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Below is a family biography included in the History of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania published in 1889 by A. Warner & Co.   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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THOMAS H. S. ARMSTRONG, machinist, Allegheny, was born in Allegheny, Pa., Oct. 25, 1848, son of Richard Wilson and Matilda (Graham) Armstrong, former of whom was born in Lancaster county, Pa., in, 1809, and died at the age of seventy-six years. When eight years of age Richard W. came to Moon township, this county, where he lived for several years with a Mr. Nichols. On coming to Allegheny he learned the blacksmith’s trade, which he followed until 1872, and was employed as millwright and boss blacksmith in the Wayne Iron and Steel works for twenty-five years. He resided in Allegheny for fifty years, and was elected alderman in 1872, serving four years; was tax-collector four years, and United States inspector of boiler-plates until the office was abolished. He was a Master Mason when they had to hold meetings in the garrets in Pittsburgh and all Masons were in danger of their lives; was a member of the I. O. O. F. fifty four years. His widow, who now lives with her daughter, Mrs. Hettie Eyster, was born in Allegheny, Pa., in 1811. The subject of these lines received his education in Allegheny, and in 1864 commenced the machinist’s trade, working six years. He then followed engineering on the river until 1880; then was employed three years as foreman for Wilcox, Shinkle & Co., and is now in the Westinghouse air-brake factory. Mr. Armstrong was married Nov. 24, 1875, to Maggie E. Lloyd, of Pittsburgh, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Lewis) Lloyd, natives of Wales. Three children blessed this union, viz.: Martha Sterling, Henrietta Lloyd and Charles F., who died in 1878. Mr. Armstrong is a Royal Arch Mason, is a member of the I. O. O. F. and A O. U. W. He moved to his new home at Emsworth in September, 1884.

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This family biography is one of 2,156 biographies included in the History of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania published in 1889 by A. Warner & Co.

View additional Allegheny County, Pennsylvania family biographies here: Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Biographies

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