My Genealogy Hound

Thomas H. B. Armstrong, one of the successful merchants of Ritchey, was born of Scotch descent, in Newton County, Mo., in 1842, on his fathers farm. [See sketch of Rufus E. Armstrong.] He received a fair education, to which he has added by reading, observation and business experience. He aided his father in the arduous duties of the farm until eighteen years of age, when the war broke out, and he then enlisted in the Confederate Army, State Militia, for six months. He served out his term of enlistment, and was in the battles of Wilson’s Creek and Lexington, Mo. He then enlisted in Col. Cockrell’s regiment, was in the Lone Jack raid, one of two weeks’ duration, and saw some severe fighting, almost continuously, day and night. Mr. Armstrong did not lie down to sleep for six days and nights, except for two hours, during the time, but he obtained a little sleep in his saddle. July 7, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, Eighth Regiment Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and served until June 5, 1865. He was in the battle of Prairie Grove and Saline, Ark., besides a great many skirmishes. After the war Mr. Armstrong went to farming on his father’s farm, and in 1866 married Miss Roxany Pryor, daughter of Anderson and Lavisa (Lane) Pryor, of Newton County, and to this union were horn five children: Thomas A., George W., Sterling Price, Sophronia E. and Nancy J. Mr. Armstrong then purchased his present farm, one mile west of Ritchey, and May 2, 1887, engaged in merchandising at Ritchey. He has a good trade, and carries a complete stock of hardware, harness, etc. Politically he is Democratic, and is one of the charter members of Ritchey Lodge, A. F. & A. M. He has held the office of P. P., and has been school director of his district.