From a newspaper clipping 1973
"Brooke County Historical Facts"
Richard Starr was born in 1794 in Virginia, son of John and Mary Sharp Starr. Richard married Mary Young daughter of John G and Mary Greathouse Young on June 13, 1816 in Columbiana County, Ohio They were married by Clement Vallindingham.
Mr. Starr was a very prominent man in the early days of Brooke county, not only a man of high standing in the religious life of the community but also a leader in business. He served as a Trustee of the Christian Church in Wellsburg and as such was closely associated with Bishop Alexander Campbell.
The river trade was a thriving business in those days and he operated the Ferry Boat between Ohio and West Virginia, as well as being a successful merchant in the flatboat trading down the river, he also bought and sold a bit of real estate and it appears that he was man of much wealth.
When describing him, a friend said “ a leader, kind, gentle and yet firm”.
Three children were born to Richard and Mary Starr - John 1822 who died before 1867, Oprelia D., born in 1830 died 1901; and Campbell born in 1839. John Starr married Mary Marks, daughter of Samuel and Caroline Hartley Marks
Mary Young Starr who was born in 1794 in Brooke county, died October 30, 1856 and was buried in the New Cumberland Cemetery. After her death , Richard married a widow, Mary Vance, on Sept 30. 1857.
Richard Starr died Jan 8. 1869and is buried in the New Cumberland cemetery.
Brooke County Genealogy