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 William Henry Stark (1870-1953), the second son of Samuel and Elizabeth Stark, married Ann Cottrell at Loxton in 1893, (see his family tree). They had three children and several grandchildren, some of whom still live in villages close to Loxton.
In the earlier records of Loxton, the family were known as Stark. However, when William Henry Stark got married his surname was recorded as Starks, and after this date he and his brother Charles, and their descendants were known most of the time as 'Starks', with the occasional lapse back to 'Stark'.
William Henry held the position of Sexton and Clerk to Loxton church for 53 years, and was captain of the bell-ringers. In 1910 his salary for these duties was £5 a year and this was raised gradually to £12 a year in 1920.
In April 1949, a collection was held amongst the parishioners of Loxton to commemorate William's 50 years service to the church. The following was recorded in the vestry minutes -
'22 April 1949 Mr. W. Starks Presentation
The Rector said this was unique ceremony and few in Somerset could claim such a splendid record- 50 years as Sexton & Clerk to Loxton Church and bell ringer and presented him with the sum of £36-2s in love and deep affection & goodwill from the whole Parish. The Rector then read a very gracious letter from the Bishop to Mr. Starks expressing his gratitude for the faithful service given for 50 years. Mr. Tilley spoke in high appreciation of work faithfully & conscientiously performed and read several appreciative letters from friends outside the parish.
Mr. F. C. Tiarks made a touching reference to his friendship with William for 75 years. Mr. A. Amesbury also spoke with high praise and Mrs. Fearfield of her and her family's great esteem and affection. Mr. Starks most gratefully replied- was deeply touched by the affection and goodwill shown to him and expressed his wish to give £16-2s to the Church. Mr. F. C. Tiarks proposed a brass tablet should be erected on Mr. Starks' pew commemorating the event. Leaving a record that could be seen by everyone for all time - and a small committee consisting of the Rector, churchwardens and Mr. F.C. Tiarks was formed to see about this.'
At a later meeting a brass alms plate, candlesnuffer and the brass tablet were handed round for inspection. The inscription on the tablet read -
'This tablet records with gratitude and appreciation fifty years loyal service by William Starks as Clerk, Sexton and Bellringer in the Parish church of St. Andrew, Loxton 1899-1949. Well done, good and faithful servant.'
In October 1952, at the age of 82 years, William resigned from the post of Clerk, Sexton and bell-ringer to Loxton church. Because no one else was to be appointed to the post William was allowed to wear the cassock in church as he had done for the past 53 years.
In addition to his church duties William took an active interest in local affairs and attended almost every Parish (Council) Meeting from 1896 until 1949. He was a manager of Loxton School 1907-1909. However, his main occupation was working for Loxton Estate for over 50 years. During this time he worked for three generations of the Galton family. He started work as a labourer and on his retirement was Estate foreman.
In 1909 William inherited £25 from Erasmus Galton, the Lord of the Manor. The money was invested in Government Securities in the Post Office Savings Bank. At the beginning of World War II, William was given some money by Major Lethbridge-Galton to buy saving certificates. Major Lethbridge-Galton died in 1952 and left William an annuity of £26 and he was also allowed to live rent free in his cottage No 9 Loxton, for the rest of his life. On the sale particulars of the Loxton Estate 28 July 1953 it was described as stone built, with a slated roof. It had a sitting room, with fireplace and a living room with a range. There was a separate scullery and a washhouse with a copper and a sink. There were three bedrooms upstairs and outside in the large garden an earth closet.
William was only able to enjoy his newly found wealth for one year as he died on 8th July 1953 at the age of 83 years, a few months after he retired. A large congregation attended his funeral and a muffled peal was rung on the church bells.
William had three children William John, Irene Sarah and Robert. Robert was awarded a prize at school in 1911 and 1912, for good attendance. Robert married Mary Jane and they lived at No 6, Loxton. In 1953 No. 6 Loxton was described as a detached cottage, constructed of stone with a slated roof, containing three bedrooms, two living rooms, a back kitchen with sink and tap and a pantry. Outside in the good garden, there was a stone and slated earth closet, and a pigsty. There was also a lean-to coalhouse and wood shed. The cottage had mains water but no electricity.
With many thanks to Roger Evans e-mail (Roger.Evans@Tesco.net) and Betty Baker of Biddisham both descendants of Charles and Annie Starks; and Nigel Starks e-mail (Nigel.Starks1@btinternet.com) descendant of Robert Starks and Mary Ann Baker. Their help in lending photographs and providing so much information is greatly appreciated.
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