Adolphus D. Sterling was born at Dutch Settlement, Evans Mills, Jefferson Co., NY on 23 April 1844. By the 1860's, his father had moved the family to Lorraine NY. By 1870, they moved again, settling permanently in Ellisburg, NY. While living in Lorraine, at the age of 17, Adolphus enlisted with Company A of the 94th New York Infantry [3 Feb 1862]. He was wounded twice at the second Battle of Bull Run [August 30, 1862], receiving a piece of shell in his right ankle (which was not so severe as to compel him to leave the field), and on the same day having a rebel bullet strike him in the right thigh. This second wound completely disabled him. He was taken prisoner and paroled by the rebels as he lay wounded for 48 hours on the battlefield. Afterward, he was found by Union soldiers. As a result of lying on the field two days and two nights, he contracted rheumatism and also total deafness in his left ear. He was taken to Ryland Chapel Hospital at Washington D.C., where he remained about seven weeks. He was reported "missing" during this time. At the hospital, he was told it did not matter where he was because of the fact that he was a paroled prisoner, and was sent home to his parents (then living in Ellisburg). He was to use his own best efforts to heal said wounds. After nearly a year, even though he wasn't recovered…Adolphus was anxious to serve his country again. Not knowing where he could be exchanged, he took the risk of reenlisting [14 Aug 1863]. If captured and recognized, he would have been shot by the rebels. He was placed in Company D, 20th New York Cavalry, and would serve faithfully until his honorable discharge was given near Manchester, Va. [July 31, 1865]. Adolphus died at the age of 81, December 24, 1925, and was buried in Dexter Cemetery, NY.
NOTE * Adolphus's father, Jacob Sterling, enlisted with him the second time, serving in Co. K. of the 20th New York Cavalry [September 9, 1863]. Jacob was 45 years of age at the time of enlistment. His son and family could not know with his enlistment the affects that combat conditions [and military life] would have on Jacob's health. He would die three years after his return from the war of the rebellion [November 8, 1868] at the young age of 50. He was buried at North Boyleston Cemetery, NY.
ADOLPHUS D. STERLING OBITUARY
Camden - Adolphus D. Sterling died Thursday evening at the home of his son, William Sterling, of the "Sterling House". Mr. Sterling was born April 23, 1844 at Dutch Settlement, in the Town of LeRay, Jefferson County. His parents were Jacob and Mary Snyder Sterling. He was married about 60 years ago to Miss Martha Wilder. Mr. Sterling was a farmer and most of his life was spent in Mannsville and Dexter. He was a member of Broadbent Post, G.A.R. of Dexter. He was a private in Co. D., 20th New York Cavalry, enlisting from Mannsville and was discharged July 31, 1865. He was in a number of different engagements, and was wounded at the second Battle of Bull run.
Mr. Sterling is survived by his widow, three sons, William of Camden, Gilbert of Berlin, N.H., and Claude of Dexter; and one daughter, Mrs. O. W. Reed of Rome. The funeral will be held tomorrow at the Universalist Church at Dexter, at noon.
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Sources:
Adolphus D. (and Martha S. Wilder) Sterling, Military Pension File
(Certificate #s 507,817 and 970,821)
Jacob (and Mary Countryman Snyder) Sterling, Military Pension File
(Certificate #347,152)
Old archived newspapers: Watertown Daily Times (www.fultonhistory.com)
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