Our subject's early days were passed in Grand Blanc, his schooling being continued at Flint, Michigan, and concluding at the University of Michigan (class of '75). For the succeeding eleven years he conducted a general store at Grand Blanc. Later he represented D. S. Morgan & Company at Columbus, Ohio, and at Lansing, Michigan. He then spent a time in Chicago, and on October 1, 1897, became associated with R. U. Tenny in the organization of the Central Implement Company. Each had started an independent business, but after an experience of thirty days sensibly joined their forces.

The company are wholesale dealers and manufacturers of farming implements, the factory at Standish employing eighty men. The business covers Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, New York and a portion of Indiana. R. U. Tenny is chairman and J. P. Thoman is secretary of the company, which was organized as a stock concern in 1899 and reorganized in 1901. The business has increased fully six-fold since its establishment in 1897.

Mr. Armstrong is a leader in the Prohibition movement, being at present county chairman of the party. Both he and Mrs. Armstrong are identified with the Plymouth Congregational church. His wife was formerly Miss Emma C. Embury of Grand Blanc, and to her he was married twenty-six years ago. Their children are Clara B., teacher of mathematics at Olivet preparatory department, and Alice, who is living at home.

Taken from:
"Past and Present of the City of Lansing and Ingham County, Michigan", by Albert E. Cowles.
Published by The Michigan Historical Publishing Association Lansing, MICH., 1905.
Pages 136 - 137

Biographies Michigan Biographies Project

Sondra Higbee