Harrison County Iowa Genealogy

HISTORY OF HARRISON COUNTY, IOWA, 1915
BIOGRAPHIES
Page 909
GEORGE ARMSTRONG

The men who are born in the country cannot help but know the best methods of farming, and the love for rural life is unconsciously developed, so that no matter what occupation is followed in later life, the love of the soil remains. And it is a fortunate circumstance that rural life has become so attractive that the boys are not only staying on the land, but the nervous, hurried people of the cities are thankfully turning "back to the soil."

A farm boy who realized the opportunities which awaited him in the occupation he knew best was George Armstrong, who was born on March 14, 1867, in Magnolia township, Harrison County. He was the son of Fletcher and Tena (SUTTON) ARMSTRONG, who were the parents of fourteen children, three of whom are dead.

Born in 1842, Fletcher Armstrong was native to Indiana, and though he lived in Ohio for some time, the greater part of his life was spent in Iowa where he came when the state was still thinly settled. Fletcher Armstrong bought land in Magnolia township, although he farmed in two other counties, Cass and Jefferson. He served through the Civil War as a Union soldier, with great credit to himself, after which he farmed until his death. Fletcher Armstrong died in Jefferson county in 1896, his wife, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1846, lives in Logan.

As we have stated, Mr. Armstrong was reared on the farm, and he attended the district school near his home. At the age of 21, he began farming on a rented place in Cass township, Harrison county, and met with good success, as he bought 120 acres in Cass township four years after he began to rent. The new place was improved by the erection of a fine house and barn, and by the installation of a water system. Selling out in 1905, Mr. Armstrong purchased a tract of 160 acres on which he now lives, and with his usual industry, he has erected two excellent barns. He is one of Iowa's famous corn growers.

Mr. Armstrong was married to Biola GREEN on November 7, 1892, who was born in 1866. To this union were born six children, five of whom are still living. The names of the six in order of birth follow: Benjamin; Russie, deceased; George; Harvey; Ruby; and Kenneth, the five living at home. Mrs. Armstrong's parents, Hazel and Jane (DUNGAN) GREEN, were among the earliest settlers of Harrison county, both of whom are now dead.

Although Mr. Armstrong has had no desire to hold office, he is an active member of the Republican party. He is a devout member of the Christian church, and heartily supports the efforts of his own church, as well as those of any church which promises to uplift his fellow men. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Armstrong's actions, at all times, bear the stamp of absolute honesty, and he is accorded the respect of everyone who has come into his life.

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