Source: Portrait & Biographical Album of Whiteside County, IL
Originally published 1885 Chapman Bros., Chicago, IL

Transcribed by: Becky Jones

Pages 573-574

Herman Sterling, a farmer on section 14 Montmorency Township, is the son of Isaac H. and Harriet (Emmons) Sterling. His parents were born, reared and married in Connecticut; and soon after the event of their union in matrimony they went to Pennsylvania, settling in Susquehanna County. In 1864 they removed thence to Whiteside County, and resided for a period of 17 years in Montmorency Township, and in 1881 they returned to Pennsylvania, where the father died, Oct. 15, 1882. The mother was born in 1803, and is still living, aged 82 years. Their children were named as follows: Amos, Ansel, James, Charles, Herman, Ralph, Harriet L., Harriet, Charles M., Julia and Ursula U. Amos, Harriet L. and Charles are deceased.

Mr. Sterling was born Oct. 8, 1831, in Brooklyn, Susquehanna Co., Pa. He came to Whiteside County in 1853, and has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1858 he became a landholder by the purchase of 80 acres of land, on which he has since operated, together with managing 200 acres additional, which he has acquired by later purchase. He has erected excellent buildings. Nearly all his land is tillable.

Mr. Sterling is not the adherent of any political party or faction, and he has been Assessor four years, and School Trustee seven years.

His marriage to Frances A. Stroud took place April 27, 1858, in Brooklyn, Susquehanna Co., Pa. Mrs. Sterling is the daughter of John and Elvira M. (Kingsley) Stroud, respectively natives of Connecticut and Pennsylvania. They settled after marriage in Susquehanna County, where the whole of their married lives were spent, the father dying Dec. 29, 1850. The mother is now the wife of C.R. Palmer, and lives in Montmorency.

Mrs. Palmer had five children by her first husband: Elhanan, Frances, William, William E. and John E. Mrs. Sterling was born in Brooklyn, Susquehanna Co., Pa., Feb. 27, 1840. Mr. Sterling is a member of the A.O.U.W.