Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Strong, Albert M 1848 - 
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Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com May 8, 2007, 11:37 pm

Author: Portrait & Bio Album, 1890

ALBERT M. STRONG. In this gentleman we have a representative-born citizen of 
Will County, a descendant of one of its earliest pioneers. Among the first who 
located in Du Page Township, the father of our subject soon became prominent 
here, and for a long period of years was closely identified with the public 
life of township and county. His son, of whom we write, is still living on the 
old home-stead, the place of his birth, and is pursuing agriculture with 
marked success. Albert Strong was born on the 18th of July, 1848, a son of the 
late Robert and Caroline (Willey) Strong, natives respectively of Vermont and 
New York. His paternal ancestors are said to have come from England. The 
father of our subject made the long journey from his early home to this county 
in the year 1831, and bought land, for which he received a patent from the 
Government. This was in the northern part of DuPage Township, and when he 
settled on it it was a wild, uncultivated tract of prairie. There were but few 
white people there then, the Indians predominating. A short time after his 
arrival here, he had to go to Chicago for safe quarters on account of the 
Black Hawk War. Robert Strong first built a log cabin on his land and made it 
his home a number of years, and subsequently built the present commodious 
residence that now adorns the old home-stead. When he came here he had but 
very little money, but from that small beginning he acquired quite a valuable 
estate, his farm consisting of two hundred and forty acres at the time of his 
death. December 28, 1885, this venerable pioneer passed away from the scene of 
his usefulness, leaving behind him a memory that will ever be cherished in the 
hearts of those who knew and loved him, of a strong, pure, upright life. He 
not only aided in the upbuilding of the township, but was conspicuous in the 
management of its public affairs. He served as Supervisor, was Justice of the 
Peace a number of years, and held other offices of importance. He was a sturdy 
Republican in his political views. A man of a true religious nature, he was 
one of the leading members of the Presbyterian Church, serving as an Elder for 
a number of years, and was a liberal contributor towards building up the 
present church of that denomination in DuPage. The mother of our subject is 
still living, aged eighty years, and is a beloved inmate of his house-hold. 
She is a true Christian, and has for many years been a member of the 
Presbyterian Church. She is said to be the oldest pioneer in DuPage Township 
and she has been an eye-witness of the gradual growth of the county from its 
primitive condition to its present position as a wealthy, highly-improved 
county. She is the mother of eleven children, three of whom are now living—
Mary, Mrs. Ware, of California; Robert, living in Arkansas; and Albert M. The 
latter, of whom we write, was reared to the life of a farmer on his 
birthplace, and has always made his home here. Besides gaining a sound, 
practical knowledge of farming in all its branches, he was given the 
advantages of a superior education. He laid the foundations of his education 
in the public schools of this county and then attended Naperville Academy for 
two years. After that he became a student at the Western Reserve College, at 
Hudson, Ohio, and pursued a fine course of study there the ensuing two years. 
After leaving college, he returned home and entered upon his career as an 
agriculturist. This farm, lying on section 5, he has kept up to the same high 
standard of cultivation and improvement that it had attained under his 
father's care, and by his judicious management he secures a fine income from 
its fertile acres. It is well provided with neat and substantial buildings, 
and good farming machinery, and is well stocked with cattle, horses and hogs, 
of high grades. On October 21, 1869, Mr. Strong and Miss Ida Wheeler were 
united in a marriage that has proved to be a happy one in every way. By their 
union they have two children—Grace C. and Hattie L. Mrs. Strong is a native of 
Pennsylvania and a daughter of the late George and Lucy Wheeler. As a man of 
well balanced, well trained mind, of exceptional tact and excellent business 
traits, one whose honor and integrity have never been questioned, our subject 
stands in the front ranks of our best citizens. He possesses strong public 
spirit and seeks in every way to push forward the highest interests of this, 
his native township, he has especially interested himself in educational 
matters, and as School Director for many years has been a prominent factor in 
securing the excellent privileges enjoyed by the children of the township to-
day. In politics he upholds the policy of the Republican party. He is a member 
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Naperville, Ill., and also belongs 
to the DuPage Grange.

Additional Comments:
Portrait and Biographical Album of Will County, Illinois, Containing Full Page 
Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens 
of the County; Chicago: Chapman Bros., 1890

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