Born: Auchtermuchty, Scotland, 1815.
Died: Augusta, Illinois, 1892.
Mr. Stark came to America with his uncle, John Deon, in 1835. Mr. Deon was acquainted with Alexander Campbell in Scotland, and they became his guests upon their arrival at Bethany. While there, Mr. Stark was baptized by Wm. Hayden. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Jacksonville, where he took membership in the church and was associated in its work with John T. Jones, D. P. Henderson, Josephus Hewitt, W. W. Happy, Peter Hedenburg, Philip Coffman and others. He was ordained to the ministry by this church in 1837.
Like nearly all of the pioneer preachers, he was compelled to provide for the material needs of himself and his family by secular work; so he engaged in a general merchandising business there, and also in Augusta, whither he moved in 1842. His education was obtained by his own efforts. He was well informed in the affairs of church and state. In the pulpit and on the platform he was a fluent and eloquent speaker.
In the church he enjoyed the personal friendship of Mr. Campbell, B. W. Stone, James Challen and O. A. Burgess, and in the State was personally acquainted with Abraham Lincoln, S. A. Douglas and Col. E. D. Baker. He was a member of the House of the General Assembly in 1846, and was a Presidential elector in 1860, casting his official vote for Mr. Lincoln. In his social relations he was affable, and as a public speaker pleasing, so that he was heard with enthusiasm by public audiences. A great man, with clear convictions of truth, right and duty he fought a good fight and kept the faith.