THOMAS ARMSTRONG, of the firm of R. B. Zimmerman & Co., is a native of Dublin, Ireland; born in May, 1831. He learned the painter's trade there, beginning at the age of fourteen years, and pursued it till he crossed the Atlantic, in 1862, locating immediately in Springfield, Illinois. He was employed as a journeyman by Mr. Zimmerman until he became a member of the firm, in 1871. They keep a large stock of wall papers, window shades, glass, oils and painters' supplies; do all kinds of painting, graining, frescoing and sign writing, at which they work from fifteen to twenty-five men. Mr. Armstrong was married in his native country to Margaret Ostenburg, in 1856. They have five children.