William D. Sterling
abt. 1817-Jan. 29, 1882
Niles Mirror, Wednesday, February 1, 1882, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library
W.D. Sterling died on Sunday, the 29th Jan., at 4 o'clock p.m. , of consumption of the bowels, aged 66 years. He was a native of East Schuyler, Herkimer county, N.Y., and came to this state in 1817 with his father and stopped at Mt. Clemons. In 1888[sic] he removed to this place and opened a merchant tailor store in company with John B. Reddick, in which business he continued until 1852, when he went to California and spent four years. he returned in 1857 and went into the post office as assistant postmaster under W.H. McComber, post master. In 1860, he removed to Wisconsin, where he carried on general merchandising until 1864, when he returned to this city and entered in to the merchantile [sic]business in 1866 under the name of W.D. & C.J. Sterling, which he carried on until 1879. Since which time, with health somewhat impaired, he has been engaged in no active business. His wife died Feb. 24, 1879. Mr. Sterling has ever been active in all the duties of life, and was a man whose honesty and integrity was never questioned. His funeral will take place under the auspices of the Masonic Fraternity, on Wednesday, this week, at his dwelling, at 2 o'clock p.m.. Rev. C.C. Tate will officiate.
Niles Democrat, Saturday, February 4, 1882, page 3, col 4, microfilm Niles District Library
Gone Home
W.D. Sterling died at his residence in this city on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 29th, of consumption of the bowels, aged 66 years. Mr. Sterling's native place was East Schuyler, Herkimer County, N.Y., from whence he came to Mt. Clemons, Mich., in 1817, remaining there until 1838, when he came to Niles, and in company with John B. Reddick, father of John and Will Reddick of this city, carried on a merchant tailoring establishment for 12 years, doing a thriving and heavy business. The gold fever drew him with many from Niles to California in 1852 where he spent four years, returning in 1859, and acting as deputy postmaster under W.H. McOmber, thence removing to Wisconsin in 1860, where he was engaged in the mercantile business until 1864, when he returned to this city, and with his son, Chas. J. Sterling, entered late the same line, carrying a heavy stock, and being one of our most reliable and prosperous merchants until three years since. Thus for over 40 years he has been identified with the history of Niles and had grown as familiar with our citizens that his genial face and kindly greeting will be greatly missed, especially by the old residents, who recognize in his departure the discovering of another link that binds them to the past. Mr. Sterling was a warm, steadfast friend, and possessed of a very social nature, and was especially fond of the society of young people. His love for flowers amounted almost to a passion, and they were ever the objects of his tenderest care; and thus, though his head was silvered, his heart did not grow old. Since the death of Mrs. Sterling, Feb. 24th, 1879, his health has perceptibly failed, and with little interest in life, he has seemed only waiting and longing for the change to come. On the last anniversary of his wife's death, he prayed to die, and thought he could not survive the suffering. Perhaps his wish was granted in being removed to her companionship before another trial hour came. His closing hours were free from pain and very peaceful. A glorious Sabbath sunset flooded the room and he remarked "How beautiful! I am gong down with the sun;" and enjoining his devoted niece not to weep, gently passed away, retaining consciousness until the last moment. On Wednesday at 2 o'clock p.m., the brethern of the "mystic tie," assembled at his late residence, to pay parting honors to one who hd been in communion with them for 40 years, and bear him to rest. There was noticeably a large attendance of the old residents, and a deep feeling of solemnity pervaded the scene. The floral tributes were exceedingly lovely and suggestive; at the head of the casket, stood a broken column, composed of similax and rose bids, surmounted with a calla Lily from Mrs. Len Platt and Mrs. J.B. Harter, and it was indeed a most beautiful tribute. The frame around his face was wreathed in Smilax, and on the Masonic apron rested an equisite wreath and cross combined, formed of Smilax and rosebuds, and bearing the word, "Uncle" in purple immortelles, a touching offering from Miss Gertrude Snyder; and below a beautiful anchor also composed of smilax and rosebuds the gift of Mrs. W.E. Jones. It was hoped that Rev. A.J. Edred, an old friend of the family, and who preached the funeral sermon for Mrs. Sterling, would be present, but he could not come, and the impressive service of the Episcopal church was conducted by Rev. C.C. Tate. The singing was in charge of W.H. Peck, and richly rendered.
Some months ago, on a bright summer Sabbath afternoon, the deceased, meeting the writer in Silver Brook Cemetery, where an honored citizen had just been laid "dust to dust," said "We are going home." and the expression was marked with so much fervor, and joyfulness, that it seemed like the utterance of one who full of happy anticipations, was contemplating a little journey to some sunny land. And now that home is found, and the weary, storm tossed spirit, is at rest, blessed rest.
"What then? A shadowy valley, lone and dim
And this a deep and darkly rolling river;
And then a flood of light, a seraph hymn
And God's own smile, forever and forever."