Samuel Strong

Samuel Strong (July 17, 1762 - December 5, 1832) was an American businessman, farmer, militia officer, and politician from Vermont. He attained the rank of major general, and was most notable for his leadership of a contingent of Vermont militia soldiers during the War of 1812's Battle of Plattsburgh. Early life Samuel Strong was born in Salisbury, Connecticut on July 17, 1762, the son of John Strong (1738-1816) and Agnes (McCure) Strong (1740-1829). His parents moved to Addison, Vermont in 1766, and were among the town's first white settlers. Samuel Strong was raised and educated in Addison and became a farmer. In 1787, he was elected Sheriff of Addison County, and he served a two-year term. Move to Vergennes In 1793, Strong moved to Vergennes, where he farmed and became involved in several business ventures. Strong's enterprises included timberlands, a sawmill, and a wool carding factory, where he was among the first in New England to make use of mechanical carding machines rather than disentangling, cleaning, and intermixing fibers by hand. In addition to his farming and business interests, Strong was active in local politics and government. He was elected to the board of aldermen soon after his move to Vergennes. He represented Vergennes in the Vermont House of Representatives in 1804 and 1805. From 1805 to 1807 and 1813 to 1815 he served as assistant judge of the Addison County Court. From 1811 to 1815 he served as mayor of Vergennes.