The Sterling genealogy

WILLIAM STERLING OF HAVERHILL, MASS. 555
from the latter date until June, 1867, he was acting chancellor, by
authority of the regents. Having previously acted as dean of the
faculty, he was, in 1860, continued by the regents in that office
until 1865. In 1865 he was elected vice-chancellor, and vice-
president in 1869, which office he held until his death.
During his years as head of the University, Prof. Sterling
proved himself a wise councilor, a faithful friend to the students,
extending encouragement and generous aid to all who were in need,
ruling the affairs of the institution with a firm but kindly hand,
and, by precept and example, stimulating all the classes to a higher
culture and nobler manhood. Throughout all these years, beside
the care and numerous duties connected with his office, he was
engaged, most of the time, five hours daily in the class room.
In 1866 Prof. Sterling received from his alma mater the hon-
orary degree of doctor of philosophy, and the same year from
Lawrence University, at Appleton, Wis., that of doctor of laws;
honors worthily bestowed, not only upon an earnest and faithful
teacher, an intelligent and high-minded citizen, but upon a con-
scientious Christian gentleman ; for as a man Prof. Sterling was
above reproach. His integrity of character, unscrupulous fidelity,
and exalted sense of honor were never questioned. Accounts of
Professor Sterling's life may be found in " The Hist, of Uni.
of Wis.," C. W. Butterfield, Madison, '79 ; " Biog. Review of
Dane Co.," Chicago, Biog. Review Pub. Co., '93, and in the " Nat.
Encyclopedia Am. Biog."
John W. Sterling d. Mar. 9, 1885. Mrs. Harriet Sterling d.
July 11, 1900.
Children
2087 t Grace Fairchild Sterling,
L. Lindsley.
b. Mar. 24, 1857; m. George
2088 Susan Adelaide Sterling, b. in Madison, June 16, 1858.
Miss Sterling graduated from the University of Wisconsin
in 1879 with the degree of B.L. She took
graduate work in Latin at Wellesley College, 1880-
81 ; taught English at Ferry Hall, Lake Forest, 111.,
1881-83; traveled and studied in Europe, 1883-84,
returned to Ferry Hall, where she taught Gorman in
1885-86. She joined the faculty of the University
of Wisconsin in 1886. Took graduate studies in