Sterling was born on September 7th, 1858 in Marrietta, GA. Sterling's father was William Baldwin and his mother was Margaret. His paternal grandparents were Eli Baldwin and Elizabeth. He had three siblings of unknown gender named M.F., S.E. and J.F.. He was the youngest of the four children. He died at the age of 75 on April 10th, 1934 in Lockney, TX.