Thomas Starke - Obituary

"Died - On Friday the tenth of October died at his seat near the town of Washington, in the county of Wilkes, Mr. Thomas Starke aged 70 years. His disorder was the gout; which suddenly seizing on the vitals, put an end to a well spent life, before the necessary means could be obtained, for driving it to the extremities. This painful disorder which he inherited from his ancestors - he had born [sic] for upwards of thirty years, with a degree of fortitude that did honor to the man, the Christian, and the philosopher. His industry and economy constantly enabled him to assist the needy; and his assistance was always ready, where the object was worthy; but idleness and dissipation, he chose to discourage. He never took usury for money lent, tho’ he lent often - perhaps oftener than any man in the state." (Augusta Chronicle [Augusta, Richmond County, GA] Saturday, 1 Nov 1794, p. 3, column 3; University of Georgia, Athens, GA)