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James Sturgis Sterling

of

Companies

"H" and "A"

4th Illinois Cavalry

and

12th Illinois Cavalry

My great grandfather, James Sturgis Sterling, served in Co. H. After the war he settled in Clay County, Kansas. Here is some information on him that might fit on your site:

 

J. S. Sterling, County Treasurer, was born in Preston County, Va. (nowWest Virginia), September 22, 1839. He lived in his native county until 1847, when he moved to Keokuk, Iowa. Afterwards moved to Logan County, Illinois. Enlisted, August 25, 1861, in Company "H" Fourth Illinois Cavalry. In 1865 the regiment was consolidated into a battalion, and he became a member of Company "B". The battalion was consolidated with the Twelfth Illinois Cavalry, in which he served until mustering out, June 17, 1866.

Received final discharge on July 3, 1866. In April, 1870, came to Clay County, and took a homestead in Goshen Township. Farmed until 1873, when he opened a drug store in Morgan City. In 1875 he was elected Sheriff of Clay County, and reelected in 1877. In 1879 was elected County Treasurer. He is a member of the I.O.O.F., Grand Army of the Republic, and Knights of Pythias. He was married February 1, 1874, in Clay County, to Miss Martha E. Rogers. They have four children - Belle, born February 3, 1875; Minnie, born February 9, 1877; Albert, born August 19, 1879; Charles R., born October 25, 1881.

From History of the State of Kansas by William G. Cutler, first published in 1883 by AT. Andrea's, Chicago.

From the Clay Center Dispatch, 01 March 1900

J. S. Sterling Gives Up the Fight. Died, Tuesday evening at 9:45, at his home in this city, James S. Sterling. Mr. Sterling had been quite sick for some time, but had been reported better and hopes were entertained of his recovery.

Consequently the news of his death was quite a shock to his friends. The malady from which his death resulted was pronounced gangrene of thelungs. He was sixty-one years age, an old soldier, one of the pioneers of this county, standing high with his fellows, and had been honored with more than one public position.

The funeral is to be held this afternoon at 3:30 at the family residence, Rev. H. D. Rice officiating.

Thanks for the wonderful site and the chance to share information.

Bradford Griffith

Please feel free to e-mail Bradford Griffith at:

jbgrif@sbcglobal.net

 

Truth does not change because it is, or is not, believed by a majority of the people.

-Giordano Bruno-

James Sturgis Sterling

Pension File