John Farson Starr
John Farson Starr, co-founder of the Camden Iron Works and U.S. Congressman.
John Farson Starr had a long career in Camden, in industry, politics, and banking. He was born in Philadelphia, PA on March 25, 1818. After completing preparatory studies, he moved to Camden, NJ in 1844. With his brother Jesse W. Starr he was one of the founders of the Camden Iron Works, and served as president of the First National Bank of Camden for over thirty years, up to the time of his death. John F. Starr was elected as a Republican to the Thirty-eighth and Thirty-ninth Congresses (March 4, 1863–March 3, 1867), but chose not to run for reelection in 1866. He returned to his commercial activities, which included an interest in the West Jersey Ferry. He was also active with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Camden.
John F. Starr died in Atlantic City, New Jersey on August 8, 1904. He was buried at Harleigh Cemetery in Camden, NJ. His son, John F. Starr Jr., later operated a lumber business in Camden.
Camden Iron Works Advertisement
Camden City Directory — 1861
J. W. & J. F. STARR, Camden Iron Works, Camden, New Jersey. Office in Philadelphia, 125 South Third Street. Manufacturers of all kinds of castings & apparatus for gas works. Wrought iron roof frames, for retort and other houses. Retorts, and all castings required for setting them in the latest and most improved modes. Washers, condensers, scrubbers and exhausters, for relieving the retorts from pressure. Purifiers, varying from 2,000 to 1,500,000 cubic feet daily purifying capacity. Wrought iron lime sieves, for purifiers. Station meters of all sizes. Gas holders, telescopic and single, with cast iron guide and suspension frames. Gas governors, or regulators. Street mains, from 1½ to 48 inches diameter, for water or gas. Street main connections, such as branches, bends, drips, sleeves, &c. Stop valves, from 3 to 30 inches, either brass faced or plain. Wrought iron work, all the smith and sheet iron work required in and about gas works.
Photos
Signature of John F. Starr.
Gravestone of John F. Starr, Harleigh Cemetery, Camden, NJ.
Envelope from John F. Starr Jr. & Co., Steam Door and Sash Mill — Dealers in all kinds of Lumber. Office at No. 25 Market Street, Camden, NJ.