Jacob Fox Strait (1808 – 1890), the father of Wm. F. Strait, M.D., Rock Hill’s first surgeon. Courtesy of the JMG Collection – 2019 ***Jacob Fox Strait served as the Postmaster of the Broad River PO, known as LaGrange from 1852-1857. Note that there is a conflict of info as to where LaGrange was located. R&R.com has not found a clear answer as to it’s exact location in Chester County as of 9.3.22
Isabella Wylie – Strait (1811 – 1881), the daughter of Peter Wylie II, Esq. (of the Lewis Turnout Community) – Ann Evans Wylie (Also known as Annie), and mother of Wm. F. Strait, MD Courtesy of the JMG Collection – 2019
Early 20th century view of the old Fishing Creek Pres. Church which members of the Strait clan supported. Courtesy of the JMG Collection – 2019
The RH Herald reported on May 13, 1880 – “Two new post offices to be established in Chester Co., are Carmel Hill and Sandersville. The Post Office at LaGrange which was discontinued sometime ago has been re-established.”
City Directories and History: This page consists of numerous items related to the Strait family of Chester, Lancaster and York Counties. Much of this material has been used on additional pages throughout R&R.com, when deemed appropriate to link and share. Historian Wm. B. White, Jr., wrote the following about the Strait’s early settlement – “The original tract of 764 acres was settled by Samuel Wherry and wife Dorcas Coulter. This homesite was about one mile SW of the Wherry house near Lewis Turnout. You will be interested to know that the tract of land adjoining the original 1764 Wherry place, was settled and owned by Christopher Strait, who settled there about 1771-73. Two of the Straits married two of the Wherrys.” The Leonard Strait tract outlined on this page, was just NW, across the railroad, of the Wherry’s plantation and is in 2019, still referred to as the Strait tract. (See the enlargeable Upper Fishing Creek Map via the Mayhugh Heritage Map Collection this page.)
Also see genealogy link to the Strait Family: Strait Genealogy on R&R.com
A large number of Strait family descendants were influenced by their Wylie and Gaston kin to be come doctors. Many attended the Medical College of Charleston, Medical College of New York, and the Medical College of Pennsylvania for their training. Some such as Dr. Gill Wylie of Chester and New York, N.Y., were distinguished pioneers in promoting new medical technics and implementing medical practices now commonly prescribed. The contributions of these doctors to their communities can’t be overstated! They have severed in war as well as in peace time; to help rich and poor, young and old, black and white citizens of the Carolinas. The tradition of medical service has continued for generations and descendants of the Gaston – Wylie – Strait – Fairey clan, who in 2019 continue their medical services from Alabama to New York states.
Retired farmer and politician, Mr. Curwood Chappell, recalled in the 1940’s as a young boy he was responsible for driving the buggy to pick up Dr. Strait (Wm. Frank Strait, Jr.), at the Smith’s Turnout Depot. He stated, “I would drive Dr. Strait around the community while he administered care to the numerous tenants living in what is today the Blackjack section of York County.”
Historian Harvey S. Teal’s Post Office Data in S.C., states: “LaGrange Post Office operated from 1828 – 1833, James A. McCool served as the first Post Master. He was followed by Postmaster, Jacob F. Strait from 1852 – 1857.” *** Jacob F. Strait received numerous letters from his family during the Civil War, all addressed to LaGrange. It is therefore apparent, the PO continued being operated, post 1857. The Legrange PO was located approximately at the site of Worth Crossing on the Broad River side, also called McCools Ferry Crossing on the Broad River. See Maybugh’s Maps for the location of the McCool property at said location. WBF – R&R 2021
The Yorkville Enquirer reported on Feb. 28, 1878 – “Mr. J.W. Knox has opened a store at LaGrange offering dry-goods and groceries. LaGrange is a station on the Cheraw and Chester Railroad.”
The Rock Hill Herald reported on April 15, 1880 – “The PO of LaGrange in Chester County has been discontinued.”
*** Note that an early document, ca. 1838 from Jason Calvin Hicklin (1830-1913), the husband of Sallie Strait – Hicklin (1833-1920), states that Lagrange was the homestead of the McClure family near present day Lewis Turnout. His kinsman, Dr. Lafayette Strait, a Civil War surgeon also corresponded with the Strait family at LaGrande during the Civil War. See PDF of his correspondence this page. It’s, Lagrange’s exact location is unknown as of 2024.
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R&R HISTORY LINK: Christopher Straight – Strait had land at Union ARP Church – Heritage Map by Mayhugh
R&R HISTORY LINK: the Jacob Fox Strait family resided in downtown Chester, S.C.
R&R HISTORY LINK: Dr. Wm. Frances Strait is buried at Laurelwood Cemetery
R&R HISTORY LINK: the Strait family attended Upper Fishing Creek Pres. Church where many family members are en-turned.
R&R HISTORY LINK: the Strait Home on Johnston Street in Rock Hill, S.C.
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