History of Lee County, Illinois - Bushnell Historical Society

HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY 169
perhaps as a composer and publisher as an instructor. He was
born in Akron, Indiana, November 11, 1857, and is a son of Andrew
and Sarah (Osgood) Strong, both of whom were natives of New
York and were pioneers of Indiana. The father was a carriage
maker, which trade he followed in the middle west.
Spending his youthful days under the parental roof, W. F.
Strong pursued his education in the public schools of Indiana and
in the Northern Indiana Normal ( ullcge at Valparaiso before con-
centrating his energies upon the development of his musical talent
as a student in the Cincinnati College of Music. He afterward
became a student in the Chicago Musical College and each year has
marked his progress in the art. He specializes in piano, violin and
harmony. His life has been devoted to teaching and composition
and he has published much music, writing and comi^iling books
for both the piano and vidlin that an- now largely used by music
teachers.
Mr. Strong organized a college of nmsic in Shenandoah, Iowa,
in connection with the Western Normal College, which he conducted
for seven years, after which he went to Chicago for further
study. In fact, througlntut his entire life he has been a student and
is thus continually advancing his own efficiency as well as assisting
others in cultivating their musical gifts. In 1890 he came to Dixon,
where he was associated with the Dixon College until 1903. In
that year he removed to Eochester, Indiana, where he was half
owner of a normal college, but in 1907 returned to Dixon and was
again with the Dixon College until 1911. In that year he organized
W. F. Strong's College of Music, giving instruction in all branches
of music and granting diplomas in three graduating courses. The
success of his pupils has demonstrated the accuracy and practicability
of the college methods. The three courses for graduation
include the academic, the normal and the classic course, and all
pupils have the benefit of a nmsical atmosphere, attending morning
classes in harmony, musical history and ])iography, weekly
evening meetings in the studio for private rehearsals and monthly
meetings in the large auditoiium for pul)lic recitals. The degree
of Bachelor of Music is conferred upon those completing the clas-
sic course. Moreover, Mr. Strong has arranged that those so
desiring may combine with music, courses in stenography, book-
keeping, typewriting. English branches, oratory or art.
In 1887 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Strong and Miss
Mary Bell, of Valparaiso, Indiana. Mrs. Strong is also an accom-
plished musician, displaying notable ability as a pianist and pipe