Sarah Elizabeth Sterling, GW #81

Sarah was born on 21 August 1884, according to her tombstone, but in 1883 according to the 1900 census.  Her parents were immigrant from Ireland Robert Sterling and immigrant from England Elizabeth Evans.  The Sterling family lived in Porter Township in Schuylkill County, Pa., where Robert was a coal miner.  Sarah and her six brothers and one sister were probably all born there.  Alas, tragedy struck the family in 1891 when Sarah’s mother died; the youngest child was only two.  Sarah’s father married a second time in 1895 but by 1900, he was no longer married.  The census taker indicated that Sarah’s father was divorced.  Sarah’s growing up years had its challenges.  In 1900, Sarah was 16 years old, living with her father and three younger brothers in Tower City Borough, Schuylkill County, Pa.  No occupation is listed but she probably ran the household.  In 1910, Sarah Sterling is living in Reading at 1055 Moss Street, renting a room from William Gambler and his wife and daughter, Ella.  Also listed as boarders are Mary and Cora Rothermal.  Ella, Mary, Cora, and Sarah are all working at a hosiery mill.  Sarah is a fore lady which shows some organizational leadership skills.  In 1920, 1930, 1940, and 1950, Sarah is living in Cleveland, Ohio with the other Gospel Workers.  How did she find out about the Gospel Workers?  From the 19 May 1910 issue of the Gospel Banner, we learn that Sarah Sterling, H. Mae Rothermel, and Anna Heffner from the Reading MBC church were candidates for admission to the Gospel Worker Society.  They were examined and accepted.  From the 1940 census we learn that Sarah had only four years of formal education.  Sarah died on 14 October 1958 and is buried with the Gospel Workers in the Brooklyn Heights Cemetery.