James Strain was the son of David Strain and Elizabeth Allen of Pennsylvania. James was the 6th and last known son of 11 children. He was born BEFORE 6 Jun 1809, per the census and the following data below. My best guess is he died after the 10 Jun 1880 census (when he had the flu) and before 4 Apr 1883. On this date, his brother John wrote his will leaving James' son David $500.00. I suspect it was connected to the money that their father David, had left James in his 1830 will.
James' father, David Strain, wrote his will on 6 June 1830, Will Book #17, page 288-89. It was probated the June Term in 1830. His death record states he died 17 Jun 1830. It says to: "my son James Strain is to be paid the sum of four Hundred Dollars to be paid the one half when he arrives to the AGE OF TWENTY ONE YEARS & the other half in Twelve moth (sic) there after and the Horse he now claims." Based on this date, he was born before 6 June 1809 so I'll say he was born in ABOUT 1809. The exact date James left Greenville, Virginia is unknown, but it is believed it was the early 1830's. It appears that he died AFTER 10 Jun 1880 census, but before the 1900 census.
On 16 Sep 1834, "James Strain of Augusta Co., Virginia" purchased 160 acres in Crawfordsville, Montgomery Co., Indiana, Section 23, Twp. 18-N, Range 3-W, Meridian 2nd PM, US General Land Office Records, 1796 - 1907 on Ancestry. Now there were 3 James Strains in Indiana at the time (father and son). On 6 Jun 1832, a James Strain of Parke Co., Indiana purchased 80 acres in Crawfordsville, Indiana. I suspect this is not the same man as above, after reviewing all the records.
1834 land deed for James Strain of Augusta Co., Virginia in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Certificate #17816 for 160 acres in the SE quarter of section Twenwillty (sic) Three in Township Eighteen (see photo of doc).
Next, I find James Strain married Lucinda Simmons, on 19 Feb 1835 in Hancock County, Indiana. I have listed their 6 known children on her connected Findagrave site.
His son, John Simmons Strain was born in Crawfordsville, Indiana in 1836.
James Strain was warranted two lots in Arkansas, 80 acres on 20 Aug 1838 and 40 on 20 Sep 1839, both in Washington Co. 29W, Sec 33 Twp 16 N and 32 16N. Other Strains received them, in the same county at this time: George and Robert, no known relation.
James Strain's Arkansas grantee document #674 dated 20 Aug 1838 in Fayetteville, Washington Co., Arkansas, in the Fayetteville land office, section 33, 16-N, 29 -W, 5th PM for 80 acres (see document photo).
On the 1840 Prairie Twp., Washington Co., Arkansas census (NOT alphabetized so assumed neighbors), I found "James" Strain, (age 30-40) between George Strain (age 30-40) and Robert Strain (age 60-70).
Jas had: Males, 1 under 5; 1 30-40 (James); Females: 2 under 5; 1 20-30
Robt had: Males: 1 20-30; 1 30-40; 1 60-70 and Females: 1 60-70
James is listed as a farmer on the censuses: 1850 and 1860 in IN, 1870 and 1880 in Arkansas. Why did they move to Arkansas between 1860 and 1870? Plus, was it the 1838 land and why the delay?
On the 1850 Indiana Census for Montgomery County, in the Walnut Township taken August 17th, I found farmer James Strain. He is aged 40, born in Virginia and living with him were these Strains, all born in Indiana: Lucinda, 32; John S., 13; Elias. F., 11; Mary E., 10; David A., 4 and James A., 2.
On 20 Feb 1854, James Strain purchased land in Montgomery County, Indiana, Book 20, p 132. It was sold to him by wife Lucinda's brother, John Simmons, Jr., plus John and Sarah Bowman Sr. and Robt and Nancy Burk, for $1200.
On the 1860 Ladoga P.O., in Walnut, Montgomery Co., Indiana census, I found farmer James Strain, 50, Virginia, $2000. in real estate and $706 in personal property; Lucinda Strain, 43, Indiana; David A. Strain, 14, Indiana; James A. Strain, 12, Indiana; master carpenter David Corbin, 24, Kentucky with $170. in personal property and (daughter) Mary E. Corbin, 20, Indiana and Samuel W. Corbin, 9/12, Indiana.
During the Civil War 3 of his sons served in the Union Army. The rest of his Strain cousins appear to have served in the Confederate Army.
Found a James Strain, Sebastian, Arkansas, at Fort Smith, is listed on the Freedman's Bureau Office or Subordinate Field Office Location. Index says James Strain doc on p 88 on Roll 9, of the Register of rebel properties in counties subject to confiscation. Page 88 says James Strain sold land to J N Mosson or ? and S N Sparks (hard to read cursive script) and went south in about 1863 (FS).
On the 1870 Huntsville P O, War Eagle, Madison Co., Arkansas census, I found farmer James Strain, 70, with $100 in real estate; Lusinda Strain, keeping house, 64, both Virginia born and Ann Strain, 9, at school, Indiana born.
Widowed farmer James Strain, last appears on the 10 Jun 1880 DeRoan Twp., Hempstead Co., Arkansas census, age 71, born in Virginia, residing with his daughter Ann Laura, 19, and then disappears. His parents were both born in Virginia and he was sick with the "flux" or flu. His wife Lucinda was last on the 1870 War Eagle, Madison Co., Arkansas census with her husband and then she disappeared. So he died AFTER 10 Jun 1880. I called the Hempstead Co. Clerks Office and they checked the will index 1880 to 1900 and did not find either James or Lucinda listed. In 1880, his son John is on the Hempstead Co. census and son David is in Johnson Co., Arkansas. His son John is two census pages over in the same town.
On 4 Apr 1883, James brother John Strain, still in Augusta Co., Virginia at their ancestral home, made his will and leaves his nephew, David Strain, the son of James, in Arkansas, $500.00. It was probated on 26 Dec 1887. I suspect this was James's paternal inheritance from the family farm in Virginia. This was my first clue where to try to find James and his family, outside of Virginia. This suggests to me that James had predeceased John, prior to John will that he wrote on 4 Apr 1883. It appears that James' brother John found out about his passing, so they were in touch.
I could not locate a will in Arkansas or Indiana for James, nor obit with existing sources.
In the 1990's the late Katherine Bushman, genealogist, helped me locate James brother William outside of Virginia and said James had also left Virginia by 1833 (no sources). It turns out the 2 brothers were in Indiana, following the passing of their father in 1830. I believe there was a good reason to purchase land in Indiana at the time. His brother William is on the 1840 Parke Co., Indiana census and died there in 1889. His brother David purchased land in Terre Haute, Indiana, but never resided there.
I'm so grateful to my lovely cousin in law, FWCS, for sharing this sketch (see photo) of James Strain, given to her by kin HSF, who believed this is the father of their kin David Allen Strain and sis Annie Laurie Strain. She had him labeled as "John David" Strain, but she had the wrong name on it. She knew he lived in the same state, etc. It's not 100% but it's another clue in our ancestry. This picture was on the wall in the old family home in GA.
Seek locating the 6 Oct 1879 issue of the Indiana Tribune article on a James Strain, Sr., pioneer on page 4
Bio researched and written by LSP, all rights reserved
James' father, David Strain, wrote his will on 6 June 1830, Will Book #17, page 288-89. It was probated the June Term in 1830. His death record states he died 17 Jun 1830. It says to: "my son James Strain is to be paid the sum of four Hundred Dollars to be paid the one half when he arrives to the AGE OF TWENTY ONE YEARS & the other half in Twelve moth (sic) there after and the Horse he now claims." Based on this date, he was born before 6 June 1809 so I'll say he was born in ABOUT 1809. The exact date James left Greenville, Virginia is unknown, but it is believed it was the early 1830's. It appears that he died AFTER 10 Jun 1880 census, but before the 1900 census.
On 16 Sep 1834, "James Strain of Augusta Co., Virginia" purchased 160 acres in Crawfordsville, Montgomery Co., Indiana, Section 23, Twp. 18-N, Range 3-W, Meridian 2nd PM, US General Land Office Records, 1796 - 1907 on Ancestry. Now there were 3 James Strains in Indiana at the time (father and son). On 6 Jun 1832, a James Strain of Parke Co., Indiana purchased 80 acres in Crawfordsville, Indiana. I suspect this is not the same man as above, after reviewing all the records.
1834 land deed for James Strain of Augusta Co., Virginia in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Certificate #17816 for 160 acres in the SE quarter of section Twenwillty (sic) Three in Township Eighteen (see photo of doc).
Next, I find James Strain married Lucinda Simmons, on 19 Feb 1835 in Hancock County, Indiana. I have listed their 6 known children on her connected Findagrave site.
His son, John Simmons Strain was born in Crawfordsville, Indiana in 1836.
James Strain was warranted two lots in Arkansas, 80 acres on 20 Aug 1838 and 40 on 20 Sep 1839, both in Washington Co. 29W, Sec 33 Twp 16 N and 32 16N. Other Strains received them, in the same county at this time: George and Robert, no known relation.
James Strain's Arkansas grantee document #674 dated 20 Aug 1838 in Fayetteville, Washington Co., Arkansas, in the Fayetteville land office, section 33, 16-N, 29 -W, 5th PM for 80 acres (see document photo).
On the 1840 Prairie Twp., Washington Co., Arkansas census (NOT alphabetized so assumed neighbors), I found "James" Strain, (age 30-40) between George Strain (age 30-40) and Robert Strain (age 60-70).
Jas had: Males, 1 under 5; 1 30-40 (James); Females: 2 under 5; 1 20-30
Robt had: Males: 1 20-30; 1 30-40; 1 60-70 and Females: 1 60-70
James is listed as a farmer on the censuses: 1850 and 1860 in IN, 1870 and 1880 in Arkansas. Why did they move to Arkansas between 1860 and 1870? Plus, was it the 1838 land and why the delay?
On the 1850 Indiana Census for Montgomery County, in the Walnut Township taken August 17th, I found farmer James Strain. He is aged 40, born in Virginia and living with him were these Strains, all born in Indiana: Lucinda, 32; John S., 13; Elias. F., 11; Mary E., 10; David A., 4 and James A., 2.
On 20 Feb 1854, James Strain purchased land in Montgomery County, Indiana, Book 20, p 132. It was sold to him by wife Lucinda's brother, John Simmons, Jr., plus John and Sarah Bowman Sr. and Robt and Nancy Burk, for $1200.
On the 1860 Ladoga P.O., in Walnut, Montgomery Co., Indiana census, I found farmer James Strain, 50, Virginia, $2000. in real estate and $706 in personal property; Lucinda Strain, 43, Indiana; David A. Strain, 14, Indiana; James A. Strain, 12, Indiana; master carpenter David Corbin, 24, Kentucky with $170. in personal property and (daughter) Mary E. Corbin, 20, Indiana and Samuel W. Corbin, 9/12, Indiana.
During the Civil War 3 of his sons served in the Union Army. The rest of his Strain cousins appear to have served in the Confederate Army.
Found a James Strain, Sebastian, Arkansas, at Fort Smith, is listed on the Freedman's Bureau Office or Subordinate Field Office Location. Index says James Strain doc on p 88 on Roll 9, of the Register of rebel properties in counties subject to confiscation. Page 88 says James Strain sold land to J N Mosson or ? and S N Sparks (hard to read cursive script) and went south in about 1863 (FS).
On the 1870 Huntsville P O, War Eagle, Madison Co., Arkansas census, I found farmer James Strain, 70, with $100 in real estate; Lusinda Strain, keeping house, 64, both Virginia born and Ann Strain, 9, at school, Indiana born.
Widowed farmer James Strain, last appears on the 10 Jun 1880 DeRoan Twp., Hempstead Co., Arkansas census, age 71, born in Virginia, residing with his daughter Ann Laura, 19, and then disappears. His parents were both born in Virginia and he was sick with the "flux" or flu. His wife Lucinda was last on the 1870 War Eagle, Madison Co., Arkansas census with her husband and then she disappeared. So he died AFTER 10 Jun 1880. I called the Hempstead Co. Clerks Office and they checked the will index 1880 to 1900 and did not find either James or Lucinda listed. In 1880, his son John is on the Hempstead Co. census and son David is in Johnson Co., Arkansas. His son John is two census pages over in the same town.
On 4 Apr 1883, James brother John Strain, still in Augusta Co., Virginia at their ancestral home, made his will and leaves his nephew, David Strain, the son of James, in Arkansas, $500.00. It was probated on 26 Dec 1887. I suspect this was James's paternal inheritance from the family farm in Virginia. This was my first clue where to try to find James and his family, outside of Virginia. This suggests to me that James had predeceased John, prior to John will that he wrote on 4 Apr 1883. It appears that James' brother John found out about his passing, so they were in touch.
I could not locate a will in Arkansas or Indiana for James, nor obit with existing sources.
In the 1990's the late Katherine Bushman, genealogist, helped me locate James brother William outside of Virginia and said James had also left Virginia by 1833 (no sources). It turns out the 2 brothers were in Indiana, following the passing of their father in 1830. I believe there was a good reason to purchase land in Indiana at the time. His brother William is on the 1840 Parke Co., Indiana census and died there in 1889. His brother David purchased land in Terre Haute, Indiana, but never resided there.
I'm so grateful to my lovely cousin in law, FWCS, for sharing this sketch (see photo) of James Strain, given to her by kin HSF, who believed this is the father of their kin David Allen Strain and sis Annie Laurie Strain. She had him labeled as "John David" Strain, but she had the wrong name on it. She knew he lived in the same state, etc. It's not 100% but it's another clue in our ancestry. This picture was on the wall in the old family home in GA.
Seek locating the 6 Oct 1879 issue of the Indiana Tribune article on a James Strain, Sr., pioneer on page 4
Bio researched and written by LSP, all rights reserved
James Strain was the son of David Strain and Elizabeth Allen of Pennsylvania. James was the 6th and last known son of 11 children. He was born BEFORE 6 Jun 1809, per the census and the following data below. My best guess is he died after the 10 Jun 1880 census (when he had the flu) and before 4 Apr 1883. On this date, his brother John wrote his will leaving James' son David $500.00. I suspect it was connected to the money that their father David, had left James in his 1830 will.
James' father, David Strain, wrote his will on 6 June 1830, Will Book #17, page 288-89. It was probated the June Term in 1830. His death record states he died 17 Jun 1830. It says to: "my son James Strain is to be paid the sum of four Hundred Dollars to be paid the one half when he arrives to the AGE OF TWENTY ONE YEARS & the other half in Twelve moth (sic) there after and the Horse he now claims." Based on this date, he was born before 6 June 1809 so I'll say he was born in ABOUT 1809. The exact date James left Greenville, Virginia is unknown, but it is believed it was the early 1830's. It appears that he died AFTER 10 Jun 1880 census, but before the 1900 census.
On 16 Sep 1834, "James Strain of Augusta Co., Virginia" purchased 160 acres in Crawfordsville, Montgomery Co., Indiana, Section 23, Twp. 18-N, Range 3-W, Meridian 2nd PM, US General Land Office Records, 1796 - 1907 on Ancestry. Now there were 3 James Strains in Indiana at the time (father and son). On 6 Jun 1832, a James Strain of Parke Co., Indiana purchased 80 acres in Crawfordsville, Indiana. I suspect this is not the same man as above, after reviewing all the records.
1834 land deed for James Strain of Augusta Co., Virginia in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Certificate #17816 for 160 acres in the SE quarter of section Twenwillty (sic) Three in Township Eighteen (see photo of doc).
Next, I find James Strain married Lucinda Simmons, on 19 Feb 1835 in Hancock County, Indiana. I have listed their 6 known children on her connected Findagrave site.
His son, John Simmons Strain was born in Crawfordsville, Indiana in 1836.
James Strain was warranted two lots in Arkansas, 80 acres on 20 Aug 1838 and 40 on 20 Sep 1839, both in Washington Co. 29W, Sec 33 Twp 16 N and 32 16N. Other Strains received them, in the same county at this time: George and Robert, no known relation.
James Strain's Arkansas grantee document #674 dated 20 Aug 1838 in Fayetteville, Washington Co., Arkansas, in the Fayetteville land office, section 33, 16-N, 29 -W, 5th PM for 80 acres (see document photo).
On the 1840 Prairie Twp., Washington Co., Arkansas census (NOT alphabetized so assumed neighbors), I found "James" Strain, (age 30-40) between George Strain (age 30-40) and Robert Strain (age 60-70).
Jas had: Males, 1 under 5; 1 30-40 (James); Females: 2 under 5; 1 20-30
Robt had: Males: 1 20-30; 1 30-40; 1 60-70 and Females: 1 60-70
James is listed as a farmer on the censuses: 1850 and 1860 in IN, 1870 and 1880 in Arkansas. Why did they move to Arkansas between 1860 and 1870? Plus, was it the 1838 land and why the delay?
On the 1850 Indiana Census for Montgomery County, in the Walnut Township taken August 17th, I found farmer James Strain. He is aged 40, born in Virginia and living with him were these Strains, all born in Indiana: Lucinda, 32; John S., 13; Elias. F., 11; Mary E., 10; David A., 4 and James A., 2.
On 20 Feb 1854, James Strain purchased land in Montgomery County, Indiana, Book 20, p 132. It was sold to him by wife Lucinda's brother, John Simmons, Jr., plus John and Sarah Bowman Sr. and Robt and Nancy Burk, for $1200.
On the 1860 Ladoga P.O., in Walnut, Montgomery Co., Indiana census, I found farmer James Strain, 50, Virginia, $2000. in real estate and $706 in personal property; Lucinda Strain, 43, Indiana; David A. Strain, 14, Indiana; James A. Strain, 12, Indiana; master carpenter David Corbin, 24, Kentucky with $170. in personal property and (daughter) Mary E. Corbin, 20, Indiana and Samuel W. Corbin, 9/12, Indiana.
During the Civil War 3 of his sons served in the Union Army. The rest of his Strain cousins appear to have served in the Confederate Army.
Found a James Strain, Sebastian, Arkansas, at Fort Smith, is listed on the Freedman's Bureau Office or Subordinate Field Office Location. Index says James Strain doc on p 88 on Roll 9, of the Register of rebel properties in counties subject to confiscation. Page 88 says James Strain sold land to J N Mosson or ? and S N Sparks (hard to read cursive script) and went south in about 1863 (FS).
On the 1870 Huntsville P O, War Eagle, Madison Co., Arkansas census, I found farmer James Strain, 70, with $100 in real estate; Lusinda Strain, keeping house, 64, both Virginia born and Ann Strain, 9, at school, Indiana born.
Widowed farmer James Strain, last appears on the 10 Jun 1880 DeRoan Twp., Hempstead Co., Arkansas census, age 71, born in Virginia, residing with his daughter Ann Laura, 19, and then disappears. His parents were both born in Virginia and he was sick with the "flux" or flu. His wife Lucinda was last on the 1870 War Eagle, Madison Co., Arkansas census with her husband and then she disappeared. So he died AFTER 10 Jun 1880. I called the Hempstead Co. Clerks Office and they checked the will index 1880 to 1900 and did not find either James or Lucinda listed. In 1880, his son John is on the Hempstead Co. census and son David is in Johnson Co., Arkansas. His son John is two census pages over in the same town.
On 4 Apr 1883, James brother John Strain, still in Augusta Co., Virginia at their ancestral home, made his will and leaves his nephew, David Strain, the son of James, in Arkansas, $500.00. It was probated on 26 Dec 1887. I suspect this was James's paternal inheritance from the family farm in Virginia. This was my first clue where to try to find James and his family, outside of Virginia. This suggests to me that James had predeceased John, prior to John will that he wrote on 4 Apr 1883. It appears that James' brother John found out about his passing, so they were in touch.
I could not locate a will in Arkansas or Indiana for James, nor obit with existing sources.
In the 1990's the late Katherine Bushman, genealogist, helped me locate James brother William outside of Virginia and said James had also left Virginia by 1833 (no sources). It turns out the 2 brothers were in Indiana, following the passing of their father in 1830. I believe there was a good reason to purchase land in Indiana at the time. His brother William is on the 1840 Parke Co., Indiana census and died there in 1889. His brother David purchased land in Terre Haute, Indiana, but never resided there.
I'm so grateful to my lovely cousin in law, FWCS, for sharing this sketch (see photo) of James Strain, given to her by kin HSF, who believed this is the father of their kin David Allen Strain and sis Annie Laurie Strain. She had him labeled as "John David" Strain, but she had the wrong name on it. She knew he lived in the same state, etc. It's not 100% but it's another clue in our ancestry. This picture was on the wall in the old family home in GA.
Seek locating the 6 Oct 1879 issue of the Indiana Tribune article on a James Strain, Sr., pioneer on page 4
Bio researched and written by LSP, all rights reserved
James' father, David Strain, wrote his will on 6 June 1830, Will Book #17, page 288-89. It was probated the June Term in 1830. His death record states he died 17 Jun 1830. It says to: "my son James Strain is to be paid the sum of four Hundred Dollars to be paid the one half when he arrives to the AGE OF TWENTY ONE YEARS & the other half in Twelve moth (sic) there after and the Horse he now claims." Based on this date, he was born before 6 June 1809 so I'll say he was born in ABOUT 1809. The exact date James left Greenville, Virginia is unknown, but it is believed it was the early 1830's. It appears that he died AFTER 10 Jun 1880 census, but before the 1900 census.
On 16 Sep 1834, "James Strain of Augusta Co., Virginia" purchased 160 acres in Crawfordsville, Montgomery Co., Indiana, Section 23, Twp. 18-N, Range 3-W, Meridian 2nd PM, US General Land Office Records, 1796 - 1907 on Ancestry. Now there were 3 James Strains in Indiana at the time (father and son). On 6 Jun 1832, a James Strain of Parke Co., Indiana purchased 80 acres in Crawfordsville, Indiana. I suspect this is not the same man as above, after reviewing all the records.
1834 land deed for James Strain of Augusta Co., Virginia in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Certificate #17816 for 160 acres in the SE quarter of section Twenwillty (sic) Three in Township Eighteen (see photo of doc).
Next, I find James Strain married Lucinda Simmons, on 19 Feb 1835 in Hancock County, Indiana. I have listed their 6 known children on her connected Findagrave site.
His son, John Simmons Strain was born in Crawfordsville, Indiana in 1836.
James Strain was warranted two lots in Arkansas, 80 acres on 20 Aug 1838 and 40 on 20 Sep 1839, both in Washington Co. 29W, Sec 33 Twp 16 N and 32 16N. Other Strains received them, in the same county at this time: George and Robert, no known relation.
James Strain's Arkansas grantee document #674 dated 20 Aug 1838 in Fayetteville, Washington Co., Arkansas, in the Fayetteville land office, section 33, 16-N, 29 -W, 5th PM for 80 acres (see document photo).
On the 1840 Prairie Twp., Washington Co., Arkansas census (NOT alphabetized so assumed neighbors), I found "James" Strain, (age 30-40) between George Strain (age 30-40) and Robert Strain (age 60-70).
Jas had: Males, 1 under 5; 1 30-40 (James); Females: 2 under 5; 1 20-30
Robt had: Males: 1 20-30; 1 30-40; 1 60-70 and Females: 1 60-70
James is listed as a farmer on the censuses: 1850 and 1860 in IN, 1870 and 1880 in Arkansas. Why did they move to Arkansas between 1860 and 1870? Plus, was it the 1838 land and why the delay?
On the 1850 Indiana Census for Montgomery County, in the Walnut Township taken August 17th, I found farmer James Strain. He is aged 40, born in Virginia and living with him were these Strains, all born in Indiana: Lucinda, 32; John S., 13; Elias. F., 11; Mary E., 10; David A., 4 and James A., 2.
On 20 Feb 1854, James Strain purchased land in Montgomery County, Indiana, Book 20, p 132. It was sold to him by wife Lucinda's brother, John Simmons, Jr., plus John and Sarah Bowman Sr. and Robt and Nancy Burk, for $1200.
On the 1860 Ladoga P.O., in Walnut, Montgomery Co., Indiana census, I found farmer James Strain, 50, Virginia, $2000. in real estate and $706 in personal property; Lucinda Strain, 43, Indiana; David A. Strain, 14, Indiana; James A. Strain, 12, Indiana; master carpenter David Corbin, 24, Kentucky with $170. in personal property and (daughter) Mary E. Corbin, 20, Indiana and Samuel W. Corbin, 9/12, Indiana.
During the Civil War 3 of his sons served in the Union Army. The rest of his Strain cousins appear to have served in the Confederate Army.
Found a James Strain, Sebastian, Arkansas, at Fort Smith, is listed on the Freedman's Bureau Office or Subordinate Field Office Location. Index says James Strain doc on p 88 on Roll 9, of the Register of rebel properties in counties subject to confiscation. Page 88 says James Strain sold land to J N Mosson or ? and S N Sparks (hard to read cursive script) and went south in about 1863 (FS).
On the 1870 Huntsville P O, War Eagle, Madison Co., Arkansas census, I found farmer James Strain, 70, with $100 in real estate; Lusinda Strain, keeping house, 64, both Virginia born and Ann Strain, 9, at school, Indiana born.
Widowed farmer James Strain, last appears on the 10 Jun 1880 DeRoan Twp., Hempstead Co., Arkansas census, age 71, born in Virginia, residing with his daughter Ann Laura, 19, and then disappears. His parents were both born in Virginia and he was sick with the "flux" or flu. His wife Lucinda was last on the 1870 War Eagle, Madison Co., Arkansas census with her husband and then she disappeared. So he died AFTER 10 Jun 1880. I called the Hempstead Co. Clerks Office and they checked the will index 1880 to 1900 and did not find either James or Lucinda listed. In 1880, his son John is on the Hempstead Co. census and son David is in Johnson Co., Arkansas. His son John is two census pages over in the same town.
On 4 Apr 1883, James brother John Strain, still in Augusta Co., Virginia at their ancestral home, made his will and leaves his nephew, David Strain, the son of James, in Arkansas, $500.00. It was probated on 26 Dec 1887. I suspect this was James's paternal inheritance from the family farm in Virginia. This was my first clue where to try to find James and his family, outside of Virginia. This suggests to me that James had predeceased John, prior to John will that he wrote on 4 Apr 1883. It appears that James' brother John found out about his passing, so they were in touch.
I could not locate a will in Arkansas or Indiana for James, nor obit with existing sources.
In the 1990's the late Katherine Bushman, genealogist, helped me locate James brother William outside of Virginia and said James had also left Virginia by 1833 (no sources). It turns out the 2 brothers were in Indiana, following the passing of their father in 1830. I believe there was a good reason to purchase land in Indiana at the time. His brother William is on the 1840 Parke Co., Indiana census and died there in 1889. His brother David purchased land in Terre Haute, Indiana, but never resided there.
I'm so grateful to my lovely cousin in law, FWCS, for sharing this sketch (see photo) of James Strain, given to her by kin HSF, who believed this is the father of their kin David Allen Strain and sis Annie Laurie Strain. She had him labeled as "John David" Strain, but she had the wrong name on it. She knew he lived in the same state, etc. It's not 100% but it's another clue in our ancestry. This picture was on the wall in the old family home in GA.
Seek locating the 6 Oct 1879 issue of the Indiana Tribune article on a James Strain, Sr., pioneer on page 4
Bio researched and written by LSP, all rights reserved
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