Husband Andrew Jackson Sterrett 1 2
Born: 5 Oct 1826 - McKean Twp, Erie Co, PA 1
Christened:
Died: Bef 1909
Buried:
Father: David Sterrett (1789-1865) 3
Mother: Mary Sterrett (1794-1873) 3
Marriage: 1865 4
Wife Helen M. Brecht 2 4
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Children
1 M Ralph B. Sterrett 2
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2 M Reid G. Sterrett 2
Born:
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Died:
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3 M Scott S. Sterrett 2
Born:
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Died:
Buried:
4 M Lysander N. Sterrett 2
AKA: Lee Norton Sterrett 4
Born:
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5 M Mack M. Sterrett 2
AKA: Carl M. Sterrett 4
Born:
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6 M Andrew J. Sterrett 2
Born:
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7 M Thomas G. Sterrett 2
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8 F Ruth Ann Sterrett 2
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General Notes: Husband - Andrew Jackson Sterrett
The following from the Erie Gazette of Feb. 20, 1881, written by a life-long acquaintance of the subject whose name heads these notes, mentions some of the varied scenes that made up his useful life: It is with deep regret we announce the death of one of our best known, most valued and estimable citizens, Andrew Jackson Sterrett, who expired at his residence on Holland Street, in this city, on Wednesday evening last, after a short but painful illness; his disease was pneumonia. Connected as he had been for many years with the affairs of Erie Co., and identified with the administration of the County Commissioner's office, with an acquaintance through the county probably unequalled by that of any other citizen, our readers will be interested in some of the particulars of his life. He was born Oct. 5, 1826, in McKean Township, Erie Co. He was a son of David Sterrett, who was himself one of the oldest and best known citizens of the county. At about the age of fifteen he entered the office of the Gazette to learn the art of printing with his Uncle, Hon. Joseph M. Sterrett, the veteran publisher of that paper. Gen. Hiram L. Brown, Sidney Kelsey, Joseph R. Sterrett, and George W. Riblet were among his associates during the period of his connection with that office. Desiring more active business, upon the completion of his term in the office, and having acquired the art, he engaged in the milling business at Sterrettania, where he continued for some time. In view of the great inducements presented in the State of Iowa, he removed to Fort Dodge about the year 1854, embarking in the land business and investing considerably in the lands then open for settlement in that locality, the movement in which he was augmented by the Bounty Land Act of March 3, 1855. The closing of the land offices, which speedily followed the passage of the railroad grants of 1856, as announced by proclamation in May of that year, and the failure of some business ventures, caused him to abandon his intention of remaining there, and he returned to Erie Co. During this period his health had been precarious, and his strength, not always equal to the exactions of business for which his abilities and attainments so well fitted him. It was in the midst of the war of the rebellion, when the long clerkship of Mr. Colton in the Commissioner' s office had terminated by his election as Prothonotary, that the Commissioners, Messrs. Washburn, Palmer and Boyd, staggering under the heavy load caused by the effort to fill one quota by the payment of county bounties, and supplying the need of a local currency by the issue of what was known as county scrip, and after a trial of one or two others, persuaded Mr. Sterrett to accept the position of Clerk, the duties of which, under the exigencies of the war, had become thus complicated and onerous. Accepting the office thus conferred he entered upon the discharge of his duties, mastering all their details, and performed them with credit to himself and acceptability to the people, and for seventeen years remained in the position to the satisfaction of everyone. Our readers need not to be reminded of the manner in which his duties were performed. Familiar with all the details and routine of the office, studious of the county's interest, courteous to all who had business in the office, it might be said that he had become a part of it, and as we write it is difficult to understand how the vacancy so suddenly made can be supplied. There was a method in his business; a patience and affability in official intercourse; an unobtrusive civility and endurance of labor; a courtesy of manner, and tenacity of memory, accuracy in figures and neatness of penmanship, and a vigilant interest in the public weal which were strikingly manifest, which especially fitted him for this position. All of our readers who have during the last seventeen years done business at the Commissioner's office, will corroborate us in our estimate of the ability with which his duties were performed during his extended term. In no way was his tact and fitness for the position better evinced than in his entire abstention from interference in any of the contests for official position, with which, in the distribution of the county patronage, those attached to the office are so apt to be connected. He was married, 1865, to Helen M. Brecht, and the result was eight children, viz., Ralph B., Reid G., Scott S., Lee Norton, Carl M., Andrew J., Thomas G. and Ruth A. Such is a brief notice of one whose demise will be sincerely deplored, while his exemplary career will long cause his name to be respected by those who for the last quarter of a century have known and respected the subject of this sketch.