JOHN F. ARMSTRONG. The city of Springfield and the country immediately adjacent affords a field of labor for many professional men, and gives abundant opportunity for the young men of talent to display their ability and rise on the ladder of fame. Among the representatives of the legal profession now located here, is John F. Armstrong, a rising member of the bar, who in a few short years has secured a firm standing. He possesses the mental ability, legal training and powers of speech which enable him to make a good showing in court and council room, and is personally honorable, just, and straightforward.

Mr. Armstrong is descended from old families of Virginia and Kentucky, his parents being Thomas D. and Rebecca J. (Woosley) Armstrong. His father was born in Virginia April 4, 1822, went to West Liberty, Ohio, with his parents in 1827, and grew to maturity on a farm there. He came to this county in his early manhood, and married the daughter of Thomas Woosley, one of the early settlers who had come hither from Christian County, Ky. Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong settled on a farm in the extreme western part of Christian County, this State, and are still occupying the land which they took up as raw prairie. Mr. Armstrong has been one of the most prominent farmers of the county, respected for his energy and uprightness. He and his good wife have reared a family of five sons, all still living in Christian County except our subject.

The subject of this notice opened his eyes to the light on the home farm November 13, 1859. He received his education in the common schools of the county, the Taylorville High School and the University at Normal. The bent of his mind inclined him to the study of the law, and he began his professional reading in Springfield with Joseph M. Grout, continuing it with the firm of Conkling & Grout. In January, 1886, he passed the required examinations and was admitted to the bar, entitled to practice in the local, State and Federal Courts. Mr. Armstrong has already been the Republican nominee for City Attorney, and in a Democratic commonwealth made a fine race for the office. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which his social qualities give him popularity.