Vi John Patterson Sterling, Sr., b. 1799 Knox Co., TN is believed to be the son of Henry and Elinor Sterling. His son, John Patterson Sterling, Jr., b. 1836, Knox Co., TN. was married to Martha Elizabeth Brockett. John Patterson Sterling Jr. did have a brother named Thomas Sterling, b. 1822 Knox Co., TN. He married Rebecca Endsley in 1845 in Blount Co., TN. This Thomas and Rebecca Sterling did have a son, John Henry Sterling who married Lezantha Sheridan in 1888 in White Co. Thomas and Rebecca's daughter, Mary Jane Sterling married William Henry Rice in White Co., 1876. I could go on but I hope this helps place the connections somewhat. Regards, from sunny Northern California, Bill Huckaby