ARMSTRONG, DAVID H.

ARMSTRONG DONALD MELVILLE

Posted By: mjv (email)
Date: 3/26/2020 at 09:56:46

DAVID H. ARMSTRONG, Washington, Iowa, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, Jan. 2, 1820. His father Rowland Armstrong, was a native of Pennsylvania, a tanner and currier by trade. He married Jane Donald, also a native of Pennsylvania, by whom he had six children, two yet living: David H., of this city, and Mary, wife of Samuel Boyd, of Allegheny County, Pa. About 1822 the family moved to Mercer County, Pa., and from there to Pittsburgh. Rowland Armstrong, politically, was a Whig, but with strong anti-slavery views. Religiously, he and his were Presbyterians. Mrs. Armstrong died in 1843, and Mr. Armstrong in 1874.

David H. Armstrong was reared in Allegheny City, Pa., and received a liberal education in the schools of that place. In early life he learned the mason’s trade, which he has followed the greater part of his life. He was married in Allegheny City, in 1843, to Miss Letitia Melville, a daughter of James Melville; she was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., in 1824. By this union there were ten children: James M. is an attorney-at-law at Spokam Falls, Wyo.; for some years he was Register of the United States land-office at that place but was retired by President Cleveland. He served as a soldier in the 12th Iowa Infantry, and at the battle of Atlanta lost a foot. Rowland H. resides in this city; he also a member of the 13th Iowa Infantry, and served his country faithfully for three years. Charles L. left home soon after the war and has not been heard from since 1867; Samuel M. is a photographer in Washington, Iowa; John D. is engaged in merchandising at Freeland, Col.; Clara is the wife of John Shields of this city; Jennie L. is the widow of Alexander H. McKee, who died in January, 1883; Mr. McKee was a man universally respected by all. Frank C. is a ranchman near San Marcial, N.M.; William D. and David H., Jr., are also in New Mexico.

In 1856 Mr. Armstrong came with his family to Washington, where he engaged in his trade of masonry, and which he followed until 1862, when he enlisted in the 13th Iowa Infantry and served until the close of the war. Soon after his enlistment he was placed on detached duty in the mail service, and was first stationed at Vicksburg. At the time Hood made his attack on Nashville, he was in the city. The regiment was mustered out at Washington, D.C., at which time he was on detached service at Selma, Ala. Receiving notice of his muster out, he returned home and remained at Washington until 1879, when he went to Kansas, Colorado and New Mexico. In 1887 he again returned to Washington, where he now resides.

Mrs. Armstrong died in 1872. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and in her life exemplified the teachings of the Savior. She was loved and respected by all who knew her.

In politics, Mr. Armstrong is a radical Republican, with which party he has been connected since its organization. He was a Justice of the Peace for six years. As a citizen, he is well known and universally respected.

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington County, Iowa (1887). Excerpt from Biographical Sketch of David H. Armstrong, pages 593-594