Samuel Beatty Sterling
Samuel Beatty Sterling, a prominent farmer and a native of Holmes County, was born September 20, 1831. His father, James Sterling, was a native of Westmoreland County, Penn., and in 1821 became identified with Wayne (now Holmes) County, Ohio, buying 130 acres of land, all of which was timber. He lived to see the most of his land under cultivation and became one of the prominent, well-to-do farmers of the county. In addition to his farm in Holmes County he owned considerable land in Indiana, on Eel River. When he settled in Holmes County the country was infested with wild animals, and he had many hardships to undergo, and many difficulties to overcome. He married a Miss Beatty, and they had a family of seven children: Sarah, now Mrs. Starrett, in Frederickburgh, born July 14, 1821; William, born November 18, 1822; Robert, born May 7, 1824; Jane, born March 16, 1826; John B., born April 23 1828, in Whitley County, Ind.; Samuel B., born September 20, 1831; George, born June 1, 1837. Of these three, Sarah, John B., and Samuel B., are now living. The father died at the age of fifty-nine years, the result of an accident, and the mother at the age of seventy-three years.
Samuel B. Sterling remained with his parents until his marriage, when he located on a farm and began life for himself. In 1861 he bought the farm of 130 acres where he now lives, which was the property of his father-in-law. He is one of the best known farmers of the township, and is a leading and public spirited citizen. He was married February 4, 1858, to Miss Rachel, daughter of Thomas McConkey, an early settler of Ohio, at one time owning the property which is now the site of the village of Shreve. To Mr. and Mrs. Sterling were born three children, two of whom--James Elmer and Thomas McConkey-- are living; Marven E. is deceased. Mrs. Sterling died March 12, 1884, aged fifty-five years. Mr. Sterling is a member of the Disciples Church; in politics he is a Democrat.
From Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Wayne and Holmes, Ohio, J. H. Beers & Co., Chicago, 1889