Armstrong, Virgil S.
Passed: 1917-10-28
Age: 82
Source: Jackson Herald
Death Notice:
Obituary Date: 1917-11-09
Information: Memorial to Judge Virgil S. Armstrong -- We have learned with sorrow of the death of Judge Virgil S. Armstrong, which occurred Sunday, October 28, 1917, in the eighty-second year of his age, and here enter out testimonial of regard for his life and service. Judge Armstrong was one of the most elderly as well as one of the best known citizens of Ripley. For more than half a century he has been one of the substantial, leading and highly respected citizens of our town and county. He was prosecuting attorney of this county for two terms, serving as such from 1873 to 1881. He was Judge of the old Sixth judicial circuit, composed of the counties of Jackson, Roane, Calhoun, Gilmer and Clay for a full term, from 1885 to 1893. He was a faithful public servant and a just Judge. Upon his retirement from the bench, he was appointed attorney for this Association, which position he filled in his well known, careful, pains-taking, capable and efficient manner from that time to the date of his death. His honest service and wise counsel have been valuable and always most highly appreciated by the Board of Directors of this Association. He was a gentleman of pleasing address and high attainments and was always faithful and industrious in the discharge of duty. His passing was marked by the fullness of years, and by the honor and respect of his neighbors, townsmen and all who knew him. It is ordered that the foregoing be entered in the minute book of this Association, that an attested copy thereof be given to the bereaved family and that copies be furnished the town papers for publication. W. H. O'Brien, G. B. Crow, J. R. Vail, Committee. T. J. Sayre, Secretary, Ripley Building and Loan Association. ( A paper read at the meeting of the Winter Night Club of Ripley, at the home of J. R. Vail, November 13, 1917, by George Burton Crow I) Judge Virgil S. Armstrong was born in Ripley in October 1836, and his home was continuously here until October 1917, when he, ripe in years and good works, moved to his eternal home. He was educated in the schools of Virginia and by a course at Bethany College. He was licensed to practice law before the Civil War which soon afterward called the able bodied men of America to arms. Judge Armstrong chose the side of the South and backed his judgement with the sword. It was characteristic of him that he always had an opinion on any subject had given thought to, and was willing to back his conclusions not alone with words but with deeds. No one need be in doubt where he stood on any public question. While he did not unnecessarily intrude his views on others, yet, when called for, he not only had an opinion but knew how to forcibly express it and did so without fear or favor. This noticeable trait went with him through all his busy life, whether as prosecuting attorney, legislator, or judge of the circuit court, all of which positions he held with dignity and firmness. The mellowing effect of the fullness of years was observed by his intimates. While to the last his opinion on public questions was an open book, never concealed or shaded for policies sake, yet, in the latter years of his life, he grew more charitable toward the frailties of mankind and more lenient in judging the motives of others, and for the weaknesses and inconsistencies of life. He was a charter member of this club, ready, willing and able to perform any duty assigned him, even trying to write a paper for the first meeting of the club this year while on a bed of pain, but nature gave way and it was not completed. In memory of him as a good man, good citizen, good official and good member of this club, this memorial is submitted and asked to be spread on the recourd book of this club, and a copy sent to his family to whom the sympathy of this club is hereby extended. G. B. Crow/T. J. Sayre, Committee