Person:Cristella Johnson (1)

CHRISTELLA JOHNSON STARR (1884-1905)

Our limited knowledge of 'Chrissie' is found in excerpts from two newspaper clippings that Lee kept:

(1902) "A very pleasant wedding took place at the home of Mr. & Mrs, Nathan Johnson. The parlors were trimmed with evergreen and flowers; the pianist rendered the wedding march with grace and charm while the bridal procession entered the parlor. The ceremony was impressively read while the bridal couple plighted their faith beneath an arch of evergreens decorated with white flowers.

The bride and groom were pronounced man and wife and introduced to the company as Mr. and Mrs. Starr. Most hearty congratulations were given, mingled with many smiles and a few tears. After the greetings, the guests were invited to the dining hall where a generous array of delicious refreshments were spread. The ;est of the particpation was proof of the appreciation.

Of course, wedding stories had to be told and wit liberated. In spite of this jollity a cloud seemed to be gathering over the company. Upon entering the parlors it was found that a rice storm was gathering. This burst so suddenly upon the innocent couple, that for awhile the Starrs were obscured. After the rice was well sifted in and shaken down, the cheerfulness of the company was restored and the Starrs came out again. An array of useful and beautiful gifts was left by the guests in token of their esteem.

The next morning at the departure, owing to the unsteady condition of the roads, the carriage was ballasted with old shoes tied with cotton streamers to keep it steady. After visiting friends and relatives, they will enter domestic life in their home at Maple Grove."

(1905) "Cbrissie Johnson died at the home of her father. She was about 21 years of age. She leaves to mourn her loss, a husband, a two-year old son, Clifford, her parents, a brother and sister and grandmother, who have the sympathy of many friends. She was a member of the Methodist church in Morris. The funeral was held at the home of her parents, and interment is in Hillington cemetery.

About one year ago she took cold which developed into that dread disease, consumption. The dear woman was a patient sufferer, and while everything was done that kind hands and loving hearts could do for the patient was done by the devoted husband and friends, the disease could not be controlled.

Three years ago last March she was married to Lee H. Starr and resided at the home of his father until a few months ago, when she went to her parent's home and remained there until her death.

On last Saturday morning she said, 'Mama, please give me my bible'. After taking the dear old book, she read some sweet promises and then turned to her father and said, 'Papa, sing something'. This he did, and the dear girl looked up and smiled and said, 'I am now ready to go'. He whom she had learned to love came and carried her to occupy the mansion prepared for her in heaven."