Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General, Educator. He served in the Civil War first as Major of the 125th New York Volunteer Infantry, then as Lieutenant Colonel of the 9th United States Colored Troops, then finally as Colonel and commander of the 8th United States Colored Troops. He was brevetted Brigadier General, US Volunteers on March 13, 1865 for “meritorious services”. He founded Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute (now Hampton University) in 1868, and is buried in the Campus cemetery. His grave is marked by a stone from Hawaii, where he was born. (Additional information by Russ Dodge). (bio by: Garver Graver)  Family links:  Parents:  Richard Armstrong (1805 – 1860)  Clarissa Chapman Armstrong (1805 – 1891)  Spouses:  Emma Dean Walker Armstrong (1849 – 1878)*  Mary Alice Ford Armstrong (1864 – 1918)*  Siblings:  Caroline Porter Armstrong Beckwith (1832 – 1905)*  William Nevins Armstrong (1834 – 1835)*  William Nevins Armstrong (1835 – 1905)*  Mary Jane Armstrong (1836 – 1920)*  Richard Baxter Armstrong (1837 – 1871)*  Samuel Chapman Armstrong (1839 – 1893)  Reuben Chapmann Armstrong (1842 – 1843)*  Ellen Eliza Armstrong Weaver (1844 – 1924)* *Calculated relationship