Stachan was born in Cornwall in Upper Canada in 1808, the oldest son of John Strachan, the first Anglican Bishop of Toronto.

He purchased a commission in the British 68th Regiment of Foot and studied at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst.

The opposing candidate, William "Tiger" Dunlop represented the interests of the prosperous local landowners in the Colborne Township of Huron County.

[3] The matter was assigned to a select committee to investigate, and for the first two months of the session, Strachan participated in the Assembly's proceedings.

On August 20, 1841, the committee reported, recommending that Dunlop be awarded the seat due to election irregularities.