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NEWTON G. ARMSTRONG, the prosperous farmer and worthy citizen who resides on section 5, Fremont township, was born not far from his present home on the 6th of March, 1869; so that this prosperity and his worthy record are virtually in their early stages. He is a son of Thomas G. and Sarah (Fawcett) Armstrong; his father, who was born in Ireland in March, 1829, dying in 1895; the mother, who is living in Cedar Rapids, was born in Belmont county, Ohio, March 27, 1842. Thomas G. Armstrong emigrated to the United States when only nineteen years of age, and thereafter was a hard-working and eventually a leading Iowa farmer and citizen of affairs. He commenced farming on a quarter section in Fremont township, and at the time of his death owned nearly three thousand acres within its bounds. In general business and finances he had also evinced strong abilities, having been one of the organizers of the Atkins Savings Bank and its only president until his death. The son, Newton G., has also been a director in that reliable institution for a number of years.
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Armstrong became the parents of twelve children, of whom the following nine are alive: John William and Hattie, all residents of Fremont township, the last being the wife of Albert Schlotterback; Newton G., of this sketch; Mary, who married A. Rammelsberg of Canton township, this county; Lewis who is a resident of Canada; Mina, the wife of Charles Meek, of California; and Fred and Chester, both of Cedar Rapids.
Newton G. Armstrong obtained only a district school education, was trained to farming pursuits, and in 1893 commenced operating and improving the fine place which he now occupies. He now owns three hundred and sixty acres in the township, and is a well-to-do citizen whose character is as substantial as his material standing. On September 3, 1892, Mr. Armstrong married Miss Christine Roths, who was born in Baden, Germany, and is a daughter of Martin and Barbara Roths, both residents of Linn county, Iowa. The five Armstrong children are Clare, Goldie, Fern, Madeline and Verne.
Note from granddaughter of Newton Armstrong: Verne should be Verner. He was named after a German opera singer.
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