University of Virginia Library

TAZEWELL MERRIMAN STARKEY

For many years one of the most prominent men
in Roanoke County was the late Tazewell Merriman
Starkey. He was born in Franklin County, Virginia,
in December,
1829, and died January,
1910. He was a son of
Mr. and Mrs. Jack
Starkey, and was educated
in the private
schools of his native
county. He came to
Roanoke County in
1850 and was engaged
in farming. After the
Civil War he purchased
one of the finest farms
in Roanoke County,
near Cave Spring,
where he resided until
the time of his death.

He was one of the
first directors of the
First National Bank,
and served in that capacity until the time of his
death. He was a large owner of Roanoke County
lands. The Norfolk & Western station at Starkey
was named in his honor. For a period of twenty-eight
years he was a member of the Board of Supervisors
of Roanoke County from Cave Spring District.

He was a valiant Confederate soldier, serving in
the Fifth Virginia Cavalry. He was wounded in the
Seven Days' Fight around Richmond, and had three
horses shot under him. Seven other bullets pierced
his jacket, but otherwise left him unharmed.

In May, 1865, he was married to Henrietta P.
Harvey, daughter of Colonel and Mrs. Robert Harvey,
of Roanoke County, and as a result of that
union there were four children; namely, Mrs. Junior
W. White, of Cave Spring; Mrs. Eliza B. Smith, of
Roanoke; H. Clay Starkey, of Roanoke; and Joseph
G. Starkey, who resides at the old homestead.

Mr. Starkey was a man of keen business ability,
and in his death the county lost one of its most prominent
and progressive citizens.