Lud Sterling was born in New Hope, La Rue county, Kentucky, in the year 1878. He lived there until he was fifteen years of age, when he came with his parents to Tiskilwa, Illinois, where they immediately located on the George McMahon farm. In the vicinity of Tiskilwa Lud grew to manhood, a tall stalwart young fellow, well known and well liked by all.

In 1908 he was married to Mary Burrell. To this union were born six children, the oldest, Beulah, now thirteen years of age. They made their home in Tiskilwa until his death February 10, 1923.

He leaves to survive him, a wife and six children, a father, a sister, and five brothers besides a number of other relatives and friends.