Ellen Gates Starr co-founded Hull-House with Jane Addams in 1889. She was influenced by her father, Caleb Starr, an abolitionist, supporter of collective farming, and an advocate for women's rights. Starr met Addams at Rockford Female Seminary. Due to her family’s lack of finances, Starr could not stay to complete her degree, but eagerly partnered with Addams to establish a settlement house in Chicago. Despite differences in background and temperament, Starr and Addams were lifelong friends, sharing a desire to find meaningful work.