Person:John Starr (27)

[a15301.FTW]

Was the 5th son of William Starr

John Starr (IV) sold off a large portion of the manor estate in 1630. He also has the distinction of being the last Starr in the direct family line to retire in Beer. Unfortunately, he met his demise early during a plague outbreak in 1646. Localized outbreaks of bubonic plague could hit hard in one town, yet leave others untouched only a few miles away. Unlike the pandemic of 1348 which wiped out one third of Europe's population, this outbreak was much less pervasive. However, three-quarters of the population of Beer died in the bubonic plague. As there was insufficient space in the chapel graveyard for all the victims, those killed by the plague were buried in a field at Holyhead. In the village church there is a tablet which reads:

"John, the fifth son of William Starr, of Bere, gent., & Dorothy his wife, which died in the Plague, was here buried. 1646."

John Starr (IV) had at least one son by the name of John Cannan Starr. Whether to escape the devastation of the plague, or based on his status as a second son, he made his living in the army. In fact, he served as a Captain of Infantry in the Parliamentary army of Oliver Cromwell during England's Civil War. Cromwell's forces revolted and executed the King, setting up a purely parliamentary government headed by Cromwell which lasted until the Restoration. The Parliamentary army was the most elite fighting force of the time. Captain Starr's forces included imposing pikemen and deadly muskets of the flintlock design.

-Victor J. Starr

December 1998

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2} A15301.FTW.

   Date of Import: Jul 10, 2003