James S. Armstrong of Mason County, Kentucky

Cincinnati Enquirer April 1, 1883 page 5

"In Memoriam

A life 'well rounded to its close,' a life filled to its lovely end with noble actions, generous deeds, innumerable proofs of unselfish thought for others' need, a life crowded at last with full fruition of many a hope unfulfilled here--this is the life of James S. Armstrong, who died on the 10th of March, in Paris, France.  This polished, accomplished 'gentleman of the old school' was born in Maysville, Ky., October 23, 1803.

He was the eldest son of the late John Armstrong, the well-known Maysville merchant, who died in 1851, universally regretted and esteemed after an honorable, active and useful life.  He was one of the most prominent men in the business and social circles of Maysville, and that with his brother, helped largely build up this place.

James S. Armstrong passed the early years of his life at Maysville, where he was associated with the late James Hewitt, of Louisville, Ky., and Peter Grant, an uncle of the now famous General, in the successful management and ownership of the Kanawha Salt Works.  In 1830, he removed to Cincinnati, where shortly afterward he was elected second President of the Commercial Bank, succeeding in that position the late Robert Brenaman, who counted himself one of the many warm friends.  R. R. Springer, Wm. Rooper, S. P. Bishop and James Gilmore are probably the only friends of Mr. Armstrong's early manhood who are still living in this city.  He resigned his position at the Commercial Bank in 1842, and went to Paris, France, where he continued to reside up to the time of his death.  making but  few visits to America; not many of our citizens who have visited Paris but can testify to his sincere, genial and untiring hospitality.  To his friends and acquaintances of the dear old time he was ever cordial.  He was a plain, unostentatious, kind-hearted gentleman, living quietly in Paris; yet perhaps he was one of the best known Americans in that city.  His habits were simple, his life blameless, his charities, both public and private, were almost unlimited, and it may truly be said that his right hand was ignorant of the generous deeds performed by his left.  He leaves an extensive family to mourn with profoundest grief their irreparable loss.  Among them are two own sisters, Mrs. R. H. Lee, of Baltimore, widow of one of the former editors and proprietors of the Cincinnati Commercial; Mrs. R. G. Dobyns, of Maysville; a half-sister, Mrs. T. H. Mannen of the latter place; a half-brother, F. W. Armstrong, of Hillsboro, Ohio; also the children of General Collins in Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Although they feel sure that he has received the reward of his noble life, that he has entered into that 'peace that passeth understanding,' they long with unspeakable desire to know him once more in the flesh.

Mr. Armstrong died possessed of a very handsome estate, the result of his excellent business capacity, and his untiring activity and energy. 

His memory will be cherished, honored and revered by his friends and kindred long after his body shall have moldered in the beautiful Montmartre Cemetery, in Paris, France, where it now reposes."

Although this article states he is buried in Paris, he does have a beautiful stone in the Maysville Cemetery, Maysville, Mason County, Kentucky.  

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