Following Starbuck's death in 1887, his only son, Henry Reuben Starbuck, took over the family's law practice. Henry attended the Salem Boys School as a child, and graduated from the University of North Carolina with a BA degree. Henry spent a year studying law under Col. George Nathaniel FolkCol. George Nathaniel Folk in Caldwell County. He was admitted to the bar by 1888. After having received his own license two years prior in 1886, Adolphus Hill EllerAdolphus Hill Eller moved to Forsyth, where he became a partner with Henry in the family practice. Henry Starbuck met Eller while they were both attending the University of North Carolina, where the two were roommates. Henry Reuben Starbuck was elected as a Superior Court Judge in 1894. Upon his elevation to the bench, Eller took over the former Starbuck offices alone. In 1913, Eller added Richard Gordon StocktonRichard Gordon Stockton as a new partner. Henry Reuben Starbuck kept his position as Superior Court Judge for eight years. He was elected to the North Carolina Senate in 1909 and 1911. In 1925 the state legislature appointed him as the first Judge of the newly created Forsyth County Court, where he was reappointed by the Governor for three additional terms. After his time in the Forsyth County Court, Henry Reuben returned to law practice with his son William. He continued to practice until a few months before his death in 1958.North Carolina Manual, 1913
