On this date 100 years ago, Phillip Strain was attacked on the street walking home from his business on Front Street to his home at 602 E Market. Two men were following him, but he did not have any apprehension about being attacked. The attackers hit him on the back of the head, but failed to knock him out. The two men ran in different directions and Mr. Strain continued home after making his police report. A loaded revolver was recovered in a nearby alley. It was assumed that the theives were after the valuable diamond tie pin and diamond ring that Mr. Strain wore. Phillip Strain was a cigar store owner and had been since about 1892 when he went into business as Strain and Saunders (per his obituary). His cigar store and manufactory was just west of the central fire station on Front Street.
Mr. Strain was born in Vevay Indiana, to Phillip Strain and Anna McCarthy, both immigrants from Ireland. Phillip Sr was a laborer in Indiana and had 8 children. Phillip Jr moved to Bloomington in 1881 and worked various jobs here, including some time as a postal clerk with the C & A Railroad.
He married Maude Richardson in 1891, with whom he had five children. Two of his sons worked with him in the cigar business. He had other investments, such as the JE Will Furniture Store. It was a four story store with a white enamelled terra cotta facade built in 1909. He also owned a hotel building in Normal. In 1915 he modernized his business with a new delivery wagon fitted with electric lights.
He died at home at the age of 61, survived by his wife and four of his children. Phil Jr. was killed in a motorcycle accident in 1913. He was travelling to Indianapolis for the automobile races when he crashed his motorcycle. He received treatment in Indy, and was placed on the train to Bloomington in passable condition. Upon his arrival in Bloomington, he was admitted to St. Joseph's Hospital where his condition worsened. He died a couple days later of lockjaw and blood poisoning.