William Starr
William Starr was an American businessman, politician and active abolitionist.About
Born in Middletown, Connecticut, Starr moved to Ripon, Wisconsin Territory in 1845, where he married Annie Strong. His granddaughter was artist Ruth Starr Rose.
He was a teacher, merchant, and farmer, and was in the lumber business. In 1860, he was placed under house arrest by U.S. Marshals for his refusal to comply with the fugitive slave laws.
Starr served as a trustee for Ripon College. Starr also served on the Board of Regents of the Wisconsin Normal School from 1868 until his death and was the president of the board. In 1863 and 1864, Starr served in the Wisconsin State Assembly as a member of the Republican Party.
He died of erysipelas in Ripon, Wisconsin.
