strong, the son of john strong sr. (1798–1881), from wroxton, oxfordshire, england, was a first generation american born in a log cabin in greenfield township, michigan, which is now part of detroit. he received a common school education and engaged in farming. in 1863, he moved to monroe county where he founded south rockwood and engaged in milling, manufacturing barrel staves, heading, lumber, merchandising, farming and raising cattle. during a sawmill accident, he lost two fingers on his right hand. he married emily buhl, the sister of two detroit mayors, frederick and christian h. buhl. his nephew john strong haggerty (1866–1950) served as michigan secretary of state from 1927 to 1931.