Sterling G. Cato

Sterling G. Cato (c. 1807 – October 24, 1867) was an American attorney and jurist who served as an associate judge of the Supreme Court of the Kansas Territory.

Early life

Cato was born in Alabama. He and his brother, Lewis Llewellen Cato, were both lawyers. Both lived in Eufaula, Alabama, until Sterling Cato moved to Kansas.

Career

On September 13, 1855, Cato was nominated as a judge of the Supreme Court of the Kansas Territory by President Franklin Pierce, and took office on September 13, 1855, succeeding Judge Rush Elmore.

In 1856, Cato issued arrest warrants for John Brown, Sr. and many of his followers for their role in the Pottawatomie massacre.

On October 20, 1857, Cato ordered Governor Robert John Walker to accept the election of many pro-slavery candidates to the Kansas State Legislature; however, because of the election fraud that occurred with non-residents voting in the election, Walker refused to follow the order.