My Genealogy Hound

Samuel D. Strain, county assessor of Polk County, Mo., was born in Washington County, Tenn., October 1, 1833, and is the son of John A. and Sarah W. (Brewer) Strain, and grandson of John and Isabella Strain, both of whom died in Washington County, Tenn., in 1837 and 1835, respectively. The maternal grandparents, Samuel and Sarah Brewer, were both natives of Tennessee. The grandfather died in his native State in 1837 or 1838. They were the parents of six children, three surviving. John A. Strain, father of our subject, was born in Washington County, Tenn., in 1804, and attained his majority in that State. He was a farmer by occupation, but in connection conducted a saw-mill. He was married in Greene County, Tenn., about 1825, to Miss Brewer, moved to Dade County, Mo., in 1842, soon afterward to Polk County, and rebuilt the old Davis Mill, which is one of the oldest mills in this section of country. He died at his home in Polk County, about 1879. To his marriage were born eight children, seven now living, and Samuel D. Strain being the fifth in order of birth. The mother was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and died at the old home in Polk County, at the age of sixty-five years. Samuel D. Strain came to Missouri from Tennessee with his parents when ten years of age, grew to manhood in Polk County, and assisted his father in the mill until January, 1861, when he enlisted in Company F, Enrolled Missouri Militia, and served about three years. He entered the ranks as a private, but was promoted to corporal, and after ward to orderly sergeant, which position he held until the close of the war. He then returned home, farmed for about two years, and in 1869 bought the old Orleans Mill, in partnership with B. B. Rice. In 1880 he engaged in mercantile pursuits at Orleans, but in 1882 sold the store, and did not resume business again until 1885, when he continued until 1887. After that he transferred his mercantile business from Orleans to Sharon, a station on the Gulf Railroad, three miles southwest of Orleans, and the business is managed by his son. In the fall of 1888 Mr. Strain was elected on the Republican ticket to the office of assessor. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He was married to Miss Martha L. Leith, who was born in Cooper County, Mo., in 1843, and who died in 1881. To this marriage were born eight children, five of whom are now living: Charles L. (deceased), William J., Samuel D., Jr., Oliver D., James R., Arthur B., and two infants (deceased). In 1883 Mr. Strain married Miss Anna Walker, who was born in Scotland about 1849, and came to America at the age of twelve years with a brother. She became the mother of two children, one living, Matthew R. (deceased) and Eva W. Mrs. Strain is a member of the Presbyterian Church Mr. Strain was appointed postmaster at Orleans about 1871, serving in that capacity until February, 1889, when he was succeeded by D. M. Strain. Orleans is one of the oldest postoffices in the county, being established some time in the thirties.