This southern colonial style home was built by E. W. Stark in 1905.
E.W. Stark was born to William Watts Stark and Cynthia Pharr on November 19, 1856 in Louisiana. He, along with his brother Clarence, first incorporated the family business under the name of Stark Brothers Company in 1889 for $50,000. In 1893, the company underwent reorganization and reincorporation for $300,000 under the new name Stark Brothers Nurseries and Orchards Company. Edgar was known as the business expert of the Stark men. He was in charge of production and finances. He served as the president of the company from 1905-1935. In total, he served 60 years at Stark Bros. Nursery. In 1932, he received a Certificate of Honorary Recognition from the Missouri College of Agriculture. He was instrumental in making the business a sound and profitable operation. 1
He married Mattie Johnson in 1887. They had two children. Their daughter, Martha Winfred Stark, was born on September 5, 1891. Their son, Clay Hamilton, was born on October 2, 1894.