The record-union., 1896-03-03
JUDGE ARMSTRONG'S DEATH.
It Came Yesterday, After an Illness Of
Several Months.
A Man Who Ranked High Among
Lawyers, and Whose Life Had
Been Upright.

After an illness of several months ex-
Judge John Wesley Armstrong died at
his residence in this city yesterday
noon.
Judge Armstrong was a prominent
man in legal and political circles and
well known throughout the State. He
had been one of the leaders of the DEM
ocratic party, and in many campaigns
his voice was heard in behalf of his
party from one end of the State to the
other. At one time he was a prominent
candidate for nomination as Supreme
Court Justice, but the State Convention
became involved in q factional dispute
and his supporters were divided and
his aspirations defeated. He was
man of strong WILL clear-headed, a
good lawyer, a most genial companion,
and man who was true to his friends
and just to his enemies In his prac-
tice before the bar he was always gem
tlemanly, considerate and courteous
toward opposing counsel
Judge Armstrong was a native of
Fountain County, Indiana, and 60
years of age. In his boyhood he was
obliged to labor, which prevented him
from obtaining more than a fair coun-
try school education. While a mere
boy he turned his face westward and
set out from his home to make his way
in the world. Reaching ST. Joseph Mo-,
on foot, he sought and found employ
ment at blacksmithing, of which he
had some knowledge AS early as
1851 he set out across the plains for
California, and after many hardships
arrived at the emigrant camp, where
Truckee now stands, without money,
but hopeful and strong of heart
After working at various callings in
Rough and Ready, Nevada County, he
came to Sacramento in 1852 and re-
sumed his trade of plow- making, after
ward removing to San Francisco. There
he had opportunity for studying, and
improved it with good results. There
he found his sister (afterward Mrs. SEN
ator Wallis), who came to the coast as
early as 1914, and with her aid he took
course at the University of the Pa
cific. On leaving the university he
studied law with F. A. Fabens and o.
L. Shafter, who were then among the
leading lawyers in San Francisco, and
was admitted to practice in 1855. The
first eleven years of his practice were
passed at Jackson, Amador County,
and made this city his home. He was
for twelve years a director of the State
Library
In 1883 a vacancy occurred on the
Superior Court bench. Governor Stone
man appointed him to that position.
Subsequently he was again appointed
to a vacancy on the bench, and at the
close of that term was elected to sue
J1c oil fCp
Superior Judge he was urged but de-
clined to be candidate, having in the
meantime established a very success
ful practice in company with Alvin ].
Bruner, with whom he was associated
up to the time Of his death.
Beside his wife, Judge Armstrong
leaves two sisters az a nephew IN this
State-Mrs. j. B. WalIIs and Mrs. Car
oline Belschee of Santa Clara County,
and Talbot H. Wallis of this city Mrs.
Armstrong is a sister of Superior Judge
Hinkson.
The funeral will take place tomorrow
forenoon There will be high mass at
the Cathedral at 10 a. M, prior to the
interment, which latter will be private.
The family request that flowers be
omitted.
Ihe nag Will De placeQ at Hdll-Indst
to-day over the Art Gallery by the Cal
ifornia Museum Association out of re-
spect to the memory of Judge Arm
strong. He was one of the first life
members, was a pioneer director of the
association and held the Office for many
years In conjunction with Judge Cat
lin, he conceived the idea of and drew
the deed of trust that gave the property
to the city and to the uses and purposes
of the association.