Strother was born on June 16, 1871, near
Louisville, Kentucky. His brother was lawyer
George B. Strother. His family moved to
Lee's Summit, Missouri when he was young. He attended local schools and Kansas City High School. He graduated from the
University of Missouri School of Law in 1893. Strother was appointed mayor by city council to fill the term of
James Cowgill, following his death in office. Strother married Maud Davenport. They had at least one child, Isabelle. ==References==