BIO: Robert ARMSTRONG, Centre County, PA

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Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania: Including 
the Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion: Containing 
Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Etc. 
Chicago: J. H. Beers, 1898.
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  ROBERT ARMSTRONG. Industry, frugality, and honesty make an excellent 
foundation for success in life, and the subject of this brief 
biography, a prosperous citizen of Bellefonte, Centre county, has shown 
that he possesses in a high degree all of these desirable 
characteristics. Like many of the leading citizens of the county, he is 
of Irish stock, having been born in County Monaghan, Ireland, in July, 
1839.
  John and Jane (Mullen) Armstrong, parents of our subject, were both 
natives of that locality and passed their lives there, the father being 
by occupation a farmer. Neither lived to an advanced age. Of their 
three sons, our subject was the eldest. John and James, the younger 
members of the trio, are still living in Ireland, and are engaged in 
agricultural pursuits. As a boy our subject worked upon his father's 
farm, at the same time attending the schools of a neighboring town. His 
desire to come to America was not fulfilled until 1867, when he crossed 
the ocean and speedily found employment and established his home at 
Bellefonte. Faithful and diligent in the discharge of any work 
undertaken, he has won the confidence of all with whom he had any 
dealings. On June 1, 1877, he took charge of the gas works for the 
Bellefonte Steam Heat and Light Co., and every day for more than 
nineteen years he has been at his post of duty. A goodly share of 
prosperity has rewarded his well-directed efforts, and he owns some 
valuable property.
  In 1881, Mr. Armstrong married Miss Sarah Clark, also a native of 
Ireland, born in 1844, and their home is made bright by three children, 
John, Walter and Jennie. A typical Irishman, our subject's warm heart 
and alert mind bring 

492  COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.  

him into sympathy with all phases of progress in his adopted country. 
In religious faith he inclines toward the Episcopal Church.