James Alexander Strain was the son of David Strain, III and Maria T McCutchan Strain of Augusta Co., Virginia. He married Eglantine Narcissa "Tiny" Leech, the daughter of John S Leech, on 5 Jan 1865 in Rockbridge Co., Virginia. They had no known children.
On the 1850 Dist. 51, Rockbridge Co., Virginia census, I found farmer David Strain, 55; Maria, 45; Susan, 22; student David E., 20; farmer JAMES, 19; farmer Samuel, 17; Elizabeth, 15; Eusebius, 13; Hastletine, 11 and Rebecca, 6, all Virginia born.
On the 13 July 1860 District 6, Rockbridge Co., Virginia census. I found farmer JAS A. Strain, 27 with Wm T. Strain, 50; Elizabeth, 22; Hazeltine, 21 and Emiline, 14, all Virginia born. Sadly, J.A. Strain is listed with 9 slaves, 8 female and 1 male. I believe these were formerly part of his father's 6 female slaves (ages 60, 35, 25, 20, 15, 8, 8, and a male, 5. (Who was Wm T Strain, age 50? His uncle Wm (no T) Strain, age 55 was on the 6 Aug 1860 Washington, Parke Co., IN census with his wife, though he could be just visiting family here 24 days earlier and recorded twice.)
See news clipping on his connected wife's site, published in the Gazette, Vol 7, #51, dated 9 Aug 1860, p 2. James and his brother Dr. David E were on the committee.
"Branch II ---Horses. Class 8th - Light Draught Horses: James Strain... Judges of Premiums. To be awarded at the 2nd Annual Exhibition of the Rockbridge Agricultural and Mechanical Society, to be held on the 10th - 12 th days of October 1860." Published in the Gazette (Lexington, Virginia), Volume 1, #7, dated 4 Oct 1860
He enlisted 14 May 1861 as a first sergeant, was elected first lieutenant 10 Sep 1862 and was elected Captain 12 Feb 1863 in Co. H, 14th Virginia Cavalry. His first year he was under Capt. John Rice McNutt's (my McNutt kin) for one year in the Rockbridge 2nd Dragoons. He served under Generals Jackson and Lomax and Brigadier Generals John McCausland and A. G. Jenkins. The National Archives has many return records on his service from Jul 1861 to 13 Jan 1865. He even appears as an Acting Quarter Master in the Department of Mississippi and Louisiana, Corps serving with the 33rd Miss. Regiment. Wounded at Gettysburg, Jul 1863. He foraged a horse on 30 Aug 1863 and 16 Oct for one to 3 days for his men. Also the same year, he requisitioned food and clothing for his men and corn and hay for his horses. Absent sick 7 Nov 1864 to 13 Jan 1865. He was at the surrender at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865.
He wrote the following: December 18, 1863,
McCartneys,
Four Miles from New Castle,
10 a.m., to Colonel Jackson:
Colonel: I was detached by Colonel Edgar on yesterday to scout the roads leading from New Castle toward Covington and report to you. The enemy is now on the march toward Sweet Springs; started at 1 o'clock this morning from New Castle. General Echols was on Sweet Springs Mountain yesterday. Enemy have about 3,500 cavalry, 6 pieces artillery, and 43 wagons.
Jas. A. Strain, Captain, Commanding Scouts.
Some of the skirmishes in this area with his unit were on June 7 to 13, 1864, including Buffalo Gap (June 7, 1864),
Staunton Road (June 8, 1864), Arbor Hill (June 10, 1864),
Newport (June 10, 1864), Middlebrook (June 10, 1864),
Brownsburg (June 10, 1864), Lexington (June 11, 1864),
Broad Creek (June 13, 1864) and Buchanan (June 13, 1864).
Fold3 has a lot of single papers with his name, titles, dates and place (too many to post here).
On the 1870 Walkers Creek, Rockbridge Co., Virginia census, I found farmer J. A. Strawn, 40, $7350 in real estate and $300 in personal property; (his wife) E. Nanie Strawn, 37; L Archer Strawn (unknown male), 9 and Cora Leech, 9 and Sutherland (only 1 name listed), 23, all Virginia born (Cora Lee Leech, born 1 Mar 1861 to Jas H and Sarah Leech in Rockbridge Co., wife of Wm Thos Davis) *Suspect this was Archibald "Archer" Lyle, on the 1880 census, buried Mt Harmon).
News of 75 Years Ago,(From the Files of The Gazette, Issue Dec. 18, 1974 (sic, 1884)) LAND SALE—On Tuesday last the farm of Capt. J. A. Strain (the old Leech farm) containing nearly 200 acres was sold to John Strain of Augusta county for the sum of $4,475. Published in the Lexington Gazette (Virginia), Vol 149, #51, dated 21 Dec 1949. Note: Capt. James A Strain's wife was a Leech, but the home formerly belonged to James' father, David Strain, III.
On the 1880 Walkers Creek, Rockbridge, Virginia census, I found farmer James A Strain, 58; wife Eglantine N., 47; lives here Archibald Lyle, bound here: James Hicks; 13; William Hicks, 9 and Annie Byers, 10, all Virginia born. I note his brother D.E. Strain (nearby, same page) has Susan Hicks, about 11. Both Strain brothers were the guardians of these Hicks children.
James A Strain, John T McKee, William F Johnston, John D Sterrett and others were Rockbridge Delegates for the State Convention. On motion, the delegates and alternates to the senatorial convention were appointed to the county convention. The 30 Jul 1881 issue of the Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia).
On the 5th Aug 1884, he was the 3rd Vice President of the Cleveland and Hendricks Club in Brownsburg and collateral kin Wm. B. Moffett, was the 1st VP. Staunton Spectator.
James and his siblings are mentioned in the 18 Mar 1885 Staunton Spectator, Vol. 62, #27, Augusta Co. Circuit Court in James Y. McCutchan vs Peggy McCutchan el al (including the Strains through Jame's mother). It's in Chancery for the sale of Elizabeth McCutchan's estate, to be divided by her heirs. Photo of clipping is on his sister Susan's memorial site.
"Capt. James Strain, a veteran of the late war on the Confederate side, and a brave officer of the 14th Va. Cavalry, has for the last six weeks past been exceedingly ill at his home two miles from Browusburg. He was at first attacked by catarrhal fever and during convalescence walked out on his porch and contracted fresh cold, and was attacked with- pneumonia, from which lie now suffers. The most dangerous point, we learn, has been passed, and the Captain has a good chance for recovery. His complete restoration to health will be hailed with gladness by his many old comrades in arms, as well as by a very large circle of friends in this and adjacent counties." Published in the Rockbridge County News, Vol 1, #19, dated 20 Mar 1885.
25 Mar 1885: Capt. James Strain, of the 14th Virginia Cavalry during the war, who resides about 2 miles from Brownsburg, Rockbridge county, who had been suffering for some weeks with cararrahl fever, caught a fresh cold, which resulted in pneumonia, from which he is now suffering. It is hoped and supposed that the crisis has passed and that he will recover. Staunton Spectator, Vol 62, #28, dated 25 Mar 1885.
1885: Brownsburg, Capt. J. A. Strain is still confined to his bed. Not much change in his condition. Per the Rockbridge County News dated March 1885.
1885: Rockbridge, We are glad to hear of the continued improvement of our old friend, Capt. James Strain, whose illness we have heretofore noted. Per the Rockbridge County News dated 3 April 1885.
1885: Capt. James Strain, of whose illness you have been advised heretofore, is now in an advanced stage of convalescence. This will be good news to the many friends of the Captain both in Rockbridge and Augusta. Per the Rockbridge County News dated 1 May 1885 (He died 4 days later).
Capt. James Strain's will was in Rockbridge Co., Will Book Vol 1, 115; Vol 5, 284 and 286.
1889: In a long article titled Who Was the First Man Killed in the War? Some weeks ago we promised an account of the claim of Co. "H" 14th Va Cavalry, of the honor of having furnished the first and last man of the Virginia troops killed in the late war... The other of which we write, belonged to the 144th, and was commanded at first by Capt. J. It. McNutt, and successively by Col. John A. Gibson, and at the close by the late Capt. James A. Strain. These Companies being already equipped, were the first to be called at the breaking out of the war. Capt. McNutt's Company was sent at first to what is now West Virginia.... Robert McChesney (cousin) in West Virginia was the fist to die and James H Willson was the last at Appomattox... (Many cousin are listed in this article, White, McNutt, Stuart, McChesney). Per the Rockbridge County News dated 18 Jul 1889.
7 Aug 1894 (some big errors here): Reunion of hte Rockbridge Dragoons. The 1st annual reunion of Company H, 14th Virginia cavalry was held in Lexington. The company was raised in the vicinity of Brownsburg. It had several commanders during the war, but at the surrender the late (sic) D. E. (sic) Strain was captain. It was most of the war in the brigade commanded by Gen. John A. McCausland and suffered severely in killed and wounded in the many conflicts in which it engaged. The gray-haired veterans reached Lexington at an early hour. Some of them had not seen each other since the surrender at Appomattox, and in bunches here and there they recounted thrilling experiences, war reminiscences and anecdotes. At noon the bugle sounded "fall in," and the survivors of the old company, mounted on splendid chargers, facing the court house were once more in line, under the command of one of their war captains, Col. John A. Gibson. To the command "Right-by-Twos" they wheeled into column and paraded the principal streets of the town. On their return roll was called, and at 2 o'clock the dining room of the Irvine was thrown open where they partook of an elegantly prepared dinner. After dinner addresses were made by Hon. Wm A. Anderson, Capt J .P. Moore and W. B. F. Leech, Esq (James' brother in law.) The next reunion takes place in Staunton August 28, 1895. They read a roster of the company, which included James' brother Sam Strain. Per the Rockbridge County News dated 9 Aug 1894. Note: article should have said Captain J.A. Strain who was living at the time. His brother Dr. D. E. Strain had a heart issue and wasn't eligible, so served in the Home Guard instead. I'll bet the family got a laugh out of this article.
He inherited part of his father's home, purchasing the rest from his brothers. His grandfather lived across the northern line of Rockbridge in Greenville, Augusta Co., Virginia, just up the road about a couple miles.
The daguerreotype (see photo on right) of James is in my private collection from my family. This photo was used to sketch the large framed pencil sketch of him from his shoulders upward. Photo of sketch on this site also. The daguerreotype is in the typical black plastic case with a red velvet lining on one side and a clipping of his reddish brown hair, pinned to it. Sorry, no follicles :( Inside the daguerreotype case, is a note that I suspect is in Dr. D.E. Strain handwriting due to his writing in his diary and medical book) on lined paper that reads: "Buttons from confederate uniform of Cpt. James A. Strain (brother of Dr. D.E. Strain) member of 14th Va. Calvary (sic)." It also adds: "Henry Eusebius Strain, Md. d. when 27 - during the Civil War." Based on this I assume his confederate buttons were sewn on this old jacket of special significance.
Click on "click here to view more images" to see the rest of his photos and gravestone, besides the few shown on the right. Then click on each photo for more details.
24 Jun 1885: "Two cows were killed by lightning on Capt. J. A. Strain's farm. One was Mrs. J. A. Strain's and the Rev. Dr. C. Vaughan's. They were under a wild cherry tree, and there killed." Unconfirmed but mentioned killed, were some sheep and two cattle owned by others. I note his brother in 1887 lost to lightning his old barn and the newly built one to replace it.
Photos of his ancestral home and farm are on his dad's site.
His obituary reads: Died May 5th 1886 at his residence in the county of Rockbridge, Virginia, of catarrh. Capt James Alexander Strain.
His life was extended to nearly 64 years and passed on his ANCESTRAL FARM, except during the war. He served during that time in the 14th Regiment Virginia Cavalry, and was distinguished for steady obedience and cool courage throughout the whole period. His attachments were not widely diffused but singularly strong. Singularly handsome countenance, his tall spare form and graceful carriage made him a marked man - in every company. For many years the subject of religion had consumed his thoughts. He approached it with his characteristic decision. He entered the communion of New Providence church and at once gave himself to the discharge of every recognized Christian obligation. He was beginning to develop along a line of unobtrusive but active Christian service which promised in a few years to make him one of the most useful members of the church and community. Long the intimate friend of his pastor he was fast becoming his radical helper, and one of his most trusted counselors. His loss is a calamity not only to his family, but to the church, and the religious as well as the civil interests of the community. He leaves a devoted wife to whose Christian influence is mainly due the religious complexion of his life and the hope in his death. His last illness was remarkable for its protracted extent of over three months, and for the extraordinary suffering it involved. But the pain and weariness were borne with unflinching patience, and the expressions of hope, faith, and submission which all along fell from his lips are a legacy of his departure. He rests in peace and in the good hope of a blessed resurrection. C.R.V.
Included in photos on this site, is a 1908 land survey for Ashabel G. Beard showing the land of David Strain (died 1854) that went to his 4 sons and ended with 2 sons: James and David, Jr (AKA Dr. David E.) and following their passing, to James wife Eglantine N. Strain and Dr David's unmarried daughter Eva Strain. It's all across from New Providence Church.
Following his death, his wife advertises their farm for sale: 29 Jul 1885 Staunton Spectator lists her husband, James A Strain's ancestral home for sale on 25 Aug 1885 at 11 am. Land For Sale, public auction, the farm of James A. Strain, 2 1/2 miles from Brownsburg, containing 307 acres more/less, good quality land, plenty of timber, good orchard, a good brick dwelling house convenient and well arranged, with out buildings and 2 tenant houses. E.N. Strain, Executrix of Jas A Strain. A photo of her ad is on her site.
Cousin Calbert Trent Seebert shared an undated photo of "Dr. Eusebius Henry Strain," in a buttoned up Civil War jacket. It was published in a good book by Robert J Driver, Jr. (14th Virginia Cavalry, 1988, page 79), but recorded incorrectly as Capt James A Strain, his brother instead. They were very similar looking (see photo on brother Eusebius's site).
Last photo is his oldest brother David's medical recipe book (DM) pertaining to their brother Eusebius, who died from dropsy, contracted while he was an assistant surgeon at Wilder Hospital in Richmond. David was a medical doctor, like Eusebius. David's recipe for Dropsy is on the unnumbered page after one for "Diphtheria 1858-59." I wonder if it was used on Eusebius. It says something like: Digitalis, Pulv squill a.a. zi, cream tartar } ss to ii, Boralt 3i, aqua argent Oiss (?), after cooling add, paragone & spt nitre aa zi, dose one tablenspoon full __?__. See last photo of David's medical recipe book recipe.
Monument front says:
JAMES A. STRAIN
Born
July 10, 1831
Died
May 5, 1885
"Blessed are the pure
In heart for they shall
see God."
Bio researched and written by LSP, DO NOT REPRODUCE.
James Alexander Strain was the son of David Strain, III and Maria T McCutchan Strain of Augusta Co., Virginia. He married Eglantine Narcissa "Tiny" Leech, the daughter of John S Leech, on 5 Jan 1865 in Rockbridge Co., Virginia. They had no known children.
On the 1850 Dist. 51, Rockbridge Co., Virginia census, I found farmer David Strain, 55; Maria, 45; Susan, 22; student David E., 20; farmer JAMES, 19; farmer Samuel, 17; Elizabeth, 15; Eusebius, 13; Hastletine, 11 and Rebecca, 6, all Virginia born.
On the 13 July 1860 District 6, Rockbridge Co., Virginia census. I found farmer JAS A. Strain, 27 with Wm T. Strain, 50; Elizabeth, 22; Hazeltine, 21 and Emiline, 14, all Virginia born. Sadly, J.A. Strain is listed with 9 slaves, 8 female and 1 male. I believe these were formerly part of his father's 6 female slaves (ages 60, 35, 25, 20, 15, 8, 8, and a male, 5. (Who was Wm T Strain, age 50? His uncle Wm (no T) Strain, age 55 was on the 6 Aug 1860 Washington, Parke Co., IN census with his wife, though he could be just visiting family here 24 days earlier and recorded twice.)
See news clipping on his connected wife's site, published in the Gazette, Vol 7, #51, dated 9 Aug 1860, p 2. James and his brother Dr. David E were on the committee.
"Branch II ---Horses. Class 8th - Light Draught Horses: James Strain... Judges of Premiums. To be awarded at the 2nd Annual Exhibition of the Rockbridge Agricultural and Mechanical Society, to be held on the 10th - 12 th days of October 1860." Published in the Gazette (Lexington, Virginia), Volume 1, #7, dated 4 Oct 1860
He enlisted 14 May 1861 as a first sergeant, was elected first lieutenant 10 Sep 1862 and was elected Captain 12 Feb 1863 in Co. H, 14th Virginia Cavalry. His first year he was under Capt. John Rice McNutt's (my McNutt kin) for one year in the Rockbridge 2nd Dragoons. He served under Generals Jackson and Lomax and Brigadier Generals John McCausland and A. G. Jenkins. The National Archives has many return records on his service from Jul 1861 to 13 Jan 1865. He even appears as an Acting Quarter Master in the Department of Mississippi and Louisiana, Corps serving with the 33rd Miss. Regiment. Wounded at Gettysburg, Jul 1863. He foraged a horse on 30 Aug 1863 and 16 Oct for one to 3 days for his men. Also the same year, he requisitioned food and clothing for his men and corn and hay for his horses. Absent sick 7 Nov 1864 to 13 Jan 1865. He was at the surrender at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865.
He wrote the following: December 18, 1863,
McCartneys,
Four Miles from New Castle,
10 a.m., to Colonel Jackson:
Colonel: I was detached by Colonel Edgar on yesterday to scout the roads leading from New Castle toward Covington and report to you. The enemy is now on the march toward Sweet Springs; started at 1 o'clock this morning from New Castle. General Echols was on Sweet Springs Mountain yesterday. Enemy have about 3,500 cavalry, 6 pieces artillery, and 43 wagons.
Jas. A. Strain, Captain, Commanding Scouts.
Some of the skirmishes in this area with his unit were on June 7 to 13, 1864, including Buffalo Gap (June 7, 1864),
Staunton Road (June 8, 1864), Arbor Hill (June 10, 1864),
Newport (June 10, 1864), Middlebrook (June 10, 1864),
Brownsburg (June 10, 1864), Lexington (June 11, 1864),
Broad Creek (June 13, 1864) and Buchanan (June 13, 1864).
Fold3 has a lot of single papers with his name, titles, dates and place (too many to post here).
On the 1870 Walkers Creek, Rockbridge Co., Virginia census, I found farmer J. A. Strawn, 40, $7350 in real estate and $300 in personal property; (his wife) E. Nanie Strawn, 37; L Archer Strawn (unknown male), 9 and Cora Leech, 9 and Sutherland (only 1 name listed), 23, all Virginia born (Cora Lee Leech, born 1 Mar 1861 to Jas H and Sarah Leech in Rockbridge Co., wife of Wm Thos Davis) *Suspect this was Archibald "Archer" Lyle, on the 1880 census, buried Mt Harmon).
News of 75 Years Ago,(From the Files of The Gazette, Issue Dec. 18, 1974 (sic, 1884)) LAND SALE—On Tuesday last the farm of Capt. J. A. Strain (the old Leech farm) containing nearly 200 acres was sold to John Strain of Augusta county for the sum of $4,475. Published in the Lexington Gazette (Virginia), Vol 149, #51, dated 21 Dec 1949. Note: Capt. James A Strain's wife was a Leech, but the home formerly belonged to James' father, David Strain, III.
On the 1880 Walkers Creek, Rockbridge, Virginia census, I found farmer James A Strain, 58; wife Eglantine N., 47; lives here Archibald Lyle, bound here: James Hicks; 13; William Hicks, 9 and Annie Byers, 10, all Virginia born. I note his brother D.E. Strain (nearby, same page) has Susan Hicks, about 11. Both Strain brothers were the guardians of these Hicks children.
James A Strain, John T McKee, William F Johnston, John D Sterrett and others were Rockbridge Delegates for the State Convention. On motion, the delegates and alternates to the senatorial convention were appointed to the county convention. The 30 Jul 1881 issue of the Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia).
On the 5th Aug 1884, he was the 3rd Vice President of the Cleveland and Hendricks Club in Brownsburg and collateral kin Wm. B. Moffett, was the 1st VP. Staunton Spectator.
James and his siblings are mentioned in the 18 Mar 1885 Staunton Spectator, Vol. 62, #27, Augusta Co. Circuit Court in James Y. McCutchan vs Peggy McCutchan el al (including the Strains through Jame's mother). It's in Chancery for the sale of Elizabeth McCutchan's estate, to be divided by her heirs. Photo of clipping is on his sister Susan's memorial site.
"Capt. James Strain, a veteran of the late war on the Confederate side, and a brave officer of the 14th Va. Cavalry, has for the last six weeks past been exceedingly ill at his home two miles from Browusburg. He was at first attacked by catarrhal fever and during convalescence walked out on his porch and contracted fresh cold, and was attacked with- pneumonia, from which lie now suffers. The most dangerous point, we learn, has been passed, and the Captain has a good chance for recovery. His complete restoration to health will be hailed with gladness by his many old comrades in arms, as well as by a very large circle of friends in this and adjacent counties." Published in the Rockbridge County News, Vol 1, #19, dated 20 Mar 1885.
25 Mar 1885: Capt. James Strain, of the 14th Virginia Cavalry during the war, who resides about 2 miles from Brownsburg, Rockbridge county, who had been suffering for some weeks with cararrahl fever, caught a fresh cold, which resulted in pneumonia, from which he is now suffering. It is hoped and supposed that the crisis has passed and that he will recover. Staunton Spectator, Vol 62, #28, dated 25 Mar 1885.
1885: Brownsburg, Capt. J. A. Strain is still confined to his bed. Not much change in his condition. Per the Rockbridge County News dated March 1885.
1885: Rockbridge, We are glad to hear of the continued improvement of our old friend, Capt. James Strain, whose illness we have heretofore noted. Per the Rockbridge County News dated 3 April 1885.
1885: Capt. James Strain, of whose illness you have been advised heretofore, is now in an advanced stage of convalescence. This will be good news to the many friends of the Captain both in Rockbridge and Augusta. Per the Rockbridge County News dated 1 May 1885 (He died 4 days later).
Capt. James Strain's will was in Rockbridge Co., Will Book Vol 1, 115; Vol 5, 284 and 286.
1889: In a long article titled Who Was the First Man Killed in the War? Some weeks ago we promised an account of the claim of Co. "H" 14th Va Cavalry, of the honor of having furnished the first and last man of the Virginia troops killed in the late war... The other of which we write, belonged to the 144th, and was commanded at first by Capt. J. It. McNutt, and successively by Col. John A. Gibson, and at the close by the late Capt. James A. Strain. These Companies being already equipped, were the first to be called at the breaking out of the war. Capt. McNutt's Company was sent at first to what is now West Virginia.... Robert McChesney (cousin) in West Virginia was the fist to die and James H Willson was the last at Appomattox... (Many cousin are listed in this article, White, McNutt, Stuart, McChesney). Per the Rockbridge County News dated 18 Jul 1889.
7 Aug 1894 (some big errors here): Reunion of hte Rockbridge Dragoons. The 1st annual reunion of Company H, 14th Virginia cavalry was held in Lexington. The company was raised in the vicinity of Brownsburg. It had several commanders during the war, but at the surrender the late (sic) D. E. (sic) Strain was captain. It was most of the war in the brigade commanded by Gen. John A. McCausland and suffered severely in killed and wounded in the many conflicts in which it engaged. The gray-haired veterans reached Lexington at an early hour. Some of them had not seen each other since the surrender at Appomattox, and in bunches here and there they recounted thrilling experiences, war reminiscences and anecdotes. At noon the bugle sounded "fall in," and the survivors of the old company, mounted on splendid chargers, facing the court house were once more in line, under the command of one of their war captains, Col. John A. Gibson. To the command "Right-by-Twos" they wheeled into column and paraded the principal streets of the town. On their return roll was called, and at 2 o'clock the dining room of the Irvine was thrown open where they partook of an elegantly prepared dinner. After dinner addresses were made by Hon. Wm A. Anderson, Capt J .P. Moore and W. B. F. Leech, Esq (James' brother in law.) The next reunion takes place in Staunton August 28, 1895. They read a roster of the company, which included James' brother Sam Strain. Per the Rockbridge County News dated 9 Aug 1894. Note: article should have said Captain J.A. Strain who was living at the time. His brother Dr. D. E. Strain had a heart issue and wasn't eligible, so served in the Home Guard instead. I'll bet the family got a laugh out of this article.
He inherited part of his father's home, purchasing the rest from his brothers. His grandfather lived across the northern line of Rockbridge in Greenville, Augusta Co., Virginia, just up the road about a couple miles.
The daguerreotype (see photo on right) of James is in my private collection from my family. This photo was used to sketch the large framed pencil sketch of him from his shoulders upward. Photo of sketch on this site also. The daguerreotype is in the typical black plastic case with a red velvet lining on one side and a clipping of his reddish brown hair, pinned to it. Sorry, no follicles :( Inside the daguerreotype case, is a note that I suspect is in Dr. D.E. Strain handwriting due to his writing in his diary and medical book) on lined paper that reads: "Buttons from confederate uniform of Cpt. James A. Strain (brother of Dr. D.E. Strain) member of 14th Va. Calvary (sic)." It also adds: "Henry Eusebius Strain, Md. d. when 27 - during the Civil War." Based on this I assume his confederate buttons were sewn on this old jacket of special significance.
Click on "click here to view more images" to see the rest of his photos and gravestone, besides the few shown on the right. Then click on each photo for more details.
24 Jun 1885: "Two cows were killed by lightning on Capt. J. A. Strain's farm. One was Mrs. J. A. Strain's and the Rev. Dr. C. Vaughan's. They were under a wild cherry tree, and there killed." Unconfirmed but mentioned killed, were some sheep and two cattle owned by others. I note his brother in 1887 lost to lightning his old barn and the newly built one to replace it.
Photos of his ancestral home and farm are on his dad's site.
His obituary reads: Died May 5th 1886 at his residence in the county of Rockbridge, Virginia, of catarrh. Capt James Alexander Strain.
His life was extended to nearly 64 years and passed on his ANCESTRAL FARM, except during the war. He served during that time in the 14th Regiment Virginia Cavalry, and was distinguished for steady obedience and cool courage throughout the whole period. His attachments were not widely diffused but singularly strong. Singularly handsome countenance, his tall spare form and graceful carriage made him a marked man - in every company. For many years the subject of religion had consumed his thoughts. He approached it with his characteristic decision. He entered the communion of New Providence church and at once gave himself to the discharge of every recognized Christian obligation. He was beginning to develop along a line of unobtrusive but active Christian service which promised in a few years to make him one of the most useful members of the church and community. Long the intimate friend of his pastor he was fast becoming his radical helper, and one of his most trusted counselors. His loss is a calamity not only to his family, but to the church, and the religious as well as the civil interests of the community. He leaves a devoted wife to whose Christian influence is mainly due the religious complexion of his life and the hope in his death. His last illness was remarkable for its protracted extent of over three months, and for the extraordinary suffering it involved. But the pain and weariness were borne with unflinching patience, and the expressions of hope, faith, and submission which all along fell from his lips are a legacy of his departure. He rests in peace and in the good hope of a blessed resurrection. C.R.V.
Included in photos on this site, is a 1908 land survey for Ashabel G. Beard showing the land of David Strain (died 1854) that went to his 4 sons and ended with 2 sons: James and David, Jr (AKA Dr. David E.) and following their passing, to James wife Eglantine N. Strain and Dr David's unmarried daughter Eva Strain. It's all across from New Providence Church.
Following his death, his wife advertises their farm for sale: 29 Jul 1885 Staunton Spectator lists her husband, James A Strain's ancestral home for sale on 25 Aug 1885 at 11 am. Land For Sale, public auction, the farm of James A. Strain, 2 1/2 miles from Brownsburg, containing 307 acres more/less, good quality land, plenty of timber, good orchard, a good brick dwelling house convenient and well arranged, with out buildings and 2 tenant houses. E.N. Strain, Executrix of Jas A Strain. A photo of her ad is on her site.
Cousin Calbert Trent Seebert shared an undated photo of "Dr. Eusebius Henry Strain," in a buttoned up Civil War jacket. It was published in a good book by Robert J Driver, Jr. (14th Virginia Cavalry, 1988, page 79), but recorded incorrectly as Capt James A Strain, his brother instead. They were very similar looking (see photo on brother Eusebius's site).
Last photo is his oldest brother David's medical recipe book (DM) pertaining to their brother Eusebius, who died from dropsy, contracted while he was an assistant surgeon at Wilder Hospital in Richmond. David was a medical doctor, like Eusebius. David's recipe for Dropsy is on the unnumbered page after one for "Diphtheria 1858-59." I wonder if it was used on Eusebius. It says something like: Digitalis, Pulv squill a.a. zi, cream tartar } ss to ii, Boralt 3i, aqua argent Oiss (?), after cooling add, paragone & spt nitre aa zi, dose one tablenspoon full __?__. See last photo of David's medical recipe book recipe.
Monument front says:
JAMES A. STRAIN
Born
July 10, 1831
Died
May 5, 1885
"Blessed are the pure
In heart for they shall
see God."
Bio researched and written by LSP, DO NOT REPRODUCE.
Inscription
JAMES A. STRAIN
Born
July 10, 1831
Died
May 5, 1885
"Blessed are the pure
In heart for they shall
see God."
