Asahel Stark was born before 1755, probably in Groton, New London County, Connecticut¹ and was the son of Christopher Stark, Jr. and Susannah Price. He was recorded as “Azell” in 1759 on the Beekman Patent lease in Dutchess County, New York with his father and brother. This particular lease was located near present day Pawling, New York.² Several military records from the Revolutionary War reveal Asahel served with Christopher Stark, John Stark and William Stark in the 14th Militia Regiment of Albany County, New York commanded by Colonel John Van Rensselaer and Colonel Peter Yates. These documents reveal the State of New York paid those who served in the war from 1777 to 1782 by issuing Certificates of Indebtedness in 1784. On February 28, 1785, William Stark was granted permission by Susanna Stark to pick up the military wages due to Christopher Starks for duty in Colonel John Van Rensselaer's Regiment of Militia, this note attested to in St. Coyek. On August 20, 1785, William Stark was granted permission to pick up the military wages of Asahel Stark for his service in the same regiment. On January 11, 1786, from St. Coyek, William Stark was given permission to pick up the pay of Christopher Stark on behalf of Susanna Stark from Colonel John Van Rensselaer. These military records would imply these three men were related and it can be speculated Christopher Stark was the Father of Ashel and William who was most likely deceased by February of 1785.³

Records on file for Asahel spell his given name as Ashel, Asahel, Azell, and Ashael. Because of these different spellings of his name, the correct version is not known with certainty. Asahel could not sign his name and he probably didn't know how it was spelled while those recording documents for Asahel probably spelled his name as it sounded to them. To provide some clarity to the text that will fellow, the given name Asahel has been chosen while any original document will use the spelling found in that document.

It is believed Asahel married Sarah Dark in this region about or before 1776, based on the probable birth years of her first children. They would have children named Jasper, William, John R., Daniel R., Mary "Polly", Samuel, Christopher, Sarah Marie, Asa, Archibald, and Desire. All were named in Asahel's will in 1821 accept for Jasper and Daniel R. Stark.⁴

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On July 12, 1758, Robert Millard of Beekman sold to Christopher Starks, formerly of Groton, County of New London, Colony of Connecticut in New England, yeoman, now of Dutchess County, 150 acres beginning on the line of lots 3 and 4, SW corner of Ralph Woolman, deceased. The property was bordered on the north by the mountain called Purgatory. Witnesses were Charity Baker and Henry Cary who also sold the Beekman Lease to another Christopher Stark May 1, 1759. Henry was also the father of Elizabeth Cary who married Christopher Stark, Sr.'s son, James, in 1758. The above property bought by Christopher, Sr. in July of 1758 was later sold to Nathaniel Howland on Oct. 12, 1762 and this sale offers proof this property was owned by Christopher Stark, Sr., for the deed is signed by "Christopher Stark" and "Johannah Stark", his spouse.

The family made a decision, probably in 1756-58, to move to Dutchess County, New York until the war ended. Because it is apparent Christopher Stark, Sr. and his spouse, Joanna Walworth, already owned property by 1758, it is most likely Christopher Stark, Jr. who received a lease in the Beekman Patent May 1, 1759 in Lot #4 consisting of 341 acres. It was the sixth farm in Lot #4, located Northeast of the present village of Pawling and the lease, dated May 1, 1740, originally belonged to William Cooper along with William Price, John Price and Sarah Price. William Price then assigned the lease to Henry Cary for 120 pounds March 30, 1751 who then assigned it to Christopher for 200 pounds on the above date.¹ Named on the lease with Christopher Stark, Jr. was William Stark and "Azell" Stark. The landlord usually rented the land to an individual and two others in the same family, sometimes a wife and son or daughter, sometimes to brothers but almost always for "three lives." William Stark was most likely Christopher Stark, Jr.'s younger son. From the Manlius, Onondaga County, New York census records of 1800, will be found a "Asel" Stark reported to be over 45 years of age that could be the "Azell" named on the lease. Christopher, Jr. is also believed to have had a son named William Stark who is reported to have been born in 1760, from the Revolutionary War Pension Records, who could have been named on this deed at a later date. Questions still remain as to why this Christopher did not name his relationship to William and Azell or did not name his spouse. This may have been because he arrived with these two in 1759 and the rest of the family followed later.

Sometime between 1770 and 1778, the family moved from Dutchess County to Pittstown, Albany County, New York, settling on property near the Hudson River on the present day New York State side of the River across from present day Bennington, Vermont. Ownership of the region was being contested by the Colonies of New York and New Hampshire. Ethan Allen, of Bennington, was protesting for neither to have control of the region and petitioning for the creation of another colony to be called Vermont. When the Revolutionary War began, the family was probably living in the region. By this time, young Asahel Stark had married and probably had either one or two young sons. By 1781, we find him as a member of the 14th regiment of the Albany County Militia from Pittstown along with many others who had been living in Dutchess County prior to the war.

Revolutionary War Records show Lieutenant Christopher Stark and "Ashel Stark" were on the payroll of Capt. William Shepard's Company, Col. Cornelius Douty's Regiment, in a Regiment of Foot, of the State of Vermont, from the 1st day of August to the 4th day of August, 1781, in the "Alarm at Saratoga." They were, most probably, a Militia Company from New York assigned to Vermont for 4 days during this crisis. Many of the names of those living in Pittstown in the 1790 census appear on this pay voucher, suggesting these men were from New York, and not Vermont, further supporting their temporary assignment to the above mentioned Vermont Regiment.

From the Revolutionary War Period Records (Referred to as RWPR in the rest of this text), Roll M859, will be found Manuscripts #12071 and #12072, discussed earlier which reveal the relationship of William Stark to Christopher Stark and Susanna Stark.² RWPR, Roll M859, Manuscript #14370 perhaps gives us another connection to Dutchess County, NY for Asahel. This record states, "Warrens Bush 27 May 1785. Col. Volkert Vader. Sir, please to pay all my Militia wages due to me, Jeremiah Burch, for my service during the late war in Col. Frederick Fisher's Reg. of Militia in Capt. Joseph Yomens Company or sum others to Gilbert Roseboom Berry and this shall be your discharge four yours to serve. Signed Jeremiah (His Mark) Burch; Witness: Asahel Starke" According to the research of Sharon Reck, "Jeremiah Burch was born 1749 in Dutchess County, New York and married 29 July 1773 in Dutchess County, Patty Pringle. His grandfather, Jeremiah Burch, was from New London, CT."

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However, RWPR, Roll M859, Manuscript #12070 discussed earlier, dated 11 Jan., 1786 is the most revealing document linking Asahel to Christopher and William which states, "Col. John Van Rensselaer, Sir please to let William Stark have the certificates that you have for me for my service done in the Militia and this order shall be your re sate for the sums. Signed: Asel Stark; Witness: Zacock Scribner." This document along with #12071 clearly shows William Stark was sent to pick up the pay of both Christopher and Asahel. From the above , I would surmise, Christopher, Jr. was the father of Asahel Stark and William Stark. Also, the name of Christopher's spouse was Susanna and her husband died between the years 1781 and 1785.

From William Stark's pension application, it would appear he was living in Pittstown for he mentions this was his place of enlistment in May of 1780, serving in the Levis under Col. Harper. William married Mehitable Fuller, hence the possible relationship to the Fullers mentioned previously. Now, if the above suggest Christopher and Susanna are husband and wife, and the mentioned William is a son, can we connect Asahel to this family with other documentation. From RWPR, Roll M859, Manuscript #12051 we find, "8 Jun 1786. Col. Yates, please to let the bearer, Ashel Starke, have my sale notes and I will oblige. Your friend and humble servant. Signed: Jonathan Price; Witnesses: John Price, Jr., Samuel Price". This would appear to be the same Jonathan Price who was shown on the "Alarm at Saratoga" payroll with Christopher Stark and Ashel Stark. Jonathan's name appears under Asahel's name in this document. These two documents would seem to show there is a relationship between Christopher, Asahel, and now Jonathan Price.

Sharon Reck's conclusions, based on the military records and the New York 1790 census were, "I believe Christopher Stark, Jr. was the father of Asahel, William, probably the Nathan Stark who fought with William in Harper's Regiment, and John [who also later lived in Penfield, Ontario County, New York near Asahel and William and subsequently moved to Clermont County, Ohio]; Susannah was probably Christopher's wife. It's clear that many of their friends were from Dutchess County, New York."

In the 1790 census for Pittstown, Albany County, New York, we find Asahel Stark and William Stark [Most Likely Asahel's brother later found living next to Asahel in Penfield, Ontario County, New York] as neighbors of Jonathan Price. Others living close by are Jonathan and Timothy Fuller, the Gifford's, Israel and William Shepherd, and William Richard. All of these individuals had been living in Dutchess County, New York prior to the Revolutionary War and are now living close by in 1790. These names, living so close to Asahel, would appear to provide a link to Dutchess County for both William and Asahel Stark, for these families also appear to be related in various ways perhaps to complicated to unravel in this text. This census reports Asahel Stark's home as having one male over 16, 6 males under 16, and two females. Assuming Asahel is the male over 16 and one of the females is his wife Sarah Dark, then in 1790, they had six sons and one daughter who would have been born between the years 1774 to 1790.

By 1800, Asahel has moved to Manlius, Onondaga County, New York and the 1800 Census for this township and County report "Asel" Starks as head of the house. Listed in the home are Asel Starks with one male over 45, 2 males under 10, one male 10-16, four males 16-25, one female over 45, three females under 10, and two females 16-26. Assuming Asel is the male over 45 and Sarah is the female over 45, we now have 7 males of which two were born after 1790. There should be 8 sons in 1800 indicating one of the older sons must have left home. It's also possible one of the males reported in 1790 could have been an infant at the time and is reported as under ten in the 1800 census depending on the month the census was taken. However, it is more likely a son has left home for from the Onondaga County Deed book, pages 266-269 we find William Stark bought 200 acres from Edward Lounsberry on January 1, 1800, which was witnessed by William Mitchell and John R. Stark.¹ William could be the son who has left home before the 1800 census or could be Jasper Stark living in nearby Fabius, Onondaga County in the 1800 census who reported his age as between 16 and 26. William's property transaction does reveal William and John R. Stark were most likely over 21 years old placing there birth years as before 1779, assuming the first had to be 21 to purchase property and the latter had to be 21 to be a witness. Since Jasper has established a home by the 1800 census, he would be the most likely candidate as the son who has left home. We will later find through property transactions, Jasper and Asahel must have been related.

By combining the reports of the 1790 census and the 1800 census we can conclude two of the young men in the 16 - 26 age range in 1800 are probably John R. Stark and William Stark. John R. Stark's Military Record from the War of 1812 reveals he was 32 years old July 5, 1814, the date of his enlistment. This would place his year of birth as 1782. As revealed above, William purchased property January 1, 1800 which would place his latest year of birth as 1779 if he had to be twenty-one years old to purchase property in New York. Even if he could purchase property at the age of 14, the latest year of birth for those in the 16-26 age group in the 1800 census, he would still be one of those in this age group living in Asahel's home. Since he surely was older than 14 years old when he purchased this property, he has to be one of these young men age 16 - 26.

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There are candidates for the other two in this age range. They would be Daniel R. Stark and Samuel Stark. Daniel R. Stark purchased land in Genesee County March 28, 1809 which would imply he was at least 21 years old on that date and would place his year of birth as before 1788. This would also make it possible Daniel is the son in the 10 - 16 age group. Samuel Stark is listed as head of the house in the 1820 census for Washington County, Indiana. He reports he is in the 26 - 45 year old age range which would place his latest year of birth as 1794 and the earliest year of birth as 1775.However, as will be shown in the following text, Christopher Stark and Asa Stark would seem to be the sons under 10 years old. Therefore, Samuel would have to be either in the 10 - 16 age range or the 16 to 26 age range. Christopher purchased property in Port Allen, West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana in 1812. If he was 21 or older when he purchased this property, then he was born before 1791. This would make him possibly one of the sons under 10 years old but doesn't rule him out as possibly over 10 years old.

From the "Central New York Genealogical Society Publication -Tree Talks", Volume 23, #3, page 143 dated September 1983 can be found this record which states, "Oregon Donation land - people who applied; #4060; Asa Stark, born 1796, Onondaga Co., NY" Clearly, if this record is accurate, then Asa is one of the sons under 10 years old. Although there is no proof, I would speculate Daniel R. Stark and Samuel Stark are the other two in the 16 - 26 age group and Christopher is the male in the 10 - 16 age group or the other male under 10 years old.

In the home of Samuel Stark in the 1820 census for Washington County, Indiana is a male in the 16-26 age range along with two females in the 16-26 age range. Sharon Reck, in her article, "Descendants of Christopher Stark", page 7, self published in 1997, speculated this male is most likely Christopher because in 1819 Samuel and Christopher married the sisters Sophia and Nancy Scott in November and October, respectively, in Switzerland County, Indiana. If this were true, then Christopher was born no earlier than 1794, making him and Asa the two sons under 10 years old in the 1800 census. However, one can not over look the Louisiana purchase of property made by Christopher which would imply he was born before 1791.

There should be one more son, for in 1800, Asahel records 7 sons, but from the above, we only have 6 sons we can name from later records who were most likely born before 1800, although Jasper could be considered this seventh son. However, he is reported as head of the house in the 1800 census which implies he could not be one of the seven sons reported by Asahel in 1800. The only other known son of Asahel and Sarah is Archibald Cass Stark who was born in 1801 according to his later records. One can only speculate one of the sons reported in the 1800 census died before Asahel's Will was made and was not mentioned, this being the source of the names of his children. He could have been a son in any of the age ranges from under 10, to 10-16, to 16-26.

The 1790 census indicated there was one female in the home other than Asahel's spouse, Sarah. Therefore, there should be one daughter born before the 1790 census. There are two females mentioned in the age range of 16 - 26 and one over 45 years old. I would speculate one is a daughter and the other is a daughter-in-law. Therefore, one of the above sons was married, most likely either John are William, of which there is no record. There are three other daughters reported to be under 10 years old. However, from Asahel's will, we only know of the three daughters named Mary "Polly", Sarah Marie, and Desire. Since we know Desire was born after 1800, then only Mary and Sarah can be counted as daughters born before 1800.

It would seem possible one of the children under 10 could be a granddaughter. This would seem to be verified by the 1810 census for Caledonia, Genesee County, New York for living in Asahel's home was three females. One is under 10 [Desire], one is 11-16, and one is 16-20. The latter two would seem to be Mary and Sarah. In this census, the male under 10 would be Archibald while the male 11-15 is most likely Asa for later records show Christopher bought property in Louisiana in 1812. Therefore, one can only speculate about the other females reported in the 1800 census. I believe they were most likely extended family, or, if daughters, they died after 1800 and before 1810.

From this analysis one would place the order of births and estimated dates of birth for the known children of Asahel and Sarah as; 1] Jasper, before 1779, 2] William, before 1779, 3] John R., 1782, 4] Samuel, 1775-1790, 5] Daniel R., before 1788, 6] Christopher, 1791, 7] Mary "Polly", 1790-1799, 8] Sarah Marie, 1790-1799, 9] Asa, 1796, 10] Archibald, 1801, 11] Desire, 1803-1804.

On September 16, 1776, Congress had promised bounties for 88 battalions. In 1783 New York added the promise of lands to their troops for their service in the military. This was the genesis of the "Military tract," a land grant frequently referred to in New York State history. On January 1, 1791, drawing for the lots laid out in this tract began on the land. Many of the soldiers who participated in the drawing did not settle on the acres, but sold it to land speculators. Many did take possession of the land and stayed causing the population to increase to 879 people in Onondaga County by 1799.

Onondaga County was organized as a County June 6, 1794. The new County was created from a portion of Herkimer County and much of the new County included military tracts. Cayuga County was taken off from Onondaga five years later, Cortland in 1808, and Oswego in 1816, leaving Onondaga County as it now exists, an almost square body of land thirty by thirty-four miles of which Syracuse, New York is the principle city. Manlius and Cicero were townships formed within Onondaga County with Manlius located southeast of present day Syracuse while Cicero was one of the original townships, (number 6,) of the Military Tracts. Cicero was part of Lysander Township when Onondaga County was first organized and was organized into a township in 1807 when it was split off from Lysander. Cicero was located northeast of present day Syracuse and had Oneida Lake as it's border to the north and northeast.

As already noted, the 1800 census reports Asahel and his family were living in Manlius, Onondaga County, New York. He had probably been living in this county at least since 1796 for his son Asa Stark declared he was born there in that year. Although there is no record showing Asahel received property in these tracts for his service in the New York Militia, we do know early in May of 1802 he purchased land from James Knapp and his spouse Lucy which was the south part of Lot #73 [200 acres] in the region which later became Cicero Township, Onondaga County, and purchased the remainder of Lot #73 [300 acres] May 22, 1802. Therefore, Asahel now owned 500 acres in this region of Onondaga County.¹ The records show Asahel sold 146 acres of Lot 73 to Jasper Stark in 1805 and then purchased, for the sum of $650, the property back from Jasper and his spouse Betsy on March 6, 1807.² This transaction was witnessed by John R. Stark and Benjamin Hosley. There were other records showing Asahel sold portions of Lot #73 to Joseph Hosley, Jr. of Sullivan Township of the County of Chenengo, New York in 1806 and two portions to Benjamin Hosley in 1807.³

In 1807, Jasper Stark and Asahel were ordered to give up another portion of Lot #73 due to a Judgment made against them by the New York Supreme Court. August 3, 1807⁴ "Elijah Phillips, Esq., Sheriff of Onondaga by writ of testatum fieri facias from the Supreme Court of New York 3 Aug 1807 against Jasper and Asahel Stark at the suit of James Knopp⁵ for $260 plus $29.56 damages Sheriff had sold at public venture Lot #73 in Twp. of Cicero for $40 to Thaddeus M. Wood and Geo. Hall, highest bidders." A "writ of testatum fieri facias" was a court order authorizing the sheriff to collect a judgment in debt or damages from the goods and chattels of the defendants Asahel and Jasper Stark owed to James Knapp. Therefore, the judgment was made and a portion of Lot #73 was sold for $40, recovering the remainder of the money owed. There were probably other items from the estates of Jasper and Asahel sold at auction to complete the payment of this judgment.

It would seem Asahel continued to own 310 acres of Lot #73 for on March 20, 1821, when Asahel wrote his Last Will and Testament, he bequeathed "unto my beloved wife Sarah Starks three hundred and ten acres of land lying and being in the State of New York, Onondaga County and town of Cicero..."

In the later part of the 1700's Western New York was claimed by both Massachusetts and New York until an agreement was made in 1786 which gave governing rights to New York while allowing Massachusetts to retain title to the lands. It was, therefore, from Massachusetts that Robert Morris purchased four million acres of land in 1791. Two years later Morris sold the land, with the largest parcel being sold to the Holland Land Company comprised of six banking houses in Amsterdam. The first land sale of the Holland Land Company was made in 1801 in an area which was still part of Ontario County, New York which levied high taxes on land. The high taxes combined with the distance settlers traveled to record deeds, lead to the creation of Genesee County in 1802. The County was named from the Seneca word meaning "beautiful valley". The newly formed County consisted of all of the land west of the Genesee River to the Western border of New York and was bounded to it's south by Pennsylvania and to the north by Lake Ontario. Caledonia was a township located about 20 miles southwest of Rochester, New York which was first called "Southampton" when officially recognized on March 30, 1802. Its name was changed to Caledonia April 4, 1806 with the Genesee River being its eastern boundary.

Asahel had moved further west from Onondaga County to Caledonia, Genesee County, New York by 1810 as recorded in the census for this region in the same year. On March 28, 1809, Asahel's son, Daniel R. Stark purchased Lots #13 &14 in section zero of township #11, range #1. According to the Holland Land Company Records, Daniel was a first purchaser of this land who paid for the property in full at the time of purchase and his deeds included the “Table of Original Articles or Deeds“ given to those who paid cash for the property. Most purchasers received an “Article of Agreement” document with a time limit for payment.⁶ The property available for purchase from the Holland Land company was west of Caledonia in an area that would later become parts of Niagara County, Erie County and Cattaraugus County. The above indicates Daniel R. Stark may have been living in either Niagara or Cattaragus Counties since they were created from Genesee County in 1808. By 1810, Daniel was married and had at least one son, William Hawley Stark, born in 1809.

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Sometime between 1810 and 1813, Asahel moved a few miles from Caledonia, Genesee County, New York to Penfield, Ontario County where he purchased with a mortgage, 50 acres from Robert Bowne of New York City, New York for $206.48. The property was part of the Southwest Division of lot #14, township #13, range 4 in Penfield. Asahel is listed in the 1813 Penfield Assessment Roll with Real Estate valued at $203 and taxes of $.47. On September 20, 1817, Asahel sold this property to Jesse Adams for $1000.¹ This deed was witnessed by Daniel Wilson and Rufus Henrik. "Sarry" Stark was examined separately. In 1820, Asahel was listed in the census for Washington County, Indiana. Therefore, sometime after this land transaction and before the 1820 census, Asahel and his family left the State of New York.

In the 1820 census for Washington County, Indiana, we find several Stark families. Asahel is listed on page 219 as "Asaatl Stark." Listed living at this dwelling are one male over 45 who is most likely Asahel, one male age 16 - 26 who could be Asa Stark, one female over the age of 45 who would be Sarah, one female age 16 - 26 who could be Deborah Moore Stark, wife of Asa, and the youngest daughter of Asahel and Sarah, Desire Stark, age 10 - 16.

Also listed on page 219 of the census is Archibald Stark, who was the male listed in the 16 to 26 age range. The 1850 census for Clark County, Illinois records Archibald was 49 years old which would place him within this age group in the 1820 census. Also living in this dwelling is a male over 45 years old. Since this cannot be Archibald and is not Asahel, who could he be? Sharon Reck speculates this could be the "insane brother", John R. Stark, who was declared insane in the State of Louisiana in 1817 by his brothers, William Stark, Daniel R. Stark, and Samuel Stark. William became the legal guardian of John and settled his affairs in Louisiana. The female in the 16 - 26 age range would be the spouse of Archibald, Rhoda Howe, and it would seem they had one daughter under the age of ten, her name not known.² As already mentioned, also listed on page 219 of this census was Samuel Stark with his wife Sophia Scott and most likely his brother Christopher and his spouse Nancy Scott who was the sister of Sophia Scott. Listed on page 220 of this census was Alvin Graves and Sarah Stark, the daughter of Asahel and Sarah. Not accounted for in this census are Jasper Stark, William Stark, who was living in Louisiana, and Daniel R. Stark who died in Louisiana in 1820.

Asahel Stark prepared his last will and testament March 20, 1821 in Washington County. As beneficiaries he named his spouse Sarah, sons Samuel, Asa, Archibald, Christopher, John, and William, married daughters, Polly Brezee and Sarah Graves, and his unmarried daughter, Desire. Daniel R. Stark was not named in the will because he died in 1820 in Louisiana. Asahel named his wife, Sarah as the "sole Executrix" of his estate. The will was proved January 21, 1822 and Sarah Stark was appointed executrix. On October 17, 1845, the Surrogate Court of Onondaga County, New York, proved the will of "Ashel Starks" deceased and acknowledged the death of executrix, Sarah Starks on or about October 2, 1839 and granted Archibald C. Stark the legatee of the will allowing him to dispose of and sell all "goods, chattels, and credits....within the State of New York." Archibald probably traveled to New York to dispose of the 310 acres in Cicero, Onondaga County, New York which Sarah had received from Asahel's will.

Will of Asahel Stark

I, Ashel Starks of Washington County and State of Indiana being weak in body, but of sound and perfect mind and memory blessed be Almighty God for the same, I do make and publish this as my last will and testament in a manner and form following, to wit; First, I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife, Sarah Starks, three hundred and ten acres of land lying and being in the State of New York, Onondaga County and town of Cicero and all my hold furniture and also two hundred and fifty dollars cash. I do also give and bequeath unto my son Samuel Starks one hundred and fifty dollars. I do also give and bequeath unto my son Asia Starks one hundred and fifty dollars. And I do also give and bequeath unto my son Archibald Stark one hundred and fifty dollars. I do also give and bequeath unto my son Christopher Stark fifty dollars. I do also give and bequeath unto my son John Stark fifty dollars in stock property. And I do also give and bequeath unto my son William Stark the sum of ten dollars--and I do also give and bequeath unto my daughter Polly Brezee the sum of twenty dollars. And I do also give and bequeath unto my daughter Sally Graves the sum of twenty dollars. And I do also give and bequeath unto my daughter Desire Starks the sum of fifty dollars which several legacies of sums of money, I will and order shall be paid to the said respective legatees within twelve months after my decease. And lastly as to all of the rest residue and remainder of my personal estate, goods, chattels, of whatsoever I give and bequeath the same to my said beloved wife Sarah Starks, whom I hereby appoint sole Executrix of this my last will and testament, and hereby revoking all former wills by me made. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 20th day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty one. Signed: Ashel Starks, his mark. In presence of T. T. Weathers and Wm. Crocket.

Will Proved and Sarah Stark appointed executrix on Jan. 21, 1822. On 17 Oct 1845, Surrogate Court of Onondaga Co., NY proved will of "Ashel Stark's", deceased and acknowledged the death of executrix, Sarah Stark's on or about 2nd Oct, 1839 and granted to Archibald C. Stark, legatee in will, the administration of all "goods, chattel, and credits within the state of NY."

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Asahel's spouse, Sarah Stark lived many more years after Asahel. Her son William Stark had removed to Louisiana before 1809 to Port Allen, West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana. Court records show he sold property to Emanuel Landry¹ and we also find William Stark of New York married Victoria Betencourt March 6, 1808.² Another record reveals one William Stark claimed a tract of land located on the west side of the Mississippi in the County of Iberville which was rejected because the land was never inhabited or cultivated until after December 20, 1803.³ There are numerous other land transactions in Port Allen between Christopher Stark who bought property from William Wikoff, Jr. in 1812 and then sold it to John Stark May 1, 1815.⁴ The latter document has the signatures of John Stark and Christopher Stark as the principles in the land transaction along with William Stark's signature as a Witness.⁵

Samuel Stark purchased property with a mortgage from Daniel R. Stark in 1818 and then sold it to Caleb Eddy in 1818. William Stark sold property to Daniel R. Stark in 1817 and then Daniel R. sold property back to William in 1819. In the first transaction, Daniel R. purchased the property and took out a mortgage while in the second transaction, William Stark paid for the property in cash.⁶

As can be seen, several of the same given names which appear in Asahel's will appear in these deed transactions in West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana and the William Stark shown in these transactions was from New York as revealed in his marriage to Victoria Betencourt. Records from the Parish show Daniel R. Stark died June 20, 1820.⁷ From the Washington County, Indiana 1820 census and the Louisiana Records, Christopher and Samuel must have divested themselves of their Louisiana property by 1818 and have married the Scott sisters in Indiana in 1819. John Stark, as we will find out later, served in the War of 1812, and was declared insane by his brothers, William, Daniel R., and Samuel in the year 1817.⁸

William Stark died May 4, 1822 in West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana. Probate Packet #97 for that Parish records his estate was inventoried on May 9, 1822. In the inventory papers of William's Estate we find, "Having examined the amount account, in the presence of the heir, Mrs. Sarah Stark, mother of the late William Stark, deceased, I having found the account of vouchers in support of said account true and correct, ...[Not Legible]... Victoria Starks⁹ having delivered up all the papers she has in her possession, to the heir Sarah Starks, said heir declares hereby to have received said notes, vouchers and accounts, it is therefore ordered that said above petition, of their knowledge, fulfills the duties incumbent on him as appraising of the objects contained in same ...[Not Legible]... left by the late Wm Stark. Signed [Signature was not legible.]" From this record, we can presume Asahel's spouse, Sarah, came to Louisiana to settle the affairs of William's estate.

Edgar County, Illinois Probate Record #199 dated October 28, 1839 related to the estate of Sarah Starks, deceased.¹⁰ In this Probate Record, five names appear as heirs to Sarah's estate. They are A. C. Stark [Archibald Cass Stark], Asa Stark and an insane brother [John R. Stark] of which Asa was the guardian, William Bresee [Spouse of Mary "Polly" Stark], and Wm. Howe, spouse of Desire Stark. Therefore, Sarah probably died near the date of this probate record.

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