Date of Birth: 
About John Leander Starr
- John Leander Starr (October 25, 1802 – August 16, 1885) was a merchant and political figure in Nova Scotia, Canada. He was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the son of John Starr and Desiah Gore.
- In 1823, he entered the family business of importing and exporting goods.
- Also in that year, Starr married Maria Sophia Ratchford.
- After the death of his father in 1827, he took over the operation of the business.
- He became magistrate for Halifax and lieutenant-colonel in the local militia.
- Starr was also involved in the temperance movement.
- In 1830, he married Frances Throckmorton after the death of his first wife.
- In 1831, the family business was dissolved to pay for his father's debts.
- Starr then entered business as an insurance broker.
- He was also a director of the Bank of British North America, president of the Halifax Gas Light and Water Company and a director of the Bay of Fundy Steam Navigation Company.
- He employed as a clerk the young Joseph Salter.
- Starr served as aide-de-camp for two Nova Scotia lieutenant governors and was a master in the Masonic order.
- He ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the provincial assembly in 1826 and 1836.
- In 1840, he was named to the province's Legislative Council.
- He was elected to Halifax city council in 1841.
- Following a downturn in the economy, Starr was forced into bankruptcy.
- In 1844, he moved to New York City, where he continued as an insurance broker.
- He died there in 1885.
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