Rev. A. J. Strain was born near Princeton, Gibson County, Ind., in 1823. His father died when he was small and he received instruction from a kind and pious mother. She taught him to read the Bible and to adhere strictly to truth and justice. H, having a great desire for knowledge and education, by the help of numerous friends, was sent to school at Newburg, Ind., under the influence of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, of which he was a member. Pursuing his studies for a time he then removed to Centerville, Wayne County, Ind., and having a burning zeal to enter the ministry, he placed himself under the teaching of Elder Wood. After having prepared himself as far as circumstances would permit, he was sent by the Presbytery to his first field of labor in the counties of Pike, Crawford, and Dubois in the spring of 1847, where he labored until February 2, 1873, a period of almost twenty-six years, the principal part being confined to Dubois County.

He was one of the grand good men of that day. Doubtless many souls rejoice in heaven today from the effects of his labors.

He was married to Miss Alvira Lemmo, and two children blessed this union. He and his wife lie side by side in the old Shiloh Cemetery, one of the first Cumberland Presbyterian Churches of Dubois County, and was built by this good man. He died very suddenly at his home at Orland, Ind., February 2, 1873, and left his people broken hearted.

[Source: Our Senior Soldiers: The Biographies and Autobiographies of Eighty Cumberland Presbyterian Preachers. Compiled by The Cumberland Presbyterian Board of Publication. The Assistance of Revs. J. L. Price and W. P. Kloster is Greatfully Acknowledged. Nashville, Tenn.: The Cumberland Presbyterian Board of Publication, 1915, pages 122-123]