Obituaries Australia

William Armstrong, n.d.

from Pastoral Review, 11 April 1922

The death of Mr. William Armstrong removes from the pastoral world of Victoria one of its best known identities.

Born at Warrnambeen Estate, Mr. Armstrong was educated at Scotch College, Melbourne, leaving school to manage Ellengerrin and Watch Hill Estates for his father, the late Mr. Alexander Armstrong. Later, in 1889, he took over the management of Arrandoovong, near Branxholme, and Audley, in the Hamilton district. He died at Arrandoovong after a short illness.

In the Western District of Victoria he was an outstanding figure. His personality was genial, and the cortege that followed his body to the cemetery was probably one of the largest ever witnessed there. He identified himself with all local interests, and all charities will be great losers by his death. He was prominent in the Presbyterian Church, and was an active worker in all the church's organisations. He was held in the highest esteem and love by his employees, for whose comfort and well being he was most considerate.

Mr. Armstrong had a wide experience of pastoral affairs in connection with the administration of the Alexander Armstrong estate, both in Victoria and New South Wales, and was recognised as a first-class judge of stock, and was a skilful breeder of both Merinos and Longwools.

He took part in pastoral affairs as a member of the Pastoralists' Association of Victoria, the Sheepbreeders' Association, and the Royal Agricultural Society.

Mr. Armstrong married Miss Munro, daughter of the late Mr. Donald Munro, of H.M. Customs, Melbourne. His younger son, Keith, was killed at Messines 1917, and the late Mr. Armstrong up to the day of his death never really recovered from the loss. His widow, elder son, and one daughter survive him.