married to James H. Irby April 29th, 1863, and died in Troup County, Ga., Nov. 4, 1873. Sister Irby was blessed with pious parents, who trained her up in the way she should go, and ere she had reached her thirteenth year, while at home alone, in an outhouse, engaged in fervent prayer, she was soundly converted to God, and made happy in his love. She immediately joined the M. E. Church, South, and from that time to the end of her natural life, she maintained a uniform, consistent Christian character. It is said by those who knew her best, that she was a woman of decision of character, an everyday Christian, a bright luminary of the domestic and social circle, a true, loving, and devoted wife and mother. These formed a nucleus around which clustered and shone many noble virtues. Modesty, meekness, fortitude, industry, economy, order, promptness, self-sacrifice, strong friendship for God's ministers, and devotion to His cause. Her death was sudden and unexpected. She retired at night in usual health, rested well until about half-past three in the morning, when she awoke and spoke to her husband about the baby, and seemed to be still well, but in a minute or two after this her husband noticed that she breathed strangely, shook, and called her, but she did not answer. He sprang from the bed and lit the candle, and found, to his great astonishment and sorrow, that she was dead. She had no time to say farewell, or even to give a parting look to her husband, her three little children, and her aged parents, who hastened to her bedside. But she was doubtless ready, and fell asleep in Jesus. D. D. Cox Obituary published in THE SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE Vol. 15 No. 9, August 1, 1851, page 36 Died, in Troup co., Ga., on the 4th of July, Miss Mary E. P. Sappington, daughter of William and Martha H. Sappington, in the 16th year of her age. She joined the M. E. Church several years ago. The teachings and example of her most excellent parents impressed her heart with the obligations of early piety. Her young spirit was baptized with the tears and prayers of domestic love. During her illness she frequently spoke of dying, with as much composure as she would of visiting a friend. She distributed her little articles among her friends. She kept her Bible on the bed near her, and read it as long as life continued. The Sabbath before she died, she sang a verse of that plaintive song, "Shed not a tear o'er your friend's early bier." She sweetly fell asleep in Jesus. Her end was most tranquil. She expired without a struggle. I attended her funeral; many, many were there. Everyone loved Mary; she had no enemies. Her corpse was beautiful; an angelic smile was on her pale face. I improved that mournful and weeping occasion with the text, "there shall be no night there." We were all bathed in tears. I shall never forget the parting. This world has no solace for that hour. The good parents, sisters, brothers--all drew near Mary, kissed her pale cheek--said farewell. The coffin was closed: we went to the tomb. I heard that dear heart broken mother exclaim--"How can I give her up:" "God help me." Mary was laid by the side of loved ones. Mother and Father will soon sleep near hear. We shall all meet above. J. P. Duncan Tribute to Mary P. Sappington published in THE SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE Vol. 16 No. 15 September 10, 1852, page 60 Mary P. Sappington died 4th July, 1851; she was the elder sister of the one whose memoir accompanies this tribute. Having been the child of pious parents, she became the subject of converting grace, in early life, joined the M. E. Church, in which she lived a consistent member until death. Mary was a pupil of mine in 1849, and was orderly and punctual in all her duties. It was also my privilege to be her Sabbath School teacher. Mary loved her Bible, loved Sabbath School, every lesson seemed to fill her mind with new delight; and the many examinations she passed in the Scriptures, hers was a progressive development. Her delight was holy themes, as if, even then, she had more to do with heaven than earth. Of gentle and retiring manners, quiet and thoughtful temperament, with a mild and affectionate disposition, she moved quietly and beautifully in the path of duty. At school she was remarkable for her close application to study, and rapid improvement. Never satisfied with a middle rank, she strove to be first in her class, but in that kind and unassuming manner that gained the love and esteem of her classmates. Strict in observance of every rule, beloved, for her sweet temper, by all, she never became the subject of reproof by her teacher. Farewell sweet and gentle Mary,--thy parents and friends will keep they memory green in their hearts. May thine influence long be felt by thy young associates, and so shape and mould their characters that its reflex power will be felt for years to come. E. M. Whitby Obituary published in THE SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE Vol. 36 No. 0, February 26, 1873, page 32 James W. Sappington was born in Wilkes Co., Ga., July 22d, 1828, and died in Edgewood, Ga., December 31st, 1872. Brother Sappington was a man of generous impulses and fervent piety. When I first knew him--ten years ago--he was an official and influential member of St. Paul's Church, Columbus, Georgia. Failing in business there--an event which happens even to good men--he removed to Atlanta and in 1870 settled in Edgewood, and at once united with the brethren there in the erection and organization of a church. Here, \because of his devotion to the kingdom of Christ, he was called to official positions as trustee and steward, the duties of which he discharged with his accustomed fidelity and success. Broken down in fortune, embarrassed, and sometimes greatly depressed in \spirit, "he thanked God that his religion and the hope of heaven was left him as certain and comforting possessions." Added to these seeming misfortunes, he soon lost his health, and yet could and did say, "the Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord." He was confined to his house and bed the greater part of the past year. His sufferings at times were great, all of which he bore uncomplainingly. In December he grew seriously ill, finally the presentiment came that his end was nigh. I was summoned to his bedside. He could not speak above a whisper, but was calm and hopeful, yet not satisfied. He wanted to feel victorious. While listening to the recital of numerous "exceeding great and precious promises," his faith embraced and appropriated them. His resignation changed into triumph, his faith shone with a heavenly radiance, the power of articulation returned, and he rejoiced and glorified God as he had never done before. In this triumphant frame he continued until the close. Just before death he gave minute directions relative to his burial and family affairs, sent messages to many friends, said his work was done, and straightening himself in bed and placing his hands, he fell asleep in Jesus. G. H. Pattello Obituary published in THE SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE Vol. 20 No. 4, March 1, 1857, page 164 Wm. Sanford Sappington, son of Wm. J. and Martha H. Sappington, was born in Wilkes co., Ga, Nov. 23rd, 1830, and died, at his father's residence in Troup co., Ga., Jan. 3rd, 1857. In the 15th year of his age, he made a profession of religion, and joined the M. E. Church, and his life since has proved to all that he possessed what he professed. In all the temptations to which young men in business are exposed, he maintained a most consistent Christian character. Though in the prime of life, he was loved as a good man and honored as a useful citizen. The approach of death created no more alarm with him than the coming of evening. He made all the arrangements for his burial and funeral service with the same composure he would attend to his business. His life was an exemplification of the christian religion and his death the triumph of the christian faith. W. G. C. Obituary published in THE SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE Vol. 26 No. 56 February 5, 1863, page 24 John E. Sappington of Troup co., Ga., died of pneumonia in one of the hospitals in Richmond, Va., in his 21st year. He was a soldier--a member of Co. K 13th Reg. Ga. Vols.... He enlisted in July 1861, was in the campaign in N. W. Va., of that year, from thence he went to Savannah, Ga., and in June 1863 returned to Va. He fought through the battles of Cotton Hill, Richmond, and Fredericksburg escaping the missiles of the foe, to die by the hand of his ____ in a ____________ hospital. He was a good soldier, deporting himself most nobly both in camp and on the field of battle. From early childhood he was a consistent and exemplary member of the M. E. Church. Religion and his Bible were his constant companions in camp, and his support in battle. His Bible bears unmistakable evidence of being much used. He said to his mother "If I die, or fall in battle, weep not for me, all will be well with me." A noble youth has fallen. R. W. Dixon Obituary published in THE SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE Vol. 16 No. 15, September 10, 1852, page 60 Died in Troup Co., Ga., August 6, Miss Caroline C., daughter of Wm. and M. Sappington, aged 12 years, 2 months, and 19 days. She was the daughter of pious parents, and the subject of very early religious impressions. In her twelfth year she joined the M. E. Church, and though young, lived a consistent member. She died of typhoid fever, and gave every evidence that could be desired, of her acceptance with God. I visited her a few hours before her death, and found her suffering great pain of body, but enjoying strong and abiding confidence in God. I asked her if she was willing to die?--she said, "yes, yes." "Don’t you think you will be happy after death," With great confidence she said, "I know it." In this strong assurance, this youthful Christian's sun went down to rise in a glorious immortality. T. H. Whitby Obituary published in THE SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE Vol. 36 No. 0, April 30, 1873, page 68 Mrs. Lettia F. Starr, wife of Samuel T. Starr, was born in Pickens District, SC, June 11, 1817, and died in Tallapoosa County, Ala., January 17, 1873. She was for many years a consistent member of the Methodist E. Church, South. She exemplified in her life the truth of the Christian religion, and proved herself equal to the responsibilities of life filling its relations with honor to herself, and pleasure to others. Her afflictions, though severe, were borne with Christian patience. Her death was triumphant. She died in her right mind, calling her children around her, and giving them her parting blessing with the dying request “Meet me in heaven." No darkness upon her soul; all was light. No night shall be in heaven, nor gathering gloom, not tears of sadness. This she seemed to realize even before she left this world. J. R. Duprey Obituary published in THE SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE Vol. 27 No. 27, July 7, 1864, page 2 Mrs. Carrie A. Sappington, a member of St. Paul's Church, Columbus, Ga., died in holy triumph May 17th, 1864, aged 34 years and 6 months. She was the daughter of Rev. I. N. Craven, of the Georgia Conference, and from infancy had been taught the way of holiness. In early youth, she joined the Church, and to her latest hour illustrated the excellence and glory of religion by her pure and gentle spirit--by her consecration and devotion to Christ and His cause--by the witnessing Spirit which she had both living and dying. Her disease was consumption, which for two years progressed slowly but steadily to its fatal termination. During this protracted and oftentimes agonizing confinement her spirit was ponderfully beautiful, and her triumph most thorough and complete. And it is proper now to record to the praise of God's grace, this rare instance of a dying saint, uplifted high over doubts and fears, and life and death, and borne triumphantly to the reward of the just. In the first full realization that she must die, she trembled and shrank; but it was only momentary. Grace triumphed over her fears, and for long months during which death steadily approached she beheld him without alarm, and shouted defiance at his power. She was a wife and a mother, and the prospect of leaving three helpless children to the chances of life was, for a time, a most consuming grief. But, here again, grace triumphed over her maternal yearnings, and she was enable to commit her family to God's keeping, with the calmness and confidence of one taking a journey. But the greatest of all, was her victory over herself. She suffered long and much, and at times her distress was torturing, Yet, she bore all with the most unmurmuring submission. She was a monument of patience and resignation. And at last, having endured all and triumphed over all, leaving the clearest and fullest testimony of her readiness, she passed peacefully to the fruition of heaven. K Obituary published in THE SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE Vol. 41 No. 21, May 28, 1878, page 84 "Mrs. Alice E. Starr, daughter of William Griffin, Sen., was born in Spalding County, Ga., on the 7th of January 1853 and died in Orange County, Fla., on the 25th of March 1878. She was married in 1875 to Dr. J. P. Starr, at which time she was a model of personal beauty and seemingly picture of health: three short years having faded and completely destroyed this flower, than which few were more graceful and fair. In perfect keeping with her other accomplishments, was the priceless gem of religious character that constituted her chief adornment, She joined the M.E. Church, South at Old County Line church when very young, and from that time until her death, her deportment as a Christian was consistent and commendable. Nor could it have been otherwise, if parental influences avails anything in molding character and giving shape to moral destiny. No one ever had a better mother; nor did her father exert a negative influence. The history of this family for the past two years is one of sad, continual bereavement. First of all, Miss Bettie G. Griffin, one of the purest and best of Christians, after a brief life of singular consecration and piety, died in unmistakable triumph of a holy faith. She was soon followed by her sister Addie, who has also doubtless entered upon her heavenly inheritance. Ere Miss Addie had passed way, she, her mother, and Mrs. Starr--the subject of this sketch--were all prostrate with diseases in the same apartment, thus giving a pleasant home more the appearance of a hospital than of a private residence. After the mother had seen two of her daughters, in rapid succession, snatched away by death, she herself, in the early part of the present year, joined the happy throng that had passed through great tribulation and now rests from all the weary burdens of this transient life. Mrs. Starr, after the death of her mother and two sisters, went to Florida, that she might receive benefit from that climate, but, after remaining there a few months, her protracted sickness culminated in death. No one but our heavenly Father can tell how deep and pungent were the terrible soul agonies of his dear sister, as she, for the first time in life, left (and forever) the scenes of her childhood to seek with fluctuating and uncertain hopes a return of health in a strange land. The death scene of her two sisters and mother was doubtless vividly and continually present in mind, the vague hopes of living for the sake of her husband and child--to whom she was devotedly attached--was only conceived to be as quickly dashed at the certain prospect of speedy death. Yet, all her afflictions were her Lord's chastenings, and as such she endured them with a meek and uncomplaining spirit. Her life was brief and checkered--her death was victorious and happy. May her bereaved husband so live and train up their child--little Harry-- that all my meet again in heaven. A Friend Obituary published in THE SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE Vol. 15 No. 43, March 29, 1852, page 172 Died, in Tallapoosa co., Ala., on 4th March at the residence of her friend, Dr. A. Kimball, Miss Martha Starr, in the 19th year of her age, of typhoid fever. She was the second daughter of the late Rev. James R. Starr, of the M. E. Church, of which she, too, was a highly esteemed member. Although deprived, at a very early age, of paternal moral and religious instruction, yet providence had reserved to her a kind mother, whose energy, good sense, and pious example gave that direction to her future character, which has proved a consolation to her friends and a gratification to her family. It was consoling to her numerous friends that she died in the full enjoyment of her mental faculties, and in the full fruition of hope and confidence in her Redeemer, declaring her readiness to meet her father in heaven, according to his dying request. She was the first to answer that prayer and may we hope that neither brother nor sister will falter, but each, like herself, die in the faith of Jesus, and in the hope of eternal life. A Friend Death notice published in THE SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE Vol. 31 No. 46, November 13, 1868, page 183 Sept. 26th, Lily Dell, an interesting daughter and only child of Mr. David E. and Mrs. Amelia A. Starr, of Clayton co., Ga., aged two years and twenty days.