a. Before going to Kentucky, he was living in Holston Springs in Scott County, Virginia. Hurst Book
b. Came to Kentucky in 1800 or 1801 . Settled on north fork of the Kentucky River at or near the mouth of Grapevine Creek (in now) Perry County. Hurst Book
c. William acquired a tract of land on the opposite side of the river from the mouth of the Grapevine Creek. It extended from near what is now Chavies down the river so as to include Strong's Branch. On this land he erected a log building where he made his home for some eight or ten years. He, as deputy assessor, made the first assessment of all land and personal property on the North Fork, which was then embraced in the new County of Clay. He was a leader of the "North Forkers", in the famous "cattle war" which began in the year 1806 between the citizens of the North Fork and Red Bird, a tributary of the South Fork. This feud extended over a period of years and a number of men lost their lives and a large number of cattle were killed. The "South Forkers" were led by John Gilbert, who later became a noted preacher.
About the year 1812, Strong acquired a large tract of land further down the river in (now) Breathitt County. It included most of the land from the Haddix lands above the mouth of Troublesome Creek and extended up the river to some distance above the mouth of George's Branch. He erected a residence on the West side of the river about one mile below the mouth of George's Branch, where he resided most of the time thereafter. In the later years of his life he lived a portion of time on Meadow Creek in (now) Owsley County. He was a small man, with a quick temper and walked with a cane on account of having had a broken leg which was somewhat shortened by the accident.
Became a Baptist preacher in his later years. He acquired much land, most of which he gave to his children. He owned 1400 acres on Meadow Creek, also 400 acres near the present site of Booneville. He also owned land on Lost Creek. Hurst Book
d. Listed in 1810 Census for Clay Clounty, KY. |
