Weekly Trinity journal., 1875-12-18
JAMEES S'rAREk.

On the 18th of October last, in New
York City, after Il lingering illness,
James Stark, one of the pioneer actors of
the Pacific Coast, broathed his last. For
several years he has been afflicted with
paralysis, but until n year before his de-
mise he became sufficiently recovered to
play minor characters in Edwin Booths
dramatic company. But ever since tho
paralytic stroke, which overlook him Mt
! Virginia City, Nevada, his mind rs we'll
as his body was enleebled, and it was
mainly through the generosity Of brother
members of the profession that he was
enabled to provide himself with the bare
neccssaries of life.
Stark crossed the plains shortly after
the discovery OF gold, in company with
Harry Coad, an actor Mt present attached
TO the California Thcater, San Francisco.
He had then attained considerable emf
nence in his profession, having on one
occasion in Cincinnati, fairly divided the
honors with Edwin Forrest. Shortly at-
ter his arrival in San Francisco he mar
ried Mrs. Kirby, an actress, tho widow
of that Bowery favoritc, whose acting
the gods so delighted to witness, and who
rendered the death scene in Orchard "
so effectively that the aforesaid gods would
attend night after night, going TO sleep
during the four acts with an earnest re-
quest from each, "Wake me up when
Kirby dies"
From 1850 to 1852, Stark had the man
agement of the Eagle and Tehoma thea
| tors in Sacramento. Mrs. Stark was II
good actress rs we'll as nm excellent bu,i-
ness manager, and her husbands success
in early times is due largely to her valu-
able assistance and counsel. The reports
that she was drawback are declared by
those who know whereof they speak to
be devoid Of one grain Of truth. After
the destruction of ;hc Tehnmn thcntcr in
1882, Stark played most successful star
engagement in San Ftaucieco, and was
considered an actor of unusual promise.
He afterwards visited Australia in COM
pany with his wife, whore he mot with
great success, financially and otherwise
Shortly after his return 10 California;, in
1897, he removed TO San Jo.c where ho
constructed the old San Jose Thcalcr, ON
First street, at present used lay W. II.
Adcll rs IL carriage shop. lie built and
occupied the house now owned by S. O.
lloughton, ON Julian street, From 1857
to 1862 lac lived in San Jose md run tho
thoater with varying success. He was n
great tavorito with the thealcr-goiug pub
lie. We have before us II bill which will
bring up pleasant recollection, TO those
who lived in San Jose at that time 1t
is printed on salmon-colorod .Htn, and
tho imprint on the bottom tolls TINT it
was printed by &C. l.. Yates, Clipper
! Press establishment, Suntn Clula Street"
1t bears date November ID, 1850. Tho
programme contains the tender of ncom-
plmentory benefit to Mrs. NelIic Brown.
Shortly after Stark gave up the man
ngoment Of the San Jose theatcr he OBJ
tanned divorce from his wife, and from
that time his il-success began. He lost
his money in unfortunate mining -pccu-
lations and again took to the stage. In
1868, on the eve Of nm engagement, he
was stricken with paralysis in Virginia
City. His first wife never lost her attach
inert for him. Tier purse was always
open for the relief OF his suneriugs during
the later years Of his life, this benevo-
ence dating nearly from tho rupture OF
their marital relations. Lite's iitiul
dream is oor no sleeps at last. ."--.San
JOSo MercHIY.