Pvt. James Strong was born October 1, 1842, the son of Andrew Adam Strong and Elizabeth Robb Strong who arrived by boat in New York that same year having emigrated from County Cork, Ireland. James was one of four children and the family settled on a farm near McConnellstown, Pennsylvania, where the family grew and thrived. When the Civil War began, James left the farm and enlisted into Company C, 53rd Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. Pvt. Strong became a good soldier and was in the ranks for every battle the regiment participated in. On May 10, 1864 at the battle of the Po River near Spotsylvania Court House, Strong was struck in the forehead by a minie ball, knocking him senseless. Evidently left for dead on the field, he came to several hours later and made his way back the rear where he was treated for his injury before rejoining his regiment as they moved southward toward the North Anna River. One can only imagine his comrades' surprise at his sudden reappearance in the ranks.

The tintype image above was made sometime between 1862 and 1864 and shows the plucky Strong in his leisurely best appearance; a true veteran.

After the war, Strong returned to McConnellstown where he married Martha Megahan on May 7, 1867. The couple had three sons Howard Andrew (1868-1898), Charles Edgar (1870-1905) and William Clayton Strong (1873-1906). James Strong passed away in 1904 and is buried in McConnellstown.

(Photos and information courtesy of James Strong III)