Son of James & Mary (McCoy) Armstrong, husband of Martha McNeal, m. Mar 10, 1840. Buried Jan 9, 1903.

Joseph Armstrong was born in Washington Co., Pa., April 17, 1820, and died at his home near Monica, Jan. 6, 1908, being 82 years, 8 months and 19 days old. He was one of a family of nine children, six brothers and three sisters, four of whom survive him. Margaret Armstrong, of this place; John Armstrong of Maryville, Mo.; Mary Mann of Beatrice, Neb., and Rev. Ebenezer Armstrong of Hutchinson, Kan., who is critically ill.
He was married to Miss Martha McNeal on March 10, 1841. To this union were born eleven children, four sons and seven daughters. One son died in infancy. Joseph, died June 7, 1879, aged 35 years. James D., Lucretia, Mary, Ellen, Wm. R., Rosalie, Martha and Jennie survive him and were all present during his last illness. Mrs. Armstrong died Mar. 3, 1877, at the age of 59 years.
In his early life Mr. Armstrong followed the occupation of milling. In 1855 he, with his family, moved to Princeville Township, Ill., where he has since resided. After coming out here he engaged in the occupation of farming, which he has ever since followed. He has always shown an active interest in township affairs, having held the office of supervisor for the past 18 years and has been Justice of the Peace 24 years. Mr. Armstrong was always a great lover of peace and, in his official capacity, would always settle quarrels, when possible, without going to law with it.
While he never united with any church, he early learned to love his Bible. And, while he was bound to no church, yet he always stood ready to help any righteous cause, both financially and with his influence. He was a constant attendant at church until the time of the Civil War. After the war, for reasons best known to himself, he attended rarely. He was a great reader of printed sermons, Moody, especially, being one of his favorites.
Mr. Armstrong was one of the best-known men in this vicinity and his sterling integrity and strong character won him the friendship and esteem of all. And as the restless eddy of the years bore him away it leaves a vacancy that cannot be filled.

Princeville (IL) Heritage Museum obituary files, Book Z.

Obituary transcribed and submitted by Ethel.