The Civil War Military Service of Cortlandt W. Starr, Pelham Manor Resident, of Black, Starr & Frost Fame

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Cortlandt Way Starr was one of the principal partners of famed Fifth Avenue jeweler Black, Starr & Frost during the latter part of the 19th Century.  Starr lived in Pelham Manor where his partner, Robert C. Black, also lived.  Various members of the Black family who lived in Pelham Manor were principals in Black, Starr & Frost for many years. 

I have written about this early, notable Pelham Manor resident before.  See, e.g.:

Fri., May 05, 2017:  Pelham Manor's Cortlandt W. Starr of Famed Jeweler Black, Starr & Frost.

Tue., Aug. 05, 2014:  Obituaries of Cortlandt W. Starr of Pelham Manor, a Principal of Jewelry House Black Starr & Frost. 

Thu., Feb. 09, 2006:  Cortlandt W. Starr of Black Starr & Frost.

Cortlandt W. Starr, known by his friends as "Colonel" and also as "Cort," became a notable Pelham Manor resident and an important leader within the Pelham Manor Protective Club, a predecessor to village government in Pelham Manor.  He served as a Vestryman of Christ Church in Pelham Manor and was serving in that capacity at the time of his death in 1888.  He also was elected as a member of the Pelham Manor Protective Club on November 29, 1884.  He was elected to the Executive Committee of the Club at the annual meeting held on January 1, 1886 and was a member of the Executive Committee at the time of his death in 1888.

Starr had brief service on behalf of the Union during the Civil War before he moved to Pelham Manor.  Today's Historic Pelham Blog article transcribes the text of a brief book entry that describes Starr's brief military service as well as his service after the war as a member of a local veterans' organization.  The text is followed by a citation and link to its source.

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"LIEUT. CORTLANDT W. STARR,
COMPANY I, 37TH REGIMENT.
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COMFORT STARR, the American ancestor of the family came from Ashford, County of Kent, England, and settled at Duxbury, Mass., about 1634.  His descendants scattered through different parts of Massachusetts and Connecticut, some of whom became quite prominent in the early history of Middlesex and New London Counties, Conn.  One of these was among the slain at the Groton massacre.  The subject of this sketch is descended from the New London branch.

Cortlandt W. Starr, son of Marcus A. Starr and Elizabeth S. Griffing, was born in New London, Conn., February 17, 1833.  He removed with his parents in infancy to Sag Harbor, L. I.  After completing his studies in the common branches of education he was sent to Trinity school, New York, from which he was graduated in 1849.

After leaving school he entered the well known jewelry house of Ball, Black & Co., and during his twenty-five years of service with that firm he filled every position from errand boy to cashier.  In 1874 Ball, Black & Co., went out of business, and a new co-partnership was formed under the name of Black, Starr & Frost.  The reputation of the old firm has been fully sustained by the new.

Mr. Starr commenced his military service in 1861.  He with a number of others formed a private company, and were thoroughly instructed in military tactics for upwards of a year.  On October 28, 1862, Mr. Starr joined Company I, which was then being formed as a part of the 37th Regiment.  Owing to his previous knowledge and experience he was made Orderly Sergeant within six months after he joined.  In July, 1863, he was mustered into the U. S. service with his regiment for thirty days.  They went into camp at Harrisburg, where they remained about a week.

On June 28, the regiment started from camp in light marching order and were kept on the march for 225 miles.  On June 30, they had a skirmish at Sporting Hill.  On the morning of July 1, they marched into Carlisle, immediately after the enemy had evacuated it.  The rebels returned the same night and demanded the withdrawal of the Federal troops.  On their refusal the enemy shelled the place.  Mr. Starr, while in a kneeling position had his musket struck by a piece of shell which bent and partially shattered it.   The musket being on a line with his face doubtless saved his life.  He has carefully preserved this, which will doubtless be treasured by his children as an interesting relic of 'the late unpleasantness.'

After his return from the front, Mr. Starr remained on duty in New York, in the State service, for about thirty days.  On April 1, 1864, he was commissioned Second Lieutenant.  He was exceeding [sic] popular with his men, and on January 10, 1865, in token of their appreciation of his services the company presented him with an elegant sword duly inscribed.

The company was disbanded about 1867, and Mr. Starr was placed on the supernumerary list.  He was not one of those who joined the 71st after the disbanding of the 37th Regiment, but when the 71st Veteran Association altered its By-Laws, so as to admit members of the 37th, Mr. Starr was elected to membership.  He held the rank of Adjutant in the Association for 1883-84, and was again elected in 1886.

In 1868 he married Miss Lydia B., daughter of Samuel Cook, Esq., of New York city.  They have three children, viz., Georgia E., Fannie B., and Mary L."

Source:  "LIEUT. CORTLANDT W. STARR, COMPANY I, 37TH REGIMENT" in Whittemore, Henry, History of the Seventy-First Regiment N.G.S.N.Y.:  Including the History of the Veteran Association With Biographical Sketches of Members, pp. 220-21 (NY, NY:  W. McDonald & Co., 1886).  

Grave Marker of Cortlandt Way Starr in the Cedar Grove Cemetery,

New London, New London County, Connecticut (Section 1).

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