ipad frequently visited sites won't turn off

I don't want to delete my Favorites on iPad Safari.

I do want to delete the start up page showing the frequently visited sites.

Went to System Settings - Safari - Frequently Visited Sites - selected off

BUT the still show up.

I restarted the iPad, but still showing.

I erased my iPad and restored it, and still showing.

Again, I need to keep my Favorite, but hate that start up page with all the icons. It's distracting.

What is going wrong?