Levi Sterling

Levi Sterling (January 2, 1804 – October 16, 1868) was an American farmer, politician, and Wisconsin pioneer. He was one of the first American settlers at what is now Iowa County, Wisconsin. He served five years in the Wisconsin Legislature and—before Wisconsin achieved statehood—he served three years in the Wisconsin Territorial Assembly. During the American Civil War, he served as a Union Army cavalry officer.

Early life

Levi Sterling was born in Woodford County, Kentucky, in January 1804. He moved to Galena, Illinois, in March 1828 and, two months later, moved to the vicinity of what is now Mineral Point, Wisconsin—then part of the Michigan Territory. In 1830, he was appointed deputy clerk of the United States District Court and for the county court of Iowa County. During the Black Hawk War of 1832, he served as lieutenant in the volunteer militia company of Francis Gehon, in the army of Colonel Henry Dodge. The 2nd Wisconsin Cavalry served in the western theater of the war. After a year, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel of the regiment, and served in that capacity for another year, resigning in June 1863.

Sterling died of inflammation of the lungs and pleurisy at his home near Mineral Point in October 1868. He was survived by three daughters and one son.