To PAULA1941@aol.com and other Sterling researchers: >I'm really enjoying the "History of Crawford Co." even when it is not my >people. Do you have any and all STERLINGS in the book. There are many STERLINGS in the "History of Crawford County, PA, 1885." I will transcribe them for you here and in the next few emails! On page 631, in the history of Sparta Township: "The first grist-mill was erected near the west line of the township, on Britton Run, by Andrew Britton. It was what was denominated a corn-cracker, not rising to the dignity of a flour-mill; but it was a welcome addition to the neighboring settlers, who could fare sumptuously on corn-bread, wild meats and potatoes. The mill had an overshot water-wheel, and was situated at the very headwaters of the run. The flow of water, however, was much stronger than now. The next corn-cracker was owned and operated in early times by Moses Higgins. it stood on Cold Brook, in Tract 286, in the north-east part of the township. William B. STERLING erected, on the site of his abandoned saw-mill, a carding and fulling-mill which he operated for about fifteen years." On pages 632 and 633, in the same section: "William B. STERLING was the first Justice of the Peace. One of his first official duties was to prescribe justice to an unloving couple, who could not long occupy the same house without an undue exhibition of connubial infelicity by way of numerous hair pullings and other marks of deficient affection. The Justice decreed that the better half should remain in sole and exclusive possession of the cabin, and that her consort under the penalties of the law should not approach within a radius of two miles. The children, however, were allowed by the terms of the legal instrument prepared to pass beyond this limit and visit their father." On page 659, in the history of Summerhill Township: "James McDowell is reputed the pioneer settler, coming about 1796 or 1797. He was of Scotch extraction, came from the region of the Susquehanna, and remained a life-long resident on his farm on the Conneaut, below Dicksonburg. He had five sons and two daughters, and many of their descendants are yet in the township. Daniel Myers came from the same locality about the same time and settled on the adjoining tract, near the center of the township, surveyed in the name of A. Power. He was killed while on his way home from Harmonsburg by being thrown from his horse. John STERLING, an old neighbor, soon followed to the new country, and his sons, James, Washington and Andrew became well-known property-holders. James Fetterman settled on the John Power tract, about one and a half miles southeast from Conneautville, where he remained till death in old age and where his descendants now reside. He at one time owned 1,100 acres of land. He came a young, unmarried man, and in 1798 wedded Betsy McDowell; this was the first marriage in the township." And on pages 660 and 661 of the same section: "The primitive schoolhouse was a little log structure which stood on the present farm of W.C. STERLING about a half mile north of Dicksonburg. It was built about 1812, and its early teachers were: Triphosa Rugg, Samuel Steele and Whately Barrett. It was used for about six years as a temple of education." More to follow! Kathy Brubaker Volunteer Genealogist Linesville Historical Society kbrbkr@toolcity.net