Polk County observer. (Monmouth, Polk County, Or.) 1888-1927, 1903-09-18
LAST SAD RITES
Funeral Of William J. Starr Was
Attended by Large Crowd Snn-
day Afternoon.


day Afternoon.
The funeral services over the re-
mains of the late William j. Starr
were held at the family residence in
this city Sunday afternoon at 900
o'clock. The exercises were brief, but
impressive, and were largely attend
ed, friends of the deceased young man
being present from all parts Of Polk
County. The services were conducted
by Rev. A. A. Winter, pastor Of the
United Evangelical Church. Over
100 members of Dallas Camp, No 2O9,
Woodmen of the World, OF which de-
ceased was a member, attended the
funeral in body.
At the close Of the services, the re-
mains we're taken to the Odd Fellows
cemetery for burial. The funeral pro
cession was one Of the largest ever
seen in Polk county, reaching to q
length of over half mile. The
cortege was headed by the Woodman
drill team In full uniform, underconl
mand of Capt. v. p. Fiske, and 100
members OF the order marching two
abreast. The pail bearers, Tracy
Staats, Oscar Hayter, Fred b. West,
Harry Seymour, ]. 9. Hayter and
Ralph Hill, marched at either side of
the heaese. Arriving at the cemetery,
the remains were gently laid to rest
according 70 the beautiful ritual Of
the order The floral offerings were
many and beautiful. Following the
custom Of the Woodmen of the World.
each member deposited a handful Of
flowers upon the casket, and when the
grave was filled the mound was com
pletely covered with handsome floral
pieces, among them being large
wreath from the Camp and pillow
from the members of Mistletoe Circle,
No SO, Women Of Woodcraft
William J. Starr, the youngest son
OF Mr.. and Mrs. J. P. Starr, was born
in McMinnville, Oregon, December 10,
1880. In the Spring OF 1884, the family
moved to Dallas, where they resided
one year. Then they moved to farm
near Falls City, where they made
their home until early in the Fall Of
1900, when they returned to Dallas.
Will was educated In the public
schools at Bridgeport and Falls City,
and in LaCreole Academy at Dallas.
He was bright student, and, after
completing his course Of study, found
no difficulty In obtaining a county
teachers certificate. He taught his
first term Of school in Upper Salt
Creek district, and afterwards had
charge of the school in North Dallas.
His last term was taught at Oak
Grove. He was remarkably success
full as a teacher, and gave excellent
satisfaction to the patrons OF each
district where he was employed. Early
in the present year, he edecided to learn
the printers trade, with the intention
Of becoming a newspaper man, and
had just completed his arrangements
to enter the mechanical department Of
the OBSERVER office for a three years
apprenticeship when overtaken by
his last Illness.
In his death, Dallas has lost one Of
it's best young men. He was manly
and upright in his every act, and was
respected by all who knew him. People
were attracted to him by his cheerful,
sunny disposition, and, appreciating
his qualities Of sterling manhood, be-
came his steadfast friends. He was
young man OF generoussimpulses, and
was never more happy than when he
found himself in a position where he
could do a kind act or grant some re-
quested favor. To the districts where
he taught school, he was loved by the
children and respected by the parents,
and here in his home town he enjoyed
the friendship and goodwill Of all
people, irrespective of class or age.
Besides his aged parents, he leaves
one sister, Miss Mamie Starr, and
three brothers, @. L. Starr, School
Superintendent of Polk County H. E.
Starr and Arthur Starr, of Falls City.