Obituary of William M. Sterrett (1763 - 1840) Lancaster, Pa - Ohio
From the Ohio Statesman of July 8, 1840 (page 4)
OBITUARY
Departed this life on the 23d June, (Tuesday) 1840 Col. WILLIAM M. STERRET, in the 78th year of his age.He was born in the county of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on the 25th February, 1763. -- He was a student of the University of Princeton, when that great scholar and philosopher Witherspoon was president - and he graduated whilst Witherspoon was at the head of that celebrated institution.
He intermarried with Mary (who now survives him,) daughter of Robert Creighton of Martinsburg, Virginia, and for a number of years whilst he resided in Hampshire County, Virginia, he filled the office of one of the judges of the county court of Hampshire - at that period, only to be had and held by men of known ability and integrity.
He was an early pioneer of the west; and at an early period in the history of our state, he was a member of the legislature of Ohio, and whether in the speaker's chair, or on the floor of the house, was always regarded with great attention and respect..............(long and flowery obituary).............
The military of the city of Columbus, evidencing their patriotism and public spirit, expressed a desire to bury the soldier (for he was one) hith the honors of war - but he gave charge to his family that no pomp or parade should accompany him to his home of clay - saying that of whatever in life we may look to men, in death we should look only to God.
His remains were attended by his sorrowing widow, children and grandchildren, to the Presbyterian church, where the Rev. Dr. Hoge delivered a most eloquent and impressive discourse.