THOMAS ARMSTRONG

Thomas Armstrong, the enterprising proprietor of the Deer Valley stock farm, in Kapioma township, Atchison county, like many other of the prominent citizens of this section of Kansas, is a native of the Emerald Isle. A son of James and Margary (daston) Armstrong, he was born July 17, 1860, and when he was two years of age the parents brought him to the United States. They located near Rockford, Illinois, and two years later came to Kansas, taking up their abode upon a farm northwest of Huron, Atchison county. There the father lied, leaving a widow and six children. Of the latter, Ellen is the wife of S. L. Niblo, of Benton township; Eliza is the wife of Amos H. Raash, of this township; and Maria is Mrs. W. W. Franklyn, of Doniphan county, Kansas. James manages the old family homestead; John died when seventeen years old. The parents were regular in their attendance at the services of the Methodist church, and were honorable in all their dealings, winning the love and respect of all who knew them.

As Thomas Armstrong was but five years of age when he came to this state, his early associations are almost entirely connected with this locality, and he takes deep interest in whatever affects its prosperity. In his boyhood he attended the old Huron school, in district No. 44, and managed to secure a practical education. He early mastered farming in its various departments, and, briefly summing up the years during which he has arduously labored to acquire a competence, it may be said that he now is numbered among the wealthy and representative agriculturists of this region. His valuable farm which takes its name from the beautiful park in which roam a small herd of deer, is situated in the southwestern part of section 27, and in the southwestern part of section 28, Kapioma township. The place comprises three hundred acres of well cultivated land, well stocked and supplied with a windmill and all modern conveniences. A number of Angora goats, valued for their soft, long, silky wool, are a special pride of Mr. Armstrong, and have great interest for the visitor. The buildings on the place are of modern design and substantial construction, and are kept in excellent repair. Everything about the home-stead is neat and attractive, showing the constant attention bestowed upon even the smallest details by the enterprising owner.

In 1893 Mr. Armstrong married Carrie Senn, daughter of the late Fredrick Senn. She is a native of Arrington, and was educated in the public schools of that town. Two daughters and a son have been born to our subject and wife, namely, Rosa, Ellen and James.

Politically, Mr. Armstrong is a Republican, as was his father before him. He is a commissioner on the roads of his district, and, being active and aggressive in the cause of progress, is frequently called upon to use his means and influence for the benefit of the public.