Otho F. Strahl was born near Elliotts Cross Roads, Ohio, and raised in nearby Malta, both in rural Morgan County.

Both of his grandmothers had been raised in the South and, through their strong influence, Strahl became an ardent supporter of states' rights.

With the outbreak of the Civil War, Strahl raised a local infantry company among friends and neighbors in Dyersburg.

Strahl led this 4th-5th Consolidated Tennessee Infantry till he was assigned to command the brigade of Alexander P. Stewart in June 1863, and was promoted to Brigadier General on July 28.

On November 30, 1864, at the Battle of Franklin, Strahl was leading his men on foot, when he was shot in the neck; he was struck and killed by another two bullets to the head.