W. L. Strachan (Biography)

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Taken from History of the State of Kansas, by William G. Cutler

W. L. STRACHAN, harness dealer and stock-raiser, was born in Lemont, Cook County, Ill., in 1846.  In 1862, enlisted in the Board of Trade Regiment, of Chicago, serving a little over three years.   Was wounded at the battles of Vicksburg and Franklin.  After coming out of the army, took charge of his father's farm for one year, then went to work for the Ames Engine Works, at Oswego, N. Y.  From there went to Chicago, and was employed as shipping clerk for the Rock River Paper Company, remaining there nine years and three months, but his health failing he came to Kansas, locating in Howard, and opened a harness shop, his sales increasing from $1,500 to $10,000 per annum, keeping three and four men at work all the time.  Is also connected with his father and brother in the stock business.  They have about 500 head of cattle, and 920 acres of a stock farm, running up to within a mile of Howard, and lying on the Elk and PawPaw Rivers.  They are among the largest stock men in the county. Was married December 24, 1872, to Miss Henrietta Fogue, of Chicago.  Is a member of E. M. Stanton Post, No. 23, G. A. R.