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Below is a family biography included in History of Allen and Woodson Counties, Kansas by L. Wallace Duncan and Chas. F. Scott, published by Iola Register, 1901.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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JOHN F. ARMSTRONG, of Toronto, has been a resident of Woodson County for fifteen years, and is extensively engaged in dealing in cattle and hogs. A native of Gibson County, Indiana, he was born October 11, 1852, and is a son of William Armstrong, a farmer by occupation, who removed from Vanderburg County to Gibson County about 1850. He was born in 1822, and spent his entire life in southern Indiana, where he was extensively engaged in farming, his well-directed efforts bringing to him a comfortable competence. He married Emily Smith and unto them were born five children who are yet living. In addition to Mr. Armstrong of this review they are William, a resident of Gibson County; Warwick; James, and Pinkney, who are also residents of that county. The father of this family died in 1878, but the mother is still living and yet resides in Gibson County.

No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for Mr. Armstrong in his youth. He remained with his parents until twenty years of age and through practical experience became familiar with the work of field and meadow. He then left Indiana in the year 1881, and making his way westward took up his abode on the Verdigris river in Woodson County, Kansas, where he carried on farming on an extensive scale. He next came to Toronto and began buying and shipping stock, which line of business has since occupied his attention. He raises, feeds and trades in cattle and hogs, and is one of the leading livestock dealers of this part of the county, his shipments being extensive.

In Gibson County, Indiana, Mr. Armstrong was united in married to Miss Lucinda Mauk, and unto them were born four children: Frank, who married Alice Jones and is associated in business with his father; Nora, Della and Dick, at home. Mr. Armstrong is independent in politics. He has taken the Master degree in Masonry and is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. He possesses the enterprising, progressive business spirit of the west and his diligent efforts have enabled him to advance steadily on the road of prosperity so that he is now numbered among the substantial citizens of his adopted county.

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This family biography is one of 204 biographies included in History of Allen and Woodson Counties, Kansas by L. Wallace Duncan and Chas. F. Scott, published by Iola Register, 1901, Iola, Kansas.  For the complete description, click here: Woodson County, Kansas History and Genealogy

View additional Woodson County, Kansas family biographies here: Woodson County, Kansas

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