William H. Armstrong

author

William H. Armstrong

1824–1919

A Pennsylvania lawyer and public servant, he spent decades shaping civic life in Williamsport before serving a term in the U.S. House of Representatives. His long career also included work on railroads, public utilities, and local institutions.

1 Audiobook

Red-Tape and Pigeon-Hole Generals

Red-Tape and Pigeon-Hole Generals

by William H. Armstrong, Jacob G. Frick, Henry Morford

About the author

Born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, on September 7, 1824, he was the son of James Armstrong and Sarah Hepburn Armstrong. He graduated from Princeton College in 1847, studied law, and returned to Williamsport to build his legal career.

Public life became a major part of his work. He served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1860 and 1861, then represented Pennsylvania's 18th district in the U.S. House from 1869 to 1871 as a Republican. Later, he was appointed United States Commissioner of Railroads and served from 1882 to 1885.

He was also closely involved in local development in Williamsport, helping organize the water company and library association and supporting early city improvements. After years in law and public service, he retired from active business life and died in Wilmington, Delaware, on May 14, 1919.