William Armstrong was born in Robertson County, Tennessee, April 14, 1815, at the old Armstrong place where W. Glidewell now lives. His father was William L. Armstrong, born March 10, 1773, and his mother was Mary Cavitt, daughter of Michael Cavitt, of North Carolina. The early history of the Armstrong family is as follows: James Armstrong was born in Ireland in 1701, and this is the earliest date the family have on record. Mr. James Armstrong, when he came from Ireland, settled in North Carolina. How many children were born to him is not known, but William Armstrong was one of his descendants and was born May 10, 1737; was married twice, and immigrated to Tennessee and settled in Williamson County, where he died. He was one of the first settlers of Tennessee, and had many encounters with and many escapes from the Indians. William Armstrong, our subject's grandfather, had four children, two boys and two girls. One of the boys was William Armstrong, born March 10, 1773, in North Carolina, before his father came West. In 1784 the Armstrong family came to Tennessee and settled in Wilson County, near Thompson's Fort, where they remained for four years. They then came to Robertson County in 1788. To William L., our subject's father, were born ten children--six boys and four girls--all lived to be grown, of whom but two are at present living. Our subject was reared on the old place and was married October, 1836, to Charlotta Covington, daughter of Henry Covington. To them were born eight children, of whom five are still living: N. N., Madora (Lawton), Louisa (Harris), E. L. and Josephus. His wife died November, 1852, and he was married the second time to Mary Holland, daughter of George and Mary (Edwards) Holland. He settled where he is now living in 1854. Our subject is a farmer and is the only male member left of the old Armstrong family. He owns 275 acres of extra land and is considered one of the good men of the county.