Starr Alva Brownell

  General Notes:

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Starr A. Brownell (1871-1934)
The following unidentified newspaper article (ca. 1903/4) was found in a scrapbook owned by Betty Burton of Lowell:
DOT PUMP.
Last winter Starr Brownell's pump froze up and he heated a steel rat spear and inserted it into the pump stalk, but as soon as the spear struck the ice it broke off. The pump worked admirably and Starr had big notions of getting his idea patented, or writing a book on "What I Know About Pumps." Everything went on swimmingly until a few days ago when lo and behold, the pump refused to work and no amount of tinkering would make the "critter" give down water. He went over and consulted Fred Toppings in order to get his ideas on pumpology, but Fred scratched his head and pondered the momentous question over in his mind for some time, but finally reached the conclusion that he was no pump doctor. Almost in despair Starr started for Henry Jones, who after a deal of work, of mind and muscle, succeeded in getting the cylinder of the pump out and with it about a quart of rat spear "chawed" into small bits after which Hank soon had the pump giving down a full stream of aqua pura, which caused a broad smile to overspread Starr's face and indicated him to be the happiest man in Eagle Creek township.
MORAL: When your pump gets out of order steer straight for Hank at Lowell and he'll fix you up in short order and at a small coast.
This May 24, 1934, Lowell Tribune article appeared on page 1, column 2:
PASSED AWAY SUNDAY MORNING AFTER LONG ILLNESS.
Starr A. Brownell, who has been in very poor health for many months, passed away at his home on West Commercial avenue early Sunday morning.
The deceased was born and raised in Eagle Creek township and has resided in this vicinity all his life. He resided on a farm in Eagle Creek township until he moved, with his family to Lowell, to become cashier of the First National bank, which position he held until the bank was merged with the Lowell National bank in 1930.
Funeral services will be held at the home today (Thursday) at 3 p.m.

The following May 31, 1934, Lowell Tribune obituaty appeared on page 6, column 3:
Starr A. Brownell, identified for the last four decades with the well-being and progress of the southern part of Lake county, especially that portion known as the "Three Creek Townships," died at his home in Lowell early Sunday morning, May 21st, after an extended illness which had its inception about four years ago.
The deceased, a son of Charles A. and Frances Brownell, was 63 years of age. He was born on the dividing line between Cedar Creek and Eagle Creek townships, February 26, 1871, residing in the later township until 1911, when he removed from the Brownell farm to Lowell to accept the cashiership of the First National bank, which he so ably and trustworthily held until the bank's consolidation with the Lowell National in 1930. He received his early education in the schools of Winterset, Iowa, and in Eagle Creek township, and lastly in the Valparaiso Normal school, fitting himself for a teacher, which he followed for five years with marked success.
On November 28, 1891, he was married to Lillian Hughes, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hughes, then residents of the Plum Grove community. He soon after resigned his position as teacher to follow the occupation of his father as a farmer, continuing as such until his removal to Lowell in 1911.
While a resident of Eagle Creek township he was elected Trustee; however, he resigned his trust after two years when his proven ability, unquestioned stability and manifest integrity called him to greater responsibilities and widened his already large circle of friends to county-wide proportions, especially in the banking and political interests, which in his final hours of life were paramount to him.
It was soon after becoming a resident of Lowell that he was chosen a member of the Lowell School Board, continuing for 17 years, or until the town schools were consolidated with the township unit. In 1924 he was selected as presiding head of the Lake County Bankers' Association, and during the World War was chairman of the Liberty loan activities in the southern part of the county, which he undauntedly carried through to successful termination. In recognition of his keen ability in civic affairs, he was chosen as the first president of the Lowell Chamber of Commerce, and until illness prevented, was energetically among the foremost in serving his town and its people to the best interests and better things within the realms of good government and peace-loving citizenship.
His advice on things material was sought and much approved by his legion of friends, and his going into the valley of the shadow, has disheartened innumerable men and women, who were often guided along life's pathway by his timely and valuable suggestions, honestly and conscientiously given.
The deceased was a member of the Masonic order, the Knights of Pythias and the Sons of Veterans.
Surviving are: His Wife, two daughters, Mrs. Ray Casey, of Lima, Ohio, and Mrs. Paul Carson, of Denver, Colorado; two grand children, Ann Brownell Casey and John Paul Carson; his mother, Mrs. Frances Brownell, a sister, Mrs. Mary L. Davis, both of Lowell; and numerous near relatives.
Funeral services, which were largely attended, were held at the home last Thursday afternoon. Rev. C.A. Brown, former pastor of the Lowell M.E. church, but now of Hobart, conducted the service. Mrs. Louise Young, of Crown Point, sang. Interment was made in the Lowell cemetery in charge of Weaver & Son.

Starr married Lillian Hughes, daughter of Thomas Hughes and Rachael R. Straw, in Nov 1891 in Lowell, Lake County, Indiana. (Lillian Hughes was born in 1871 in Indiana and died in 1945 in Denver, Colorado.)

  Marriage Notes:

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Marriage to Lillian Hughs on November 1891, in Lowell, Lake County, Indiana. She was born in April 1871 in Indiana and died in 1945 in Denver, Colorado.

It is probable that she is not buried with Starr as birth and death dates are not completed on gravestone.