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 a 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 William Alfred STARR was born on  3 Mar 1844 in Little Eversden, South Cambridgeshire, England. He was the son of Samuel STARR and Sarah Ann nee PINK. He was married twice. First to Elizabeth Mary NUNN (1824-1873) on 26 Sep 1862 in Athelsone SA and then second to Grace HARRISON (1856-1909) on 28 Jun 1873 in Melrose SA. The couples had the following children, all born in South Australia.

First Marriage:
Phillis Ellen STARR born 1863
Octavia Ada Selina STARR born 1865
Alice Mary Eliza STARR born 1868

Second Marriage:
Edith Adelaide Harrison STARR b 1873
Florence Myra STARR born 1875
Stephen William Alfred STARR born 1877
Adelaide Ellen STARR born 1880
Albert Edwin Hamilton STARR born 1882