Stark, Robert Edward (1871-1952)

Robert Edward Stark [Edward Robert Stark] (cropped); ancestry.ca. [Photograph by W. Still, opposite Mill Street, Orangeville, Ontario].
Robert Edward Stark [Edward Robert Stark] (cropped); ancestry.ca. [Photograph by W. Still, opposite Mill Street, Orangeville, Ontario].
Henderson’s City of Vancouver and North Vancouver Directory, 1909, page 1065.
Henderson’s City of Vancouver and North Vancouver Directory, 1909, page 1065.

Robert Edward Stark was a boot and shoe dealer. He lived at 1943 Comox Street from 1909 to 1912.

Robert Edward Stark was born in Fergus, Ontario, on February 14, 1871. (He was often called “Edward Stark.”) His parents were Robert Thomas Stark (1823–1875) and Johanna (“Hannah” or “Joan”) Leeworthy (or Leworthy) (1833-1880). Robert Thomas Stark worked as a merchant tailor in Fergus.

On June 1, 1899, in Nichol, Wellington County, Ontario, Edward married Frances (“Fanny”) Rose Armstrong. She was born in Nichol on October 22, 1873. Her father was George Smith Armstrong (1825-1894), who was a nurseryman. Frances’s mother was Frances Phin (1838-1916).

Edward’s earlier career included periods as a merchant in Fort William and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

In 1904, he entered the shoe business in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Manitoba Morning Free Press (Winnipeg), January 7, 1904, page 9, column 1.
Manitoba Morning Free Press (Winnipeg), January 7, 1904, page 9, column 1.
Henderson's Winnipeg city directory, 1904,page 764, http://peel.library.ualberta.ca/bibliography/921.3.5/780.html.
Henderson’s Winnipeg city directory, 1904,page 764, http://peel.library.ualberta.ca/bibliography/921.3.5/780.html.

Edward and Frances arrived in Vancouver in 1905. Edward took over James Rae’s shoe business.

Vancouver Daily World, January 14, 1905, page 12, column 5.
Vancouver Daily World, January 14, 1905, page 12, column 5.

Edward and Frances lived at the following addresses in Vancouver.

1905 1206 Bute Street
1906 1142 Cardero Street
1907 and 1908 1291 Davie Street
1909 to 1912 1943 Comox Street
1913 to 1920 2396 West Fifth Avenue
1921 693 Granville Street
1922 2995 West Third Avenue
1923 to 1930 Not listed under Vancouver names
1931 to 1933 1785 West 11th Avenue (listed as 1795 West 11th Avenue in 1932 and 1933 names)
1934 1795 West 11th Avenue
1935 6138 Angus Drive
1936 1436 Pendrell Street (Seafield Apartments)
1937 to 1939 Number 7, 1436 Pendrell Street
1940 to 1951 Number 8, 1325 Pendrell Street (listed as R. Edward Stark or R E Stark)
1952 to 1956 Number 8, 1325 Pendrell Street (Frances R., widow of R. E. Stark)

The shoe business became successful and had several locations in Vancouver, as well as branches in Victoria and New Westminster.

Vancouver Daily World, January 29, 1907, page 11, columns 1-2.
Vancouver Daily World, January 29, 1907, page 11, columns 1-2.
Vancouver Daily World, July 26, 1907, page 15, column 5.
Vancouver Daily World, July 26, 1907, page 15, column 5.
Inside Stark’s shoe store, 1908, Vancouver Public Library, VPL Accession Number 7459; http://www3.vpl.ca/spePhotos/LeonardFrankCollection/02DisplayJPGs/77/7459.jpg.
Inside Stark’s shoe store, 1908, Vancouver Public Library, VPL Accession Number 7459; http://www3.vpl.ca/spePhotos/LeonardFrankCollection/02DisplayJPGs/77/7459.jpg.

There was also a line of clothing stores, although that lasted only a short time.

In 1908 and 1914, Edward and Frances were in the Vancouver society directory.

Elite Directory of Vancouver, 1908, page 83.
Elite Directory of Vancouver, 1908, page 83.
Vancouver Social Register and Club Directory, 1914, page 64.
Vancouver Social Register and Club Directory, 1914, page 64.

The following Vancouver building permits are related to Edward Stark, his home and business.

District: Vancouver
Permit:
Owner: Stark, E.
Architect: Stark, E.
Builder: Stark, E.
Legal Address: DL: 185 Block: Sub: Resub: Lot:
Date (Y-M-D): 1909-03-29
Street Number: 1943
Street Name: Comox Street
Value: $900.00
Remarks: Frame stable
Reference ID: VN-3018-3018-126
District: Vancouver
Permit:
Owner: Stark, Edward
Architect: Stark, Edward
Builder: Douglas, R. C.
Legal Address: DL: Block: Sub: Resub: Lot:
Date (Y-M-D): 1910-06-01
Street Number: 1942 [1943?]
Street Name: Comox Street
Value: $350.00
Remarks: Frame addition to stable
Reference ID: VN-3100-3101-1113

 

District: Vancouver
Permit: 11152
Owner: Stark Shoe Company
Architect:
Builder: Dixon Murray
Legal Address: DL: Block: Sub: Resub: Lot:
Date (Y-M-D): 1920-01-29
Street Number: 693
Street Name: Granville Street
Value: $1,000.00
Remarks: Repairs; store front [BCR]
Reference ID: VN-1517-1518-25

Vancouver Building Permits, Heritage Vancouver; http://permits.heritagevancouver.org/index.php?cID=1 [searched January 29, 2018).

In 1915, Edward and Robert Crosby were defendants in a lawsuit to recover overdue payments on an agreement for sale.

Vancouver Daily World, July 14, 1915, page 16, column 4.
Vancouver Daily World, July 14, 1915, page 16, column 4.

Edward’s shoe business survived the First World War, but it struggled after the war.

In 1921, the business stopped selling men’s shoes.

Vancouver Daily World, February 11, 1921, page 13, column 6.
Vancouver Daily World, February 11, 1921, page 13, column 6.

In 1922, the business became bankrupt.

Vancouver Daily World, August 30, 1922, page 3, columns 1-3 [portion of advertisement].
Vancouver Daily World, August 30, 1922, page 3, columns 1-3 [portion of advertisement].
By the end of 1922, James Rae and Son had taken over the former location of Stark’s Shoes.

Vancouver Daily World, December 8, 1922, page 7, columns 6-8 [portion of advertisement].
Vancouver Daily World, December 8, 1922, page 7, columns 6-8 [portion of advertisement].
From 1923 to 1930 Edward and Frances did not appear in the Vancouver directories. After they returned in 1931, they lived in a series of locations, ending with several years of apartment life in the West End.

Edward died in Vancouver on June 19, 1952.

Vancouver Sun, June 20, 1952, page 33, column 4; https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VIllAAAAIBAJ&sjid=B4oNAAAAIBAJ&pg=2223%2C3476303; same as Vancouver Province, June 20, 1952, page 28.
Vancouver Sun, June 20, 1952, page 33, column 4; https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VIllAAAAIBAJ&sjid=B4oNAAAAIBAJ&pg=2223%2C3476303; same as Vancouver Province, June 20, 1952, page 28.

Frances died in Vancouver on November 25, 1956.

Vancouver Sun, November 26, 1956, page 28, column 6; https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=_DtlAAAAIBAJ&sjid=wYkNAAAAIBAJ&pg=1366%2C5361285; same as Vancouver Province, November 26, 1956, page 33.
Vancouver Sun, November 26, 1956, page 28, column 6; https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=_DtlAAAAIBAJ&sjid=wYkNAAAAIBAJ&pg=1366%2C5361285; same as Vancouver Province, November 26, 1956, page 33.

 

It appears that Edward and Frances did not have any children.

 

Sources

Robert Thomas Stark (father of Robert Edward Stark)

Robert Stark (1823–1875), Birth 13 APRIL 1823, Tiverton, Devonshire, England; Death 1 JULY 1875, Fergus, Ontario, Canada (ancestry.ca)

“Ontario Deaths, 1869-1937 and Overseas Deaths, 1939-1947,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JDX2-49N : 11 December 2014), Robert Stark, 01 Jul 1875; citing Fergus, Wellington, Ontario, yr 1875 cn 8782, Archives of Ontario, Toronto; FHL microfilm 1,846,474.

“Find A Grave Index,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV28-VH5Z : 13 December 2015), Robert Stark, 1875; Burial, Fergus, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, Belsyde Cemetery; citing record ID 69850955, Find a Grave, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/69850955: “Robert Stark; BIRTH 1 Apr 1823 Tiverton, Mid Devon District, Devon, England; DEATH 1 Jul 1875 Fergus, Wellington County, Ontario, Canada; BURIAL  Belsyde Cemetery  Fergus, Wellington County, Ontario, Canada; MEMORIAL ID 69850955. Husband of Hanna Leworthy. Occupation: merchant, tailor. Cause of death: pneumonia, 6 [sic: actually 7] days ill. Informant of death: Harry Stark”

 

Johanna Leeworthy (mother of Robert Edward Stark)

Joanna Maria Leworthy (1833–1880); Birth 21 JUNE 1833, Lynton, Devonshire, England; Death 12 JAN. 1880, Wellington, Ontario, Canada (ancestry.ca).

“Ontario Deaths, 1869-1937 and Overseas Deaths, 1939-1947,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JFJ4-H2Z : 11 December 2014), Johanna Stark, 12 Jan 1880; citing Wellington, Fergus, Ontario, pn 699 rn 5, Archives of Ontario, Toronto; FHL microfilm 1,853,231.

“Find A Grave Index,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV28-VH5C : 11 July 2016), Johanna Maria Leworthy Stark, 1880; Burial, Fergus, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, Belsyde Cemetery; citing record ID 69850958, Find a Grave, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/69850958: “Johanna Maria ‘Hanna’ Leworthy Stark; BIRTH 12 Jul 1833 Devon, England; DEATH 12 Jan 1880 Fergus, Wellington County, Ontario, Canada; BURIAL  Belsyde Cemetery  Fergus, Wellington County, Ontario, Canada; MEMORIAL ID 69850958. Wife of Robert Stark. Cause of death: dropsy, disease of liver, 2 mos. Ill. [Death record incorrectly shows her husband as the late ‘Tho’s Stark’].”

 

Robert Edward Stark

Edward Robert Stark (1868–1952), Birth 22 SEPT. 1868, Stratford, ON Canada [sic]; Death 19 JUNE 1952, Vancouver (ancestry.ca) [Note: birth information varies from that of other sources.]

“Ontario Births, 1869-1912,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FM3S-ZG9 : 8 August 2017), Edward Stark, 14 Feb 1871; citing Birth, Fergus, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, citing Archives of Ontario, Toronto; FHL microfilm 1,844,886.

“Ontario Marriages, 1869-1927,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZBH-358 : 10 April 2015), Robert Edward Stark and Francis Rose Armstrong, 01 Jun 1899; citing registration , Nichol, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, Archives of Ontario, Toronto; FHL microfilm 1,871,076.

“Canada Census, 1901,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KH2W-D1B : 27 April 2017), Robert E Stark, Algoma, Ontario, Canada; citing p. 16, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa.

“Growing Up With the Big, New City; Mr. Edward Stark Takes in New Premises and New Lines,” Vancouver Daily World, February 21, 1906, page 2, column 2.

“Recensement du Canada de 1911,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV95-MGNX : 15 July 2016), Robert Edward Stark, 1911; citing Census, Vancouver Sub-Districts 1-18, British Columbia, Canada, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 2,417,661.

National Archives and Records Administration; Washington, D.C.; Passenger and Crew Lists of Vessels Arriving at Seattle, Washington; NAI Number: 4449160; Record Group Title: Records of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, 1787 – 2004; Record Group Number: 85; Series Number: M1383; Roll Number: 79. Ancestry.com. Washington, Passenger and Crew Lists, 1882-1965 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2006. Name: Edward Stark; Gender: Male; Nationality: English; Arrival Age: 51; Birth Date: 1872; Birth Place: Fergus, Canada; Last Residence: Canada; Departure Place: Vancouver, British Columbia; Arrival Date: Apr 1923; Arrival Place: Seattle, Washington; Line Number: 5.

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986; 1992-1993”, database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLPZ-Q8B : 8 November 2017), Robert Edward Stark, 1952; http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/8dbe0e27-df8a-4dee-8d77-ed1b831a7ff0.

 

George Smith Armstrong (father of Frances Rose Armstrong)

George Smith Armstrong (1825–1894); Birth 16 MAY 1825, Guelph, Wellington County, Ontario, Canada; Death 18 JUL. 1894, Nichol Township, Wellington County, Ontario, Canada (ancestry.ca).

“Canada Census, 1881,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MVFL-9F8 : 30 June 2017), George Armstrong, Nichol, Wellington Centre, Ontario, Canada; citing p. 29; Library and Archives Canada film number C-13259, Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 1,375,895.

“Ontario Deaths, 1869-1937 and Overseas Deaths, 1939-1947,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JD1W-YJ6 : 11 December 2014), George Smith Armstrong, 18 Jul 1894; citing Nichol, Wellington, Ontario, yr 1894 cn 18825, Archives of Ontario, Toronto; FHL microfilm 1,853,584.

“Find A Grave Index,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV28-V4Y3 : 13 December 2015), George Smith Armstrong, 1894; Burial, Fergus, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, Belsyde Cemetery; citing record ID 70878596, Find a Grave, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/70878596: “George Smith Armstrong; BIRTH 16 May 1825 Guelph, Wellington County, Ontario, Canada; DEATH 18 Jul 1894 Ontario, Canada; BURIAL  Belsyde Cemetery  Fergus, Wellington County, Ontario, Canada; MEMORIAL ID 70878596. Son of George Armstrong & Jane Smith; husband of Frances Phin, married May 17th, 1855. Occupation: farmer. Informant of death: Frank J. Armstrong, son.”

 

Francis Phin (mother of Frances Rose Armstrong)

Frances Phin (1837–1916), Birth 4 AUG 1837, Ontario, Canada; Death 12 SEP 1916, Vancouver, , British Columbia, Canada. (ancestry.ca).

“Canada Census, 1881,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MVFL-9FD : 30 June 2017), Frances Armstrong in household of George Armstrong, Nichol, Wellington Centre, Ontario, Canada; citing p. 29; Library and Archives Canada film number C-13259, Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 1,375,895.

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986; 1992-1993”, database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLKZ-C35 : 8 November 2017), Frances Phim Armstrong, 1916.

“Find A Grave Index,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVV5-SCYX : 13 December 2015), Francis Armstrong, 1916; Burial, Vancouver, Greater Vancouver Regional District, British Columbia, Canada, Mountain View Cemetery; citing record ID 26259925, Find a Grave, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/26259925: “Frances Phim [sic: Phin] Pin Armstrong; Birth 4 Aug 1837 Ontario, Canada; Death 12 Sep 1916 Vancouver, Greater Vancouver Regional District, British Columbia, Canada; Burial  Mountain View Cemetery  Vancouver, Greater Vancouver Regional District, British Columbia, Canada; Plot JONES/*/39/008/0001; Memorial ID 26259925.”

 

Frances (“Fanny”) Rose Armstrong (wife of Robert Edward Stark)

Fanny Rose Armstrong (1873–); Birth 22 OCT 1873, 1654343, Ontario, Canada; Death Unknown (ancestry.ca).

“Ontario Births, 1869-1912,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VNLN-2WK : 16 July 2017), Fanny Rose Armstrong, 22 Oct 1873; citing Birth, Nichol, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, citing Archives of Ontario, Toronto; FHL microfilm 1,845,039.

“Canada Census, 1881,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MVFL-9FG : 30 June 2017), Fanny Armstrong in household of George Armstrong, Nichol, Wellington Centre, Ontario, Canada; citing p. 29; Library and Archives Canada film number C-13259, Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 1,375,895.

“Ontario Marriages, 1869-1927,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZBH-35X : 10 April 2015), Robert Edward Stark and Francis Rose Armstrong, 01 Jun 1899; citing registration , Nichol, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, Archives of Ontario, Toronto; FHL microfilm 1,871,076.

“Canada Census, 1901,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KH2W-D11 : 27 April 2017), Francie R. Stark, Algoma, Ontario, Canada; citing p. 16, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa.

“Recensement du Canada de 1911,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV95-MGNF : 15 July 2016), Frances Rose Stark in entry for Robert Edward Stark, 1911; citing Census, Vancouver Sub-Districts 1-18, British Columbia, Canada, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 2,417,661.

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986; 1992-1993”, database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLRK-ND2 : 8 November 2017), Frances Rose Stark, 1956.

 

Francis Alfred Stark (brother of Robert Edward Stark)

“British Columbia Marriage Registrations, 1859-1932; 1937-1938,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JD8G-YDZ : 21 January 2016), Francis Alfred Stark and Sarah Louisa Murray Pashley, 21 Dec 1916; citing Vernon, British Columbia, Canada, British Columbia Archives film number B11388, Vital Statistics Agency, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1,984,109.

“Washington Death Certificates, 1907-1960,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N35P-2H4 : 5 December 2014), Francis Stark, 04 Mar 1935; citing Seattle, King, Washington, reference 829, Bureau of Vital Statistics, Olympia; FHL microfilm 2,023,298.

 

Annie Elizabeth Stark (sister of Robert Edward Stark)

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986; 1992-1993”, database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLL7-SCH : 8 November 2017),  Annie Elizabeth Suggitt, 1945.

 

Harry Walter Stark (brother of Robert Edward Stark)

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986; 1992-1993”, database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLG2-HJ4 : 8 November 2017), Harry Walter Stark, 1941.

Harry W. Stark, death notice, Vancouver Sun, June 17, 1941, page 18, column 1; https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=cjNlAAAAIBAJ&sjid=O4kNAAAAIBAJ&pg=1790%2C4548800.