STARNES, Mary Edwards - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Mary Elvina Starnes, daughter of Isaac and Mary Vestal Edwards, was born on a farm near Bloomingdale, Parke County on Jan 9, 1844. Here she grew to womanhood, attending the Bloomingdale Academy, and qualifying as a teacher, which vocation she followed for a number of years. March 7, 1869, she was united in marriage to Charles Starnes, who preceded her to the better world on July 9, 1936. She and her husband began housekeeping near Wallace, Fountain County and shortly after they moved to Parke and after a short residence there they moved to Hillsboro, where they resided for almost 66 years. After the death of her husband she continued to reside on the old home farm with her daughter. She was a well preserved lady both in body and mind, and was seriously ill for only 10 days, during which time all was done for her that could be done to prolong her life, but she reached the end of life's journey at near 11:45 p.m. on Monday Jan 18th at the very ripe old age of 93 years and 9 days. She is survived and deeply mourned by her devoted daughter, Miss Effie Starnes who has been the loan companion of her mother all her life; two sons, Henry I. Starnes of near Waynetown and Lewis E. Starnes of near Hillsboro; four grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren; other relatives and many, many friends. A daughter, Miss Mittie passed away March 24, 1891. While residing in the Bloomingdale vicinity she affiliated with the Quaker church and later while residing in the vicinity of the United Brethren Church near her home, she, with her husband, united with that church..She has resided for more than three score years in the one home, and was known as a devoted wife and mother, a good neighbor and Chrisitan lady. Her life had been so lived that it has left an impression for good upon the members of her family, and all who have known her these many years. The world has been made better by her having lived in it, and may peace be unto her departed soul.