James STRANAHAN, who has been identified with the interests of Tippacanoe County for many years, is a representative citizen of Washington Township, where he is classed among the old and honored pioneers.

His father, John STRANAHAN, was a native of Ireland, born in County Downs about the year 1782. He came to American with his parents in his boyhood, the family probably settling in Pennsylvania. He was married in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Miss Martha BAILEY, who was also a native of County Downs, Ireland. John STRANAHAN learned the trade of a nail maker in Pittsburgh. Sometime after his marriage, and previous to the war of 1812, he went to Franklin County, Ohio. He enlisted as a soldier in the war of 1812, and while in the service, his duty was to repair the guns used in the service. For a number of years after the war he made his home in Columbus, Ohio, working at the mason's trade which he had learned after discontinuing the trade of nail making, and he assisted in the building of the first brick house erected in the city of Columbus. He subsequently settled on a farm about five miles from Columbus, where he followed agricultural pursuits for a time. In September, 1838, he removed with his family to Carroll County, Indiana, where he purchased a farm of 160 acres, paying fro the same $1,600. He was bereaved by the death of his wife April 25, 1839. She was a devout Christian, being reared in the doctrines of the Presbyterian church, and was an affectionate wife and mother. They were the parents of ten children, seven sons and three daughters, all of whom reached maturity but one son, who died in early infancy. Four of the songs are living at the present time: David, the eldest surviving son, lives in Ohio, near the old homestead; John resides in Ringgold County, Iowa; James, the subject of this sketch, and William, who lives in Miami County, Indiana. John STRANAHAN subsequently married Mrs. Rebecca WALTERS, who survived her husband a number of years. In 1846 he came to Tippecanoe County and settled on the farm where his son James now resides, and here he lived until his death, which occurred in July, 1850. He became well known throughout the township where he resided, and was universally respected. Like his wife he was reared in the faith of the Presybterian church, but later in life he became connected with the Methodist Espicopal church, of which he was a member at the time of his death. He was a worthy Christian, and always gave liberally of his means toward the support of the gospel.

James STRANAHAN, whose name heads this sketch, is the only member of his father's family now living in Tippecanoe County. He is a native of Ohio, the date of his birth being February 22, 1820. He was reared a farmer, a vocation he has always followed, and is numbered among the successful agriculturists of Washington Townsip. In 1846 he came with his father to Washington Township, this county, and now owns and occupies the homestead farm where his father settled soon after coming to the county. He has resided on the place for forty years, being one of the oldest residents of the northern part of Tippecanoe County. His farm consists of 320 acres of well cultivated land, and his improvements are among the best in county. He has a beautiful home, very pleasantly located, and he and his family are surrounded with all the comforts of life.

Mr. STRANAHAN was first married February 18, 1847, to Miss Deborah GILLAM, and to them were born two children - Martha Jane, who was born August 30, 1849, and died April 1, 1850, and Thomas B. who is now a resident of Dayton, Tippecanoe County.

Mr. STRANAHAN was married a second time September 28, 1856, to Miss Mary A. HYNES, a native of Cass County, Indiana, a daughter of Johna and Nancy (COBLE) HYNES. Her father is a native of Ohio, immigrating to Cass Couty from that State abut 1830, where he still resides. Her mother died in November, 1883. Mrs. STRANAHAN is one of fourteen children, three sons and eleven daughters. Eight of her father's family are still living, two sons and six daughters.

Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. STRANAHAN - Zilpha A., wife of John C. FRISBEE, of Delphi, Carroll County, Indiana; William F., of Washington Township; Emma A., Eudora m. and Grace L., the last three living at home, and one son, James B., who was born October 2, 1865, and died October 9, 1866.

Mr. and Ms. STRANAHAN are members of the Delphi Methodist Espicopal church of which he is a trustee, and both are honored and repsected members of the community in which they make their home.

SOURCE: Biographical Record and Portrait Album of tippecanoe County, Indiana. Pp. 402-03. 1888.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, September of 2011