This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: ARMSTRONG, VOLK Classification: Biography Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/kQB.2ACIB/2483 Message Board Post: "Mac ARMSTRONG. No person of whom mention is made in this work is more deserving of notice than our subject. Though young he has had much experience, and has worked his way unaided, until now he ranks one of the foremost among our business men. Mr. ARMSTRONG is a son of Silas and Zelinda, the former chief of the Wyandott nation in England, and who came with them to this place in 1844. He necessarily was well acquainted with other tribes and prominently known in Washington, his name often being mentioned there. Mac, the third in a family of five children, was born in Wyandott. When eleven years old his father died, and at this early age he was thrown upon his own resources. His education was obtained entirely by self application, his only schooling being received in the little brick school-house, now in this city, and that only during the winter, while he worked summers. At the age of sixteen he went to Colorado and was employed in the largest wholesale and retail dry goods house in Denver, and probably in the State. After remaining there for eight years, part of the time being engaged as traveling salesman, he returned to Wyandott and engaged in the drug business, January 1st, 1877. Has since followed this although extensively engaged in the real estate business. He is the owner of several houses in Kansas City, Kansas, and in this place, and derives his principal income from these. Mr. ARMSTRONG is a self-made man; commencing life without means, through his own efforts, unaided by friends or fortune, he has paved his own pathway to success and is a worthy example for the young men of the county. Let them study it! His marriage was in October, 1880, to Miss Helen, daughter of Mr. VOLK, the superintendent of the motive power at the Union Pacific shops. He formerly held that position in Hannibal." Source: "The History of Jackson County, Missouri" published in 1881 (I have no connection with this family; but, if you found this to be of value, please let me know.) neirbo