I have not yet transferred the data I have on Sterling to my CSN web site. This is what I have on him:

NEIL HOWISON STERLING, born North Carolina, son of Fort Sterling of Greensboro, North Carolina; nephew of R. R. Howison, of Richmond, Virginia; original entry into Confederate States Navy as acting midshipman, 4th class, August 24, 1861; served on the Richmond station, and at Drewry's Bluff, 1861 - 1863; reported for duty at Houston, Texas, February, 1863; died at Richmond, Virginia; funeral service held on Tuesday, April 19, 1864, at the home of his uncle, R.R. Howison, in Richmond. [ORN 1, 19, 835 and 2, 1, 321; Register1863; Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia) dated April 19, 1864.]

The first name of his father is listed as Fort in the Richmond newspaper, Daily Dispatch, but I don't know if this is correct or not.
This is only one of the many entries I have yet to add to the web site, as it is a work in constant progression, and I have so much data from so many sources that it is taking me quite some time to add this data, as it comes to hand. Eventually I will catch up, but it may take me the rest of my life!!!
And yes, being a midshipman, he would most certainly have been quite young, as they were appointed as young as 14 years, if I recall the regulations correctly.