James Strong (1822-1894) was born in New York City. He studied ancient languages at Wesleyan University. A man of many talents he worked as a college professor, the president of a railroad company, and as a city administrator. In 1868 he became professor of exegetical theology at Drew Theological Seminary where he remained until shortly before his death. Among his numerous books was the seminal Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. He was a great defender of conservative theology and biblical interpretation and his concordance remains a standard for many evangelical Christians.