M. L. ARMSTRONG
Jeweler, Telegraph Operator, and Beloved Baseball Coach

M. L. Armstrong, jeweler, express agent and telegraph operator, Smethport, son of Alexander Armstrong, was born in Cuba, NY, in 1845.  In early years he attended school at Cuba, and when thirteen years old his parents removed to Denmark, Iowa, where he completed his studies, remaining there until he was nineteen years of age.  In 1865 he came to Smethport and engaged in the jewelry trade, which he still continues.  He is also agent for the American Express Company and has charge of the telegraph office; he was also postmaster for many years.  Mr. Armstrong married Alice, daughter of John R. Chadwick, but she did not long survive her marriage, dying in November, 1877, and he afterward married Miss Nettie Ripley, daughter of William Ripley.  She died in November, 1887, leaving two children - one son and one daughter.  Mr. Armstrong is a member of the Select Knights of the A. O. U. W..  He has been burgess of the borough, and for the past three years has been a member of the council and trustee of the borough.

SOURCE:  History of the Counties of McKean, Elk, Cameron and Potter, Pennsylvania, with Biographical Selections, Vol. 1. Chicago:  J. H. Beers & Co.,1890.  p. 415

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Photo credit: R. C. Gleason
advertisement credit:  An Illustrated Souvenir of Smethport, Pennsylvania, ©1895
In the center of the team is the coach M. L. Armstrong

M. L. Armstrong's Store Fire Store Saved! McKean County Miner Smethport Pa., July 13, 1894    page 3   column 3 -M. L. Armstrong is repairing his store that was injured by fire on the night of the fourth.  He intends to raise the upper story about two feet higher, which will make very desirable rooms to live in.  By the way, we wish to compliment our fire ladies on their pluck and perseverance in fighting the fire.  We made am examination of the upper story, and the work done that night shows for itself.  Although the fire had made great progress when discovered, the boys kept it confined and would not let it break out through the roof.  Well done, boys.

Coach Armstrong with his 1892 Smethport Baseball Team

Photo credit: R. C. Gleason
middle row:  third from left is Kerres?, next to him is F. D. Gallup, and next to him is W. Fuller
back row from left:  N. H. Knapp, H. Jull?, M. Keifer, M. L. Armstrong, S. Bunke, and the second from the right is Paul D. Hamlin

Photo Credit: McKean County Democrat, April 1893
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