Built by Capt. George T. Edwards, who was born March 25, 1814, emigrated from Tennessee in 1828, and settled in Pittsfield in 1835, the Star Hotel was associated with a man active in teaming, farming, grocery work, mail-contracting, and hotel keeping, and who also served as a constable, deputy sheriff, and sheriff. At age 48, Edwards enlisted in the army and served in Company A of the 99th Il. Regiment during the Civil War. The Watson family eventually purchased the Star Hotel and later resold it to Dr. Thomas Wesley Shastid, telling the Shastids that Abe Lincoln used to stay in the hotel when he was in Pittsfield.