STARR, George W. - M.D. - Putnam

The life of Dr. George W. STARR, a well known and highly honored druggist at Bainbridge, Putnam County has always led along a plain of high endeavor, always consistent with the truth in its higher forms and ever in keeping with honorable principles. He is the scion of sterling ancestors who did much in their day for the communities in which they lived, and Dr. Starr is a worhty descendant of his forbears. Thus for many reasons, not the least of which is the fact that he was one of the patriotic sons of the North who, when the tocsin of war sounded, left his comfortable heartstone and business to do what he could in saving the national Union, he is gladly given conspicuous representation in this work. Such a man is a credit to any community and his life forcibly illustrates what energy and consecutive endeavor can accomplish when directed and governed by sound principles. Dr. George W. Starr was born Jan 23, 1848 on his father's farm one and one-half mile northeast of Bainbridge. He is the son of John and Mary (Nethercutt) Starr, the father born Aug 30, 1818 and the mother March 6, 1816, the father in Preble County and mother in Union County, Ohio. Each family were pioneers and highly honored in their respective communities. John Starr received a good education and devoted his life to law, becoming an able and noted attorney in his day, having begun the practice of law in Putnam County Feb 13, 1845. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a truly useful and honorable man who took a delight in the progress of his community in all lines. The family of Mr. and Mrs. John Starr consisted of six children: William E; George W of this review; Martha A; James W; Moses Milton and Mary Alice. Dr. Starr received an excellent education in the home schools and, being ambitious to enter the medical profession, he began studying to that end, first entering the drug business in Bainbridge in 1870, bu ilding up a very satisfactory business which continued to increase from year to year. In point of resistance he is the oldest citizen in Bainbridge and he has done much for the town's advancement along all lines. Dr. Starr is a graduate of the Indiana Medical College and after fully equipping himself for this calling he practiced for a period of 3 year in Clay County Indiana then came to Putnam County. The Dr's military record is one of which he may well be proud. He enlisted in Co. I 115th Regiment Indian Vol. Inf in 1863 when only 15 years old and served 8 months. Then he enlisted in 18th Indiana Battery and served till the close of the war. He saw much active and trying service in Tenn, Alabama and Georgia was in the Atlanta campaign taking part in many severe battles and skimishes. Dr. Starr was married Oct 29, 1878 to Jennie McDONALD a native of Wisconsin the daughter of a highly respected family. This union results in the birth of one child, Fred M. Starr, a professor in Tri-State College, at Angola, Indiana. He was born Nov 21, 1879. After the death of the Dr's first wife, which occured June 1, 1881 he married Julia A. SPRINGER on July 19, 1887. She was the daughter of Riley and Susan SMITH Springer, a well known family, a history of which is given elsewhere in this volume. To them have come one child, Elizabeth Mable, born Oct 20, 1887. She is the wife of Roy M. EADS of Roachdale, Indiana. She is a graduate of DePauw University. Dr. Starr has been very successful from a financial standpoint, having managed his affairs well and laid by an ample competency for his declining years. He is the owner of large and valuable tracts of land which he looks after; however, he is now living pracdtically retired from active business. He has held all offices in Post No 463, GAR at Bainbridge of which he is now adjutant. He has won and retained the confidence and respect of the people of this community as a result of his exemplary life and he has hosts of warm friends throughout the county. Dr. and Mrs. Starr are me mbers of the Methodist Church and the Dr. is one of the trustees and superintendent of the Sunday School.