Samuel M. Armstrong

ARMSTRONG, MELVILLE, YEARICK

Posted By: J. Breen (email)
Date: 6/9/2015 at 19:44:34

Samuel M. Armstrong, photographer, Washington, was born Oct. 1, 1849, in Allegheny County, Pa., and is the son of David H. and Leticia (Melville) Armstrong.

(See sketch of D. H. Armstrong elsewhere in this volume.) Soon after the birth of Samuel the family moved to Louisville, Ky. and from that place to Washington, this State, in 1856, where our subject grew to manhood, and where he has since continued to reside with the exception of about two years. In his boyhood and youth Samuel Armstrong attended the public schools of Washington, and for a time assisted his father at the mason's trade.

About 1868 he went into the gallery of A. Kracaw to learn the trade of a photographer, which he mastered in all its details, and in 1873 purchased a half interest in the business, which he continued for one year, when he sold out and went to Springfield, Mo., where he purchased a gallery, and remained one year. He then returned to Iowa and located at Fairfield, where he also remained one year. Returning to Washington in 1878, he purchased the old gallery then being run by M. W. Owen, where he has since continued, having established a trade second to but few galleries, even in the larger cities.

Photography, which has from the beginning been classed among the trades, is now beginning to be ranked among the professions, and not without reason. Not only mechanical skill, but artistic taste, is now required of a first-class photographer. To meet the requirements it is necessary for one to study and experiment, that perfection may be attained. That Mr. Armstrong is studious, that he is abreast with the times, a glance at his work will attest. Every new improvement in his line is adopted, and as a consequence he has the trade of which mention has been made.

Samuel M. Armstrong and Miss Alice May Yearick were united in marriage Dec. 10, 1873. She is a native of Knox County, Ohio, born Nov. 19, 1852, and is a daughter of Henry E. and Mary Yearick. (See sketch of H. E. Yearick.) Mrs. Armstrong came with her parents to Washington in 1855, here grew to womanhood, and has here since continued to reside. She is a lady of refinement and intelligence, and is to her husband truly a help-mate. Both of them are members of the Presbyterian Church, and do their part in sustaining the cause in Washington. Mr. Armstrong has been a member of the choir for many years. He is also a member of Washington Lodge No. 26, A.
F. & A. M., and politically is a Republican.

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington County, IA, page 428 (1887)