Born in Middletown, New York,[1] Stringham entered the Navy on November 15, 1809,[2] aged only 11 years old, receiving promotion to the rank of midshipman on June 19, 1810[3] while serving under Captain John Rodgers in the frigate President.

[4] Having received his commission as a lieutenant on December 9, 1814,[5] he was assigned to the brig Spark, Captain Thomas Gamble, which was part of Stephen Decatur's squadron in the Barbary Wars, and helped to take an Algerine frigate.

He attempted to return to Spark, but could make no headway, so turned and pulled for the Algerian shore, but was wrecked in the heavy surf, with one of his crew and two of the Frenchmen drowned.

In 1821 Stringham was appointed first lieutenant of the brig Hornet in the West Indies Squadron, and from 1825 to 1829 served at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

[3] In late 1846 he was placed in command of the ship of the line Ohio, and during the Mexican–American War took part in the bombardment of Vera Cruz as it was besieged by troops under General Winfield Scott.

In the ensuing battle, the fortifications were captured without loss, though not without some difficulty owing to the weather, and the fleet returned to Fort Monroe to general acclaim.

[4] Soon after the return of the Battle of Hatteras Inlet Batteries, acclaim for Strigham's performance gave way to criticism of Stringham for not taking his ships closer in, and continuing to attack along the coast.