Cepter Stark
Cepter Stark, formerly one of Delaware County's most substantial citizens, and during his whole life identified with the agricultural and stock interests of Kingston Township, was born in this township, April 13, 1830, and died April 26, 1907. His parents were Oliver and Eliza (Patrick) Stark, the latter of whom was the first white child born in Kingston Township.
Cepter Stark spent his whole life on the farm on which he was born, although he owned hundreds of acres of land in other parts of Delaware County. His widow owns in one tract 718 acres of farming and grazing land in Kingston Township. Mr. Stark was the largest landowner and tax payer in the township. He was an extensive raiser of horses, rattle, hogs and sheep, a heavy buyer and shipper, and he also dealt in wool. During the progress of the Civil War, Mr. Stark supplied many horses and cattle to the Government, and in this way laid the foundation of bis large fortune.
Mr. Stark was married, first, to Sylvia Benton, who died in January, 1882. She was the mother of five children, namely: Charles, who died in infancy; Grace, who married Frederick Keesing, residing in New York; Blanche, who married David Cupp, residing in Indian Territory; Ethel, now deceased, who married Dr. Harry Van Kirk; and Burt Benton, who died in 1902. Mr. Stark was married, secondly, October 11, 1883, to Nina Ross, who was born at Freeport, Illinois, January 8, 1859, and who is a daughter of William and Ellen (Whitney) Ross. John Ross, the grandfather of Mr. Stark, was one of the four original settlers in Delaware County. William Ross died in the spring of 1880, aged 49 years, and his remains lie buried at Delaware. The mother of Mrs. Stark lives on her farm in Kingston Township, having reached the age of 73 years. Mr. and Mrs. Stark had two sons—Glenn J., born November 1, 1884; and Cepter Ross, born December 5, 1899. They reside with their mother on the home farm. The handsome residence, completed in 1905, is of frame construction and equipped with all modern conveniences, including a system of hot and cold water, with gas for heating and lighting.
Mr. Stark was the last survivor of the organizers of the Sunbury Bank, and was its president at the time of his death, owning one-half of the stock of the institution. He was a man of great business capacity. Personally he could count as friends almost all who came into close relations with him. He was frank, generous, open-handed, ready in every emergency to render practical aid as well as judicious advice. His death was not only a severe blow to his family, but was a great loss to the community at large.
From 20th Century History of Delaware County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens, Edited and compiled by James R. Lytle, Delaware, Ohio, Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1908