Strong Vincent was born in Waterford, PA in 1836. His family moved to Erie when he was 6. His father ran a foundry. Strong attended Trinity College and Harvard University, graduating in 1859. He became a lawyer and practiced with Atty. William Lane at his office on Perry Square.

Strong Vincent answered President Lincoln's call in April of 1861, with the outbreak of the Civil War. After serving in Erie's 90 day regiment he was discharged. In September, 1861 he re-enlisted for 3 years and was appointed Major of the 83rd PA Volunteer Regiment. He subsequently was promoted to Lt Colonel and in August 1862 was promoted to Colonel of the 83rd and led his regiment at numerous battles including Fredricksburg in December 1982.

In May of 1863, his leadership skills led him to being appointed commander of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 5th Corps. Then came the battle that may have turned the tide of the Civil War--the Battle of Gettysburg. The battle was fought over 3 days. On the afternoon of the critical 2nd day, July 2nd, the then Colonel Strong Vincent volunteered to take his brigade to the undefended Little Round Top. He arrived just minutes before the Confederates launched their assault against the unprotected left flank of the Union Army. Stong Vincent utilized his superb leadership skills to place his command where needed most. During the battle the right flank of Vincent's command wavered and was pushed back. He rushed to the panic-stricken men and ordered them back into line. He shouted "Don't give an inch boys, don't give an inch". Just then he was struck in the groin by a rebel bullet. He was carried to his Brigade headquarters area and subsequently to a farmhouse behind the line. He suffered from his mortal wound for the next 5 days. Upon hearing of the defense of the Union left flank that day, General Meade sent a request to Washington recommending Colonel Vincent's promotion to Brigadier General. On July 5th, orders signed by President Lincoln arrived at Gettysburg promoting Strong Vincent. On July 7th the newly promoted General died. His remains were carried to Erie where they were interred in the Erie Cemetery.

Many Civil War scholars agree, that had Vincent not taken the decisive action he did on that fateful day, the outcome of the Battle of Gettysburg, and perhaps the balance of the Civil War, may have been quite different.

Although General Vincent was not blessed with a long life, he did his duty to his community and to his country. Amos Judson, who served as a Captain with Vincent, and authored the regimental history of the 83rd in 1865, said "To sum up the character of Gen. Strong Vincent in three words, I can only say that he was a gallant soldier, a fine scholar and a Christian gentleman, and when you say this you have said all that can be said of any man."

Strong Vincent is remembered in Erie County in a number of ways--a high school named in his honor (dedicated in 1930 by his brother), the Strong Vincent Memorial Highway (Route 19 from Waterford to 26th and Peach), the Strong Vincent Memorial Bridge (on 6th Street behind the high school), the Keith Rocco painting commissioned in 1995 by the Strong Vincent Commemoratives Committee, and the bronze statue of Strong Vincent located in the front lawn of the Blasco Library (also commissioned by the Strong Vincent Commemoratives Committee and dedicated in 1997).

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