** Bill Cunningham's notes:
The following is from Hardesty's Presidents, Soldiers, Statesmen, published
1898: " John T. Starkey....The subject of this sketch was born in
Smithfield, W.Va., March 30, 1840, and was a son of Samuel and Rebecca
(Edgell) Starkey, both of whom have gone to their reward. His wife, to
whom he was married in his native place December, 1858, bore the maiden
name of Elizabeth Barker. She was born Jan. 2, 1843, and was a daughter
of Joseph and Sarah (Shrieves) Barker, also deceased. Of this union
were born the following children: Alphus, Louisa J., Sarah A., John A.
(dec.), Charlotte, David S. William, Samuel, Laurina (dec.), James A.,
and Samuel. Comrade Starkey underwent the hardships and privations of a
soldier's life when the country was in peril and was a brave and true
defender of his country. He was enrolled in the spring of 1861 at the
age of 21 years as Corp. in Co. B, Indpt. W.Va. V.I. March 21, 1864, he
was honorably discharged at Wheeling, W.Va., to re-enlist as a veteran
in Co. D, 7th W.Va. In May, 1864, at the battle of Wilderness, he was
wounded by piece of shell in head. He was treated for same in hospital
at Washington; when able he was granted a sick furlough of thirty days,
reporting to Richmond, VA, at expiration of time. He took part in the
Wilderness, besides considerable scouting, skirmishing, guard and
garrison duty. Upon the close of the war he was honorably discharged at
Washington, D.C., June 15, 1865. He had three brothers who served under
the old flag: Samuel in Co., B, Indpt. W.Va., and died in this country
of diseases contracted in service. Comrade Starkey is a member of
Lockwood Post., No. 121; he is a disable and retired soldier and his
address is Smithfield, W.Va. In 1900 he lived in Grant Dist., Wetzel
Co., WV.