Born in Lyon, New Hampshire on March 20, 1836, William Henry Stark moved to Nebraska by 1857, then, by 1860, was living in the First Ward of St. Louis, Missouri and working as a merchant.

Stark was mustered into service on October 14, 1861, in St. Louis, Missouri, as a captain in the 24th Missouri Infantry. After a brief stay with the 24th, he was detached to the staff of General Samuel Ryan Curtis for the duration of his service. He was promoted to major on January 5, 1863 and to lieutenant colonel on April 21, 1863. General Curtis spoke “in the most complimentary manner of his efficiency, reliability, and worth.” Stark was mustered out of service on January 7, 1865 at St. Louis, Missouri.

After the war, Stark returned to St. Louis and worked in the insurance business. He died of “enlargement of the liver” on March 28, 1884.

Stark is buried in Bellefontaine Cemetery in St. Louis.

Carte-de-Visite by unknown photographer.

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 11655