Armstrong - Thomas J.
THOMAS J. ARMSTRONG
Source: Beckwith, H.W. History of Montgomery County, Indiana. Chicago: HH Hill, 1881, p 425
Thomas J. Armstrong, farmer and graded stock raiser, Parkersburg, Was born in Scott Township, April 2, 1843 and like his father, was reared a farmer. His education was received mostly at the common country schools, and he attended the Ladoga Seminary 6 months. At a little less than 19 years of age, he volunteered his services to his country, and March 3, 1862 became a member of Co. G. 26th Ind, Vol. Inf. The first battle he engaged in was New Tonia, Missouri. Soon after followed the terrible battle of Prairie Grove, Arkansas; there his regiment lost over half their men in about two hours. It is due to the credit of Mr. Armstrong to say that he was out about 4 years and constantly with his regiment, being home but once, then on a veteran furlough, and was honorably discharged Feb. 1866. He at once returned home and engaged in farming, and Nov 20, 1866 he married Miss Susan E., daughter of James and Malinda S. ( PARKER ) SECREST . She was born in Scott Township, Sept 12, 1847. They have two children living: Mary A and Leo. Besides farming, Mr. Armstrong is now actively engaged in stock raising; for the last 3 years, however, he has turned his attention to graded stock breeding and riasing short-horned cattle, Clidsdale horses, Cotswold sheep and Jersey red swine. His farm and home is half a mile No. of Parkersburg. His parents, Mr. Ambrose W and Eliza J ( DRENNON ) Armstrong, came to this county far back in its early history.