Stephen Starr – Grave Tales

SUDDEN DEATH OF A KALGOORLIE HOTELKEEPER.

At about half past 6 p.m. on Sunday Mr Stephen William Alfred Starr, the lessee of the new Federal Hotel, at the top end of Hannan street, died from a complication of the bowels. His decease was quite unexpected, for he first complained of being out of health a couple of days ago. Early on Saturday morning Dr O’Meehan was called in as Mr Starr had suddenly become gravely ill, but despite all attention the sufferer’s condition grew steadily worse till death released him from his pains on Sunday evening.

Photo Danelle Warnock

Mr Starr had only entered into possession of the Federal hotel here at the beginning of the month. Before coming to Kalgoorlie he had the Pier Hotel at Fremantle, and before that was in business as licensed victualler at Broken Hill NSW.  In every centre where he lived, Mr Starr made hosts of friends, and his decease will be mourned not only in Kalgoorlie but by people throughout these colonies. He was known as a thorough sportsman, and his genial, manly qualities won the sympathies of all with whom he came into contact. Several members of Mr Starr’s family are in Kalgoorlie. He was only aged 55yrs.

Kalgoorlie Miner 25 September 1899, page 4

Stephen W A STARR was born on  3 Mar 1844 Little Eversden, South Cambridgeshire District, Cambridgeshire, England. He was the son of Samuel STARR. he married Grace HARRISON (1856-1909) on 28 Jun 1873 at Melrose SA. The couple had the following children all born in South Australia.
Edith Adelaide b 1873 died age 6yrs
Florence Myra b 1875
Stephen William Alfred b 1877
Adelaide Ellen b 1880
Albert Edwin Hamilton b 1882