From "HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY,"  Vol. I, pages 491-492.
Brant & Fuller, 1890.


PROF. ROBERT A. ARMSTRONG

Prof. Robert A. Armstrong, the able principal of the West Liberty 
Normal school, was born at Frenchton, Upshur Co., Va., September 23, 
1860, the son of Jared M. and Eliza (Bennett) Armstrong, who were 
natives of Virginia.  His father was the eldest son of John Armstrong 
and was born June 10, 1814.  John Armstrong was born in Highland 
county, Va., the son of William Armstrong, who emigrated from 
Scotland at an early date.  Eliza, the mother of Prof. Armstrong, was 
a daughter of David and Jane G. (Stuart) Bennett, the former of whom 
was a son of William Bennett, and he a son of Joseph Bennett.  This 
family was prominently identified with the politics of Virginia, a 
great uncle of Prof. Armstrong, being at one time auditor of the 
state of Virginia, and his brother a member of the assembly.  Prof. 
Armstrong was educated in the common schools of Frenchton, and 
subsequently attended the French Creek academy.  When he was eighteen 
years of age he began to teach, and continued until 1882, when he was 
appointed a cadet in the state university of West Virginia at 
Morgantown.  He was graduated at this institution June, 1886, and in 
the meantime had served a short time as county superintendent of the 
schools of Upshur county, and for two years had charge of the French 
Creek academy.  In July, 1886, he was elected principal of the West 
Liberty State school, a prominent position which he has since held, 
evidently filling the place with ability and credit, as the 
attendance has doubled during his principalship.   Prof. Armstrong 
has taken a considerable interest in military affairs, having been 
graduated as captain of the cadets of he university, and during his 
residence at West Liberty, he has served as captain of the Light 
Guards.  In August, 1889, he was elected major of the Eighteenth 
regiment West Virginia National Guard.


(Linda Fluharty)