Grundy County IL Archives Biographies.....Armstrong, Perry A 1823 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/il/ilfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com April 29, 2006, 3:48 pm Author: History of Grundy County IL 1914 Armstrong, Perry A. (deceased) No history of Grundy County would be complete without a sketch of Perry A. Armstrong, statesman, lawyer, author, historian and dependable citizen, who loved his county and never ceased in his efforts to advance its interests, or those of Morris. He was born on the family homestead, in McCain Township, Licking County, Ohio, April 4, 1823, a son of Joseph and Elsie Armstrong, who came to Illinois in 1831, locating first at Sand Prairie, near Lacon. They were driven out by the troubles of the Black Hawk War to the fort in Putnam County, Ill., but returned to their home when hostilities were over. Perry A. Armstrong began his business career in 1836, but later resumed his studies, and in 1842 arrived at Morris, on foot, his object being to assume the duties of bookkeeper for William Armstrong and to study law. Still later he returned to the farm, but in October, 1844, came back to Morris, which place continued to be his home the remainder of his life. Here he opened a store, and in 1846 built a structure designed for mercantile purposes, and in it carried a stock of goods and kept the post office, he being appointed postmaster by President Polk. When the Mexican War was declared, Mr. Armstrong raised a company, of which he was made captain, but its services were not needed, peace having been declared. He held many offices, among them being justice of the peace and supervisor, and as one of the State Auditor's staff in 1852, he selected the lands of the Illinois Central Railroad; with others drew the charter of that road, and also that of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad; and as assistant engineer ran the transit road from Joliet to Ottawa, and also the level from Tiskilwa to Geneseo. Following this he was engaged in surveying for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. Mr. Armstrong then was general manager for Judge Hopkins until he was appointed to survey and select the swamp lands of Grundy County according to Act of Congress of September 25, 1850, but made no money at the work. Having completed the survey, Mr. Armstrong procured the passage through the Legislature of an act he prepared authorizing the sale of the swamp lands, and sold them in 1865 for $23,724.92. Mr. Armstrong also served as County Clerk of Grundy County, and in 1861 was elected a member of the State Constitutional Convention. The following year he was elected to the Legislature, and in 1872 was re-elected to the same office, during that session serving on the Judiciary, Railroad and Judicial Department committees. In the meanwhile, in 1865, he had been admitted to the bar, and had become the author of some important laws, including the jury law, county court law and escheat law, and had materially revised the criminal code and road and bridge laws. In 1868 he formed a five-year partnership with Judge B. OLIN, and in 1876 was appointed Master-in-Chancery. In 1877 he was made a trustee of the Illinois Charitable Eye and Ear Infirmary, and at the same time was a school director, remaining on the board for seven years. While on the board he served it as clerk, and assisted in negotiating the school bonds. Mr. Armstrong was a man of varied tastes and talents, and did much to develop the geology of Grundy County, and was a recognized authority on the history of his part of the State. Twice married, his first wife was Mary J. Borbidge of Pittsburg, Pa., whom he married December 22, 1846. She died in 1862 leaving three sons: Charles D., Elwood and William E. In 1863 he married Malina J. Eldredge of Piano, Ill., and they had two sons, Frank and Perry. page 755-756 Additional Comments: Source: History of Grundy County, Illinois, Chicago: Munsell Publishing Co. Publishers; 1914 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/grundy/bios/armstron672nbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/ilfiles/ File size: 4.4 Kb