The Passing of a Seattle Homeopath
Dr. D.W. Starkey, a well-known local physician and Mason, passes away at Steilacoom.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
Dr. D. W. Starkey, of this city, died on the 24th instant, at the Territorial Hospital at Steilacoom. Dr. Starkey was born in England, and when he died was 54 years, 8 months and 17 days old. He came to the United States in 1849, settling in Ohio, where he lived ten years. In June, 1877, he came to Seattle. For a time he worked as a tailor in the shop of Mr. Samuel Kenny, but later resumed the practice of medicine, he belonging to the school of homeopathy. Some months ago he sustained a severe fall, the result of which was paralysis and softening of the brain, from which he slowly but perceptibly sank. Dr. Starkey was a most respectable and worthy citizen, and had not an enemy in the world. He was an honored member of St. John's Lodge of Masons and also of Washington Council of Chosen Friends. The doctor leaves a wife and son, who possess the sympathy of a large circle of acquaintances. The funeral will take place at the Congregational Church today.
“Dr. Starkey was a most respectable and worthy citizen, and had not an enemy in the world.”
This obituary reflects the mobility of the 19th-century American life, where a physician might also work as a tailor to get by. It also captures the transition of the Pacific Northwest as a final home for mid-century immigrants.
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