William H. Armstrong (Wisconsin politician) facts for kids

William Henry Armstrong (born in the 1840s – died April 14, 1916) was an American lawyer, farmer, and politician from Darlington, Wisconsin. He served in the American Civil War and later became a state lawmaker.

Early Life and Military Service

William Henry Armstrong was born in Carrollton, Illinois, either in 1840 or 1841. His parents were Joshua W. and Elizabeth Vanarsdoll Armstrong. He went to public schools when he was young.

In September 1861, Armstrong joined the United States Army after the American Civil War began. He was part of the 61st Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He started as a second lieutenant and rose through the ranks to become a captain. He was also given the honorary rank of major.

After the war ended, Armstrong moved to Wisconsin in 1865. He settled in Darlington, where he worked as a lawyer and a farmer.

Public Service in Wisconsin

Armstrong began his career in public service in 1868. He was elected as the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Lafayette County, Wisconsin. He was re-elected to this position in 1870.

In 1872, he was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly. He served a one-year term in 1873 as a member of the Republican Party. He won with 2,078 votes, beating Democrat Amos W. Hovey. During his time in the Assembly, he was part of the committee that focused on mining and smelting.

Armstrong did not run for re-election in 1873. John F. Beard from the Reform Party took his place.

Family and Later Years

William Henry Armstrong was married twice. His first wife was Georgia Wright, who passed away in 1869. They had one child, William Wright Armstrong, who later became a member of the Utah State Senate.

Later, William Henry Armstrong married Harriet M. Gray. They had three more children together between 1874 and 1884. After leaving the Wisconsin State Assembly, his family moved to Kansas. They lived first in Irving and then in Marysville.

William Henry Armstrong died on April 14, 1916, in Rock County, Minnesota. He is buried in Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne, Minnesota.