My Genealogy Hound

SEBASTIAN ARMSTRONG, attorney at law, Sarcoxie, was born in Casey county, Ky., Oct. 27, 1846. His parents, Dr. James M. and Mary J. (Searcy) Armstrong, were also natives of the Blue-grass State. When nine years of age subject came with his parents to Cole county, Mo., locating near Jefferson City; there he engaged in agricultural pursuits. Four years thereafter the family moved to Pettis county, then to Morgan county, and afterward to Henry county. At the breaking out of the war Dr. Armstrong enlisted as a surgeon and served until its close. In September, 1863, the family went to Severe county, Ark., and there the doctor joined them after hostilities had ceased. They at once returned to Missouri, locating at Sarcoxie, this county. Here for a time subject engaged in farming in summer, and clerking in a general store during the winter months. He studied diligently while in the common schools, and in the fall of 1870 entered the Quitman College, Quitman, Ark., graduating from that institution in June, 1874. While in college he also took up the study of law, and after graduating from the college proper, was admitted to the bar. On leaving school he went to Camden county, Mo., and engaged for two years as principal of the Stoutland schools. He then returned to Sarcoxie and started the Sarcoxie Democrat, the first newspaper printed there. One year thereafter he moved to Lebanon, Mo., and engaged as local editor on the Lebanon Rustic; continued in that position one year. He then commenced the practice of his profession, and shortly after returned to Sarcoxie, where he has since resided. Mr. Armstrong was married in September, 1875, to Miss Mary E., daughter of Abraham and Letitia LaGrande, of Newton county, Mo., but natives of Kentucky. They have three children: Valeria May, Octavia, and James Z. Mr. and Mrs. A. are members of the M. E. Church (South). Our subject is a man of energy and enterprise, and takes great interest in matters political and otherwise.