Our Family History
In 1845, John Strang, son of Peter and Margaret of Perthshire, Scotland, emigrated to Canada from Stirling, Scotland. He purchased 100 acres in Usborne Township from Robert Bell and, being an experienced stone mason, built a 1-1/2 storey stone house at the top of the hill.
John and his family established and operated the original family farm where we Strangs live and work today. John's son, Henry, took possession of the homestead and married Mary Ann Caldwell in 1893. They had ten children: Janet, Ella Margaret, Annie , Henry Harvey Graham (Harry), Maybelle, Kathleen, Alexander, Charles, John, and William. |
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Harry did not finish his public schooling, but had an entrepreneurial spirit and independently operated small farm enterprises. He eventually raised funds to attend University of Guelph where he met Margaret Wallis from Weston, ON. They wed, and in 1936 returned to the old stone house where Harry grew up. They had five children: Marilyn, Bernice, Gordon, Keith, and Nancy. |
Gord and Keith each earned a B. Sc. degree at University of Guelph and they returned home to farm together, which they did for many years. Keith married Sandra England from Crediton, ON and they took ownership of the original Strang homestead, Keith's childhood home. Their children are Geoffrey, Michael, and Jennifer.
Mike also attended University of Guelph and earned a Bachelor of Science degree with an Agronomy major. When finished school, Mike joined the farm operations with his father and uncle. Mike is now the farm manager working with Keith and Geoff. Sandra provides administrative support and keeps us fed and healthy. Thanks, Mom! |
Strangs in local governance
Henry worked as the Usborne Township Clerk from 1919-1935 when the Strang stone house served as the municipal office. Later, his son Harry took the role and worked from home until 1965 when he moved to another farm residence nearby. Harry continued to work from his new home until the Usborne Township office was moved to the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority building by Morrison Dam. Sandra worked for Harry at the municipal office and took over as Clerk-Treasurer when Harry retired. In 2001, Usborne Township was amalgamated to become part of the Municipality of South Huron and Sandra became the Clerk of South Huron. Sandra continued her work from the town hall in Exeter until her retirement.
Henry worked as the Usborne Township Clerk from 1919-1935 when the Strang stone house served as the municipal office. Later, his son Harry took the role and worked from home until 1965 when he moved to another farm residence nearby. Harry continued to work from his new home until the Usborne Township office was moved to the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority building by Morrison Dam. Sandra worked for Harry at the municipal office and took over as Clerk-Treasurer when Harry retired. In 2001, Usborne Township was amalgamated to become part of the Municipality of South Huron and Sandra became the Clerk of South Huron. Sandra continued her work from the town hall in Exeter until her retirement.