History of Allegany Co, MD Volume #2

By James W.Thomas L.L.D. and Judge J.C. Williams

Call #975.294 H2tho
055-15

Written in 1969

Page 1130

Charles W. STARK

Charles W. STARK has a recognized place among the well established business men of Cumberland, having worked his way to a substantial competence and honorable position by the most commendable methods.  He educated himself for his chosen calling, embarked in business on his own account with no encouragement to back him but the consciousness of self reliance and willingness to apply himself to whatever came in the way of responsibility, and has made a creditable success.  Mr. STARK is a native of Cumberland, born June 5, 1879, son of George STARK and grandson of George STARK, who brought his family to Cumberland from Germany in the year 1845.  Of the latter's children but one now survives--Christiana, who is the widow of William HART, living on Highland street, Cumberland.

George STARK, father of Charles W. STARK, was born in Germany and accompanied his parents to this country in 1845, he and his wife being reckoned among the pioneer German residents of the city of Cumberland.  Their home was at No. 116 Columbia Street.   For nearly half a century Mr. STARK was in the service of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company, being on of the trusted engineers on that road, died in March 1922, age 80 years.  Mr. STARK married Elizabeth FROEHLICH, like himself a native of Germany, and daughter of the late Adam FROEHLICH, and the celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage with a family reunion at which their five living children were present.   Mrs. STARK died April, 1920.  Mr. and Mrs. STARK became acquainted in Cumberland, and their wedding took place in the German Lutheran Church on Bedford Street, the Rev. Mr. VOSSLER performing the ceremony.  Of the eight children born to them, seven grew to maturity, namely George H., who is a traveling representative of the Cumberland Brewing Company; Margaret, who is deceased; Phillip, who died when twenty-one years old; John Frank, who is engaged in the office of the Cumberland Steel Company; Charles W.;
J. William, a resident of Philadelphia; and Miss Ida STARK, who lives at home.  One daughter died young.  They are members of St. Luke's German Lutheran Church and Mr. STARK always supported the Republican Party.  He was a highly respected member of the community, where his useful life and substantial position attained by his family have contributed materially to the general welfare.

Charles W. STARK was reared in Cumberland, and during his boyhood had such educational advantages as the common schools afforded.  When fifteen years old he became a clerk in the drug store of A.M. LICHTENSTEIN, in whose employ he continued from 1895 to 1905, meantime completing the course at the Maryland College of Pharmacy, from which he was graduated in 1899, the youngest of his class.  He earned his own way, and after acquiring enough experience to give him confidence, started up for himself in 1905, purchasing the present place of business at No. 179 North Center Street, which has proved an excellent stand.  As recently remodeled the property is one of the up-to-date drug stores in Cumberland, well stocked with all the ordinary merchandixe of the trade, as well as a full line of all kinds of paints and similar goods.

Though strict in his attention to business, Mr. STARK also found time for other interests, particularly his association with the Maryland National Guard, being a first lieutenant of Company G. First Regiment, which he accompanied to the Mexican border in June, 1916, in response to President Wilson's call for troops to protect United States citizens and property.  He served until November, when his command was ordered home and mustered out.  Mr. STARK is a Republican and a Lutheran, belonging to St. Luke's Church.  Fraternally he is a Mason, affilliated with Ohr Lodge, No. 131, A.F. & A.M.

On June 28, 1909, Mr. STARK married Miss. Bessie M. REUSCHLEIN, daughter of George REUSCHLEIN, of Cumberland, and they have one child, John W.