Elisha Strang is a very pleasant gentleman, whom it is a pleasure to know and who has many warm personal friends, not only in Huey, where he resides, but throughout Clinton County. He is an active politician and takes a prominent part in all public affairs relating to the welfare of the community in which he makes his home.

Jeremiah STRANG, the father of our subject, was born in New York State March 31, 1804, and from there removed to Tioga County, Pa., where he made his home for a few years. Later he took up his residence in Potter County, the same state, where be followed his trade of a millwright and later became a farmer. On his decease, which occurred October 5, 1853, he left a farm comprising two hundred acres, besides much valuable property. His wife bore the maiden name of Susan REDNER and was also a native of the Empire State, having been born August 12, 1804, about twelve miles from New York City, on the Hudson River. After the death of her husband, in 1854 the mother came west to Ogle County, Ill., where her decease occurred five years later.

The brothers and sisters of Jeremiah Strang were, Sylvanus, John, William and Esther, all of whom are deceased. On his mother's side our subject had four uncles and two aunts, namely: Henry, John, Mack, Benson, Susan and Parmelia; they likewise are dead.

The subject of this sketch is a native of Pennsylvania and was born in Tioga County March 22, 1839. His educational advantages were limited to the common school, and when old enough to do so, learned the trade of a carpenter and builder. This he followed for a number of years, then became a wheelwright, and when moving into Huey, established a shop. The lady to whom he was married December 11, 1867, was Miss Louisa PHIPPS. Her parents, Burton and Serena (DAVENPORT) Phipps, lived in this county for a number of years and finally moved west to California, where their decease occurred.

Elijah Strang became a Union soldier January 16, 1862, by joining Company B, Sixty-second Illinois Infantry, with which he served until the close of the war and was then sent to Ft. Gibson, Cherokee Nation, to suppress the Confederate sympathizers among the Indians. At the time of his discharge, March 16, 1866, he immediately returned home. During his entire army experience he was neither captured nor wounded, although participating in many hard-fought engagements. He was Orderly-Sergeant and took an active part in driving General Price out of Arkansas.

Mr. Strang has held the office of Justice of the Peace for four consecutive terms and was elected Supervisor of Clement Township in 1887, which office he held for five terms. His interest in school affairs has placed him on the Board, where he rendered efficient service, and for some time was Village Clerk. Socially, he is a Grand Army man and a stanch supporter of the Republican party. In him the Congregational Church finds one of its most active members, and he has contributed very liberally of his means toward its support in Huey.

The two children born to Mr. and Mrs. Strang are: Daniel, who married Emma ABERNATHY, and Mary C., who lives with her parents. The son is a telegraph operator of many years’ experience and is in the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company.

Source: Portrait and Biographical Record of Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois, 1894, Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, IL

Submitted by: Connie Albers

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