Thomas E. Armstrong

Thomas E. Armstrong A prominent and highly respected resident of the town was removed by death on Wednesday afternoon, March 11th, at his home on Lake Avenue, in the passing of Mr. Thomas Ellis Armstrong, in his seventy-first year.
He was born in Montreal on the 21st of February, 1861, a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Armstrong and when quite young began working for the Grand Trunk Railway. In November, 1884, the late Mr. Armstrong, seeing great possibilities for the future of the telephone system which was then in its infancy, joined the Bell Telephone Company and worked for a number of years in and around Montreal, later going to New York City, where he helped in the installation of the first Metallic Switchboard to be installed in that city. He was married in Montreal on October 17th, 1883, to Mary Louise Mitchell and to this union a family of ten children were born, five of whom died at an early age. In 1896 Mr. Armstrong, with his wife and family moved to Carleton Place, where he had been appointed local manager for the Bell Telephone Company, which position he held until his superannuation in November, 1924.
Deceased had been a sufferer from heart trouble for the past few years, but had always been able to be around until two months ago, when his ailment became more severe and he was confined to bed. On several previous occasions he had also been confined to bed for short periods. This winter, however, he was stricken with a stomach derangement thus further weakening his system, and he was unable to fight his way back to his usual health. It was not until just a few days before his demise that hopes for his recovery were given up, when he lapsed into a state of semi-consciousness from which he never awakened, death coming to his relief early on Wednesday afternoon.
The late Mr. Armstrong was widely known in this vicinity owing to his business associations, and was one who was possessed of a very fine character and friendly personality. In fraternal circles he was a most valued member of Stella Lodge, No. 125, I.O.O.F., being a Past Grand, and was also one of the lodge trustees for several years. He was also a member of St. John's Lodge, No. 63, A.F. & AM., having served that lodge in (the capacity of treasurer for a number of years. He was an ardent lover of all kinds of sport, in his younger years taking an active part in upholding the honor of the Company for which he was engaged. Watching lacrosse and baseball games were favorite pastimes and when the former game was flourishing in this district, he was one of the officers of the local club. In religion, deceased was a member of Memorial Park United church. The late Mr. Armstrong is survived by his widow and two sons: Murray, of Montreal, and Ellis, Ottawa; two daughters, Agnes (Mrs. N. E. Irvine, St. Petersburg, Florida); Alice (Mrs. W. A. Roe, Carleton Place). One daughter, Hazel (Mrs. Earl Moore) predeceased him two years ago. The funeral takes place tomorrow (Friday) under the auspices of Stella Lodge, No. 125, I.O.O.F., Rev. J. H. Osterhout. B.A., B.D., pastor of Memorial Park United church having charge of the service. The sympathy of a host of friends is extended to the bereaved ones in their loss.