Source: HISTORY OF THE PAN-HANDLE OF WEST VIRGINIA 1879
Page 358

     WILLIAM AND SAMUEL STRAIN These were two brothers who came from Ireland, and settled on Cross Creek, Brooke county in 1774, on what is known as the Strain farm, where some of their descendants still reside. Their brother John, settled about ten years later on the same tract, but subsequently bought on the head waters of McMahon's run, in the same county, where his son John resided till 1876. During the Indian troubles, they forted in Wells fort near the Pennsylvania line. William enlisted and served in the Revolutionary war, under Gen. Washington. Samuel returned to Ireland for his family and was pressed into the British service, served his time out, and returned to America with his family. William Strains son, Ebenezer;, lived and died on the same tract of land. His sons, Thomas and Eleazer, own and occupy the old homestead at this time.