From: "Biographical Review of Cass, Schuyler and
Brown Counties, Illinois 1892", by Biographical Review Publishing
Company, Chicago, Illinois; pages 568-569, a reprinted by Stevens
Publishing Co., Astoria, Ill., 1971, is sold by the Schuyler County
Historical Society, Rushville, Illinois.
Thomas Armstrong, a retired farmer now residing in Bainbridge
township, was born in county Monaghan, Ireland, in March, 1837. His
father, Robert Armstrong, was a native of the same county, but
unquestionably of Scotch extraction; he was a farmer by occupation, and
passed his life in his own country. He married Jane Crozier, a native
of county Tyrone, Ireland, and a daughter of William Crozier; she
emigrated to America in 1852, resided in the State of New York four
years, and then came to Illinois, where she spent the remainder of her
days; she was the mother of sixteen children. Thomas Armstrong was a
youth of sixteen years when he came to America; he sailed from Dundalk
to Liverpool, and there embarked upon an American vessel; he landed at
the port of New York after a voyage of five weeks and three days. He
now found himself a stranger in a strange land, without money. After a
time he found work at the cabinetmaker's trade which he followed about
a year and a half, and then turned his attention to marble-cutting.
Times were hard, business dull, and he could earn but little more than
a living. He therefore determined to emigrate to the West, and try his
fortunes on the frontier. He located at Rushville, Illinois, and worked
by the day, month or job for three years. He then rented land for a
time, and a little later, purchased forty acres in Bainbridge township;
there was a small house on the place, and seven acres had been cleared;
this constituted the improvements. Mr. Armstrong lived here four years,
and at the end of that time sold at an advance; he then bought
seventy-five acres in the same township, made many valuable
improvements, occupying the place two years; he disposed of this farm
and purchased 106 acres, which are included in his present farm. He has
erected a nice set of frame buildings, has invested in other lands as
his means increased, and now owns 285 acres. He was actively engaged in
agricultural pursuits until 1892, when he removed to the home he now
occupies; he erected this dwelling in 1891, and is surrounded with all
the comforts which his years of industry have secured.
Mr. Armstrong was married, in 1859, to Catherine Ryan, who was
born in Buena Vista township, February 1, 1840, a daughter of Charles
and Margaret Ryan (see sketch of Thomas Ryan). They have six children
living: John, Mary, Charles, Robert, Samuel and Frank. The parents are
consistent members of the Protestant Methodist church. Mr. Armstrong is
a supporter of the principles of the Democratic party. He is a man of
strict integrity, and has the respect of the entire community.
