Starr, Richard, 1799-1885

Richard Starr was the fourth son of Joseph and Joanna (Starr) Starr. He was their seventh child and was born on 28 April 1799 at Foster’s Farm, his parents’ rented property at Cornwallis, Kings County, NS. He was educated at the common schools and later attended a private school operated by Rev. Robert Norris, the rector of the Church of St. John’s, Cornwallis. In 1829 Starr married Tamar Troop of Bridgetown, NS, born 14 April 1804. They had nine children. For many years Richard ran the family farm with his brother Charles. In 1842 Charles sold his portion of the farm and moved to Illinois. Richard continued to operate the farm and rented out Charles’ portion. Richard was the founder of Willow Bank farm, a property that he purchased on 1868. He and his sons Robert and Charles turned the farm into a successful apple orchard. Aside from farming, he held numerous public appointments. Starr died at his home in 1885.