Eva Rhuanna Stark Hudson: An Autograph Book, Kansas 1887

I obtained an autograph book from my late Uncle Doug Hudson. This autograph book is a family treasure & now all can view its content. The autograph book belonged to Eva Rhuanna Stark Hudson. She is my great grandmother. She married John James Hudson on 16th May 1891. The families lived near Falun, Kansas, near Brookvile and Marquette. It appears Eva had family and/or friends north of this area as well as some of the autographs are from Downs, Kansas and other small towns to the north in Republic County Kansas.

Of course, I've went down may rabbit holes of research regarding Eva. So many stories to share but this blog post isn't the place. This is for the autograph book. I do however feel I need to share details about her life to assist with the reading of the autograph book.

From her union to John Hudson, ten children were born. (source: 1900 US Census where Eva listed 9 children with only 7 living) I was told my grandfather had twin brothers but never could locate a source to verify this. If any of our relatives know the story please leave it in a comment below. The eight children known:

Gertrude Jane Nellie May Hudson 1892-1977

Maude Evalina Hudson 1893-1942

Elmer Clarence 1896-1995

Pearl Chole 1898-1989

Amel Homer 1902-1980

Clarence Marion1904-1999

Fora Dora 1909-1980

Opla Isabelle 1912-2003

Eva's parents were Stephan B. Stark (1841-1920) and Sarah Amanda Davis (1840-1903.). Sarah was married to Robert Casebolt and had two children, Wiletta (1860-1909) and Robert (1862-1898.) Her first husband, Robert died on 9th of July 1862 in Corinth, Mississippi. He fought for the Union. His son, Robert died in 1898 from Typhoid fever. Sarah died in Emporia, Kansas at the age of 62 from a stroke. There is an entry written by her half brother Robert in 1898.

Eva's father, Stephen B. Stark is buried in Leavenworth, Kansas and fought in the Civil War. He was a Bugler, enlisted on 2nd August 1861 and left on 19th September 1865 at Selma, Alabama. He fought for the Union, 2nd Iowa Calvery, Company D. There is an entry written by him.

Known siblings to Eva are:

Rosellea May Stark (1867-1940)

Thomas Edwin Stark (1868-1942)

Mattie Dean Stark (1869-1937)

Minnie Elizabeth Stark 1873

Nellie May Stark (1875-1902)

Charles Clarence Stark (1877-1928)

My father remembers little about her as she passed when he was four years old. A memory shared by my father is that of how he finally got a bed after his first years of life sleeping on the dirt floor in the small two room home in Western Kansas. The bed was taken from him when Eva passed as it was used for her viewing. I hope to learn more about Eva as my grand daughter is named after her.

Eva with children Gerturde, Maude, Elmer, Pearl, Amel and Clarence

Marriage license for Eva and John.

---

The Autograph Book

This book is to share with all my extended family. Please share comments to assist in the identification of those who wrote to Eva.

Robert Casebolt -1/2 brother died in 1898 from Typhoid Fever.

Written by her father, Stephen B.Stark

Written by her sister, Nellie May Stark.

Written by her brother, Charles Clarence Stark.

Written by her brother in law, Conway Hudson just months before she mararied John. I wonder if he was in love with Eva.

Written by her husband, just months before their marriage.

Written by her husband, John James Hudson. The married six months later.

This is an entry in 1911 to Eva's daughter Maude.

Written by Eva's oldest daughter, Gertrude.