Souvenir Edition, The Williamstown Courier, Williamstown, Ky, May 30, 1901,
reprinted September 19, 1981 by the Grant County KY Historical Society.

DUDLEY STARNES, son of J. C. and Anna (Holmes) Starnes, Virginians by
birth, but Kentuckians by adoption, was born in Montgomery county,
Kentucky, May 3, 1847, and being the son of a farmer, was raised on a farm,
and received what education he has in the common schools of Kentucky.  When
Dudley was two years old his father emigrated to Grant and the son grew
up on Grant county soil.  He located on the Green homestead, near Eagle
Creek, and on the waters of that "bonnie" stream Dudley Starnes has spent
the greater part of his existence.
     January 1, 1868, he was married to Melissa Cook, daughter of Ceberry
Cook, and a long and fruitful married life has been the result.  Eight
children, three boys and five girls, have blessed this union, all but one
of whom are yet living, those that are married living almost within sight
of the old homestead.  The children are Una Vallandingham, Larua Breeden,
Nellie Holbrook, Lydia Wilhoite, Leona Starnes, John C. Starnes and Dudley
Starnes, Jr.
     In politics Mr. Starnes is an uncompromising Democrat.  He believes
the principles of the Democrat party are right, and is willing that the
leaders of the party may adopt whatever measures it will, trusting that
wisdom guides them in their choice, and stands by the principles adopted
by them and the nominees whom they may see fit to elect.  He has had many
up and downs in life, but has come through the fire unsinged.  He is one
of the most successful farmers on Eagle Creek.  He owns several hundred
acres of land, consisting of rolling hillsides and Eagle Creek bottom land,
which is as fertile as any that was ever formed by the hand of God.
     Mr. Starnes is a grower of fancy and fine stock.  His flocks of sheep
are among the best that can be found in the county, while his wool grown
on these flocks always commands the highest market price.  Besides being
a farmer and stockman, he is also a trader of considerable repute where
he is known, and frequently has a large purchase of hogs or cattle for the
Queen City markets.  His children have been given the very best schooling
it was possible, and his two youngest boys each took a course in the State
College at Lexington, one of whom was a student there during the present
term, but was forced to leave on account of ill health.
     In religion Mr. Starnes is a member of the Christian church, and is
a consistent worker in the cause.  Mr. Starnes although he was only a boy
of fifteen cast his fortunes with the "lost cause" during the Civil War.
He enlisted in Captain H. C. Mussulman's company and was elected orderly
sergeant at Crab Orchard by a very close vote.  After serving three months
Dudley says he resigned his office and came home.  He was well cared for
by some mountaineer and fell in love with his daughter but did not remain
long enough to marry.

Starnes Cook Holmes Vallandingham Breeden Holbrook Wilhoite
=
Montgomery-KY VA

http://www.rootsweb.com/~kygenweb/kybiog/grant/starnes.d.txt