BIO: William L. ARMSTRONG, Huntingdon County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by JO Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm ********************************************************** __________________________________________________________________ Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia of the Juniata Valley: Comprising the Counties of Huntingdon, Mifflin, Juniata and Perry, Pennsylvania, Containing Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens and Many of the Early Settlers. Chambersburg, Pa.: J. M. Runk & Co., 1897, page 223. __________________________________________________________________ WILLIAM L. ARMSTRONG, Petersburg, Huntingdon county, Pa., was born in Logan, then a part of West township, June 11, 1850, son of Thomas and Jane (Robison) Armstrong. William Armstrong, grandfather of William L., was of Scotch-Irish descent, but was also a native of West township. He was a farmer and stockraiser, owning and cultivating 113 acres of land. He married in the same township, and had several children. William Armstrong was a Democrat, and a member of the Presbyterian church. He died near the homestead. His son, Thomas Armstrong, was educated in the common schools, and grew up as his father's assistant on the home farm. He continued working the same farm until 1870, when he sold out and went to Wisconsin, where he bought a farm and spent the remainder of his life. Thomas Armstrong was a man of good judgment, and was respected for his many excellent qualities. He was a Democrat. He married Jane, daughter of John Robison, who was of Scotch-Irish descent, a laboring man. The children of this marriage are: William L.; Haseltine (Mrs. Samuel Roseberry), of Sinking valley; Thomas E., residing in Wisconsin; David; Benjamin; Asher P.; Rachel P.; and Solima, who died in infancy. William L. Armstrong attended the common schools at Shavers Creek during the winter sessions, and worked on the farm with his father in summer. He was ambitious, and by his own efforts, gave himself an education much beyond his opportunities. He made himself acceptable as a teacher, and taught school for several terms. At the end of that time Mr. Armstrong bought a farm of 140 acres, which he cultivated for five years. Then he sold that farm and bought 265 acres, known as the Davis farm, upon which he made improvements, adding carious conveniences. Here he has since devoted his attention to farming and raising stock. Mr. Armstrong's present prosperity is well merited, being the outcome of his own thrift, perseverance and good business qualities. He began life without a dollar, and has diligently worked his way to a comfortable and respected position. He is a Democrat; takes an interest in public affairs generally, and has served his township as assessor and supervisor of roads. William L. Armstrong was first married in 1878, in West township, to Margaret R., daughter of George Wilson, farmer, of West township. Their children were: Jennie B., and one that died in infancy; Mrs. Margaret Armstrong dying on the homestead in 1888, Mr. Armstrong married Agnes E., daughter of Patrick Gettis, farmer, of Barree township, a lady of Scotch-Irish ancestry. Mr. Armstrong is a faithful and active member of the Presbyterian church, teaching in the Sunday-school and serving his congregation as elder. He has been for several years in the eldership, and during that time has enjoyed opportunities for serving the interests of the church at large, as a delegate to presbyteries and synod.