William H. Stark was born March 20, 1836, in Lyon, Grafton County, New Hampshire, later moving to Florence, Nebraska, where he was a farmer, insurance agent and broker.
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.
The 24th Missouri Infantry marched from Rolla, Missouri to Pea Ridge, Arkansas in early 1862, under the command of Major Eli Weston. Arriving at Pea Ridge they occupied Elkhorn Tavern as the Union provost guard. On March 7, 1862, while repelling advancing Confederate forces, the 24th Missouri suffered the first known casualty of the battle when Private John Franklin was severely wounded; he survived but was disabled and released from the service. The 24th Missouri was forced to retreat from Elkhorn Tavern, later retiring to camp near Pratt’s Store on March 7th. They did not fight on March 8th but continued to provide provost guard duties, guarding Confederate prisoners.
Lieutenant Colonel Stark died on March 28, 1884, in St. Louis, Missouri; he is buried in Bellefontaine Cemetery, St. Louis, the same cemetery as Confederate General Sterling Price.
Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 11655
