Springfield-Greene
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TOM W. ARMSTRONG. The methods used now by modern plumbers are in many respects vastly different from those in general use when Tom W. Armstrong began this vocation over thirty-five years ago. During that period he has followed the calling continuously and has kept well abreast of the times in the same and today is one of the most efficient as well as one of the best known plumbers in Springfield, where he has spent a quarter of a century.
Mr. Armstrong was born in Hillsboro, Illinois, February 11, 1863. He is a son of William F. and Minerva P. (Simmons) Armstrong, the father born in Ireland, April 11, 1830, where he spent his boyhood and from which country he emigrated to the United States when a young man. He located in Hillsboro, Illinois where he spent the rest of his life and died on April 18, i867. He was a soldier in the Union army during the Civil war, serving in Company E, Ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, enlisting in the spring of 1861 at Lincoln's first call for volunteers. He proved to be a gallant and efficient soldier and was promoted to the rank of major. He served four years and nine months. He was severely wounded at the battle of Shiloh. Remaining in the army some time after the close of the war he had occasion to take part in some of the Indian wars of the West. He was in many engagements and important campaigns and the fact that he went to the grave carrying five bullets in his body indicates that he was not afraid to mix in the fiercest of the fighting. He was a carpenter and contractor by trade, which he followed until his death. He was a strong Republican, and fraternally belonged to the Masonic order and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His wife was born in 1835, in Hillsboro, Illinois, and they were married in Hillsboro, Illinois. Her death occurred in December, 1900. Four children were born to these parents, namely: Samuel lives in Hillsboro, Illinois; Tom W. of this sketch; Elizabeth is deceased, and Frederick W., who lives in Springfield, Missouri, is at this writing plumbing inspector of the city.
Tom W. Armstrong grew to manhood in his native city and he received a common school education there. On September 6, 1913, he married Mettie E. Bowers, who was born in Chicago. When fifteen years old Mr. Armstrong began learning the plumber's trade in his native city and served as an apprentice two years, then in 1881 went to Abilene, Kansas, where he worked at his trade nine years, moving from there to Springfield, Missouri, March 31, 1890. He went in partnership with a Mr. Shearer on North Boonville street, which partnership continued for ten years. Since that time he has been engaged in business for himself, his present shop and office being located at 206 East Olive street where he has a well equipped shop and display rooms, carrying a large stock of modern fixtures and a general plumbing outfit. He has been very successful in his line and has built up a large business throughout the city. He handles some large contracts and is always busy, keeping a number of skilled assistants.
Politically, Mr. Armstrong is a Republican. He has been a member of the Knights of Pythias since the day he was twenty-one years old. He also belongs to the Improved Order of Red Men, the Woodmen and Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
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