J.F. Strock, member of the firm of Dillon, Bowers & Strock, proprietors of the Rock Falls Rolelr Mills, Sterling, was born in Franklin Co. PA May 4, 1844, his parents being Daniel & Mary (Over) Strock, natives of that state. Mr. Strock, Senior, a manufacturer of agricultural implements, came to Sterling in 1864.
Mr. Strock remained at his parental home until he was 25 years old, receiving a common-school education. At the age of 20 he entered a hardware store of Chambersburg, PA as clerk, remaining one year. He then came to Sterling and engaged as clerk for Patterson, Wittmer & Co. continuing for three years and then accepted a position in the interests of the Sterling School Furniture Co. continuing for 8 years. He is an active and influential business man, a Republican, a member of the A.O.U.W., Select Knights and the Lutheran Church to which his wife also belongs.
Mr. Strock was married Sept.14, 1869 to Martha, daughter of Joel and Rachel (Cole) Harvey, natives of NY and early immigrants to Sterling. By this marriage there have been three children, two still living - Willoughby C. and John F. After the death of Mr. harvey, Mr. Strock took charge of his estate and business affairs and did not engage in any other business until 1882, when he bought a third interest in the Rock Falls Roler Mills, whe he has since been interested.
Portraits & Biographical 1885 Pg 329
