Edward Winfield Starkey: What a Name (52 Ancestors #30)

I’ve reflected before about how some of the names of my ancestors fascinate me. Perhaps my children should be thankful that I hadn’t discovered Abisha Danison or Melzena (Kelly) Ramsey before they were born 😉

Another such ancestor is my great-grandfather Edward Winfield Starkey. Where in the world did “Winfield” come from? There aren’t any others in the family (at least, not that I’ve found so far). Edward was born in 1881. Could the middle name have come from Winfield Scott Hancock, who was the Democratic presidential nominee in 1880? If so, that would shed some light on the politics of his parents, Peter and Elizabeth Starkey. At this point, it is just conjecture.

Edward Winfield Starkey registration card, World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942, Ancestry.

Edward Winfield Starkey registration card, World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942, Ancestry.

Edward was born 7 March 1881 in Perry County, Ohio, the youngest child of Peter and Elizabeth. Edward married Clara Skinner on 10 October 1901. He worked various jobs, including as a laborer for Central Silica (a quarry company). Edward died 13 September 1960 and is buried in Olivet Cemetery in Perry County.

Edward and Clara Starkey tombstone, Olivet Cemetery, Perry County, Ohio. Photo by Amy Crow, 2004.

Edward and Clara Starkey tombstone, Olivet Cemetery, Perry County, Ohio. Photo by Amy Crow, 2004.

6 thoughts on “Edward Winfield Starkey: What a Name (52 Ancestors #30)

  1. Jeri

    I have folks from the same area in Ohio and lots of brick walls so having unusual names certainly helps. There are way too many folks by the name of Mary, Elizabeth, Ann, John or James so give me a Winfield any day.

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  2. gilliedog2014

    I enjoyed your posting this week, yes it is interesting how names are chosen. Sometimes they seem to be picked “out of the blue” but it does make one wonder. Then there are the Scottish traditions of naming children and you end up with lots of Andrew, James, Alexander, Agnes all in the same family.

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