My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM O. STRONG. On November 3, 1809, in Columbia county, New York, was born William O. Strong, son of Asa and Loranie (Griswold) Strong. His childhood and youth were characterized by the same experiences and changes that are incident to human nature generally; the same cloud and sunshine, the same enthusiasm and depression, the same hope and disappointment which are a part of every life. He was not educated in the broad curriculum of our present day system of schools but gathered his knowledge from the feeble torch of the pioneer school and under the guidance of the hard, slow master of experience. Nor did he take up the occupation of his father as many do, but turned his attention to farming, to which business he has since devoted his life. By his own industry and untiring efforts he has acquired a good farm and a comfortable income; but better than all, he has the confidence, the respect and the good will of all who know him. His political creed has always been that of a democrat and his party have shown their true appreciation of his worth by electing him to every office within the gift of the town. He has served two terms as supervisor and was twice elected justice of the peace. At the age of about twenty he became a member of the Congregational church and remained such until its dissolution, since which time he has not been connected with any church. He has always been a liberal and hearty supporter of the church in its various fields of work.

William O. Strong married Jane A. Howe, formerly a resident of Otsego county, New York, but for a number of years past a citizen of the town of Sheridan, Chautauqua county. To them were born three children: Henry, who died at the age of nineteen years; Celestia, married Albert J. Homan of the town of Hanover, Chautauqua county, to whom she bore five children — Jennie married to Mr. Patterson; Emma, married to Orville Osborn; Henry; Edgar; — and Albert. Mrs. Homan died at the age of forty-seven; and Lorinda, now dead, married to Abram S. Johnson, by whom she had one child, May Celestia.

The maternal grandfather of our subject, Jonathan Griswold, belonged to one of the earliest families of New England and was born in the State of Connecticut, but came to Sheridan in 1891 where he died at an advanced age. The father, Asa Strong, was also a native of Connecticut, but removed to the town of Sheridan, Chautauqua county, New York, in the year 1811, locating near the centre of the town. By occupation he was a carpenter and joiner; in polities a democrat and in religion a non-professor. He was married to Loranie Griswold and had eight children, of whom William O. was the oldest. Asa Strong was a good father and husband, strictly honest in his dealings with his fellow-men, and took the highest interest in the well being of the family. He was generous, warm-hearted and liberal-minded; his predominating qualities being of the heart rather than of the intellect.