Mr. Win S. Armstrong

W. S. Armstrong Died Thursday in Tennessee
Mr. Win S. Armstrong, 86, of Rogersville, Tennessee, one of Tennessee's first 16 rural mail carriers, died late Thursday, July 11th, at Fox Hospital in Greeneville. Mr. Armstrong was father of Robert F. Armstrong of Jackson.
Mr. Armstrong was only 16 when he was appointed by Postmaster General Charles Smith as mail carrier during President McKinley's administration in 1898.
From 1898 until 1903, he once recalled the roads on his 22-mile route were so poor that he carried the mail on horseback summer and winter. From 1903 until 1921, he used a buggy in warm weather, but still had to ride horseback during the winter months. Mr. Armstrong often told friends of the times he would have to be helped from his horse after completing his rounds because his feet would freeze to his stirrups.
After he started using an automobile on his daily trips, he recalled that he often carried groceries and other supplies from Rogersville to persons living on his route.
Mr. Armstrong, who retired as a mail carrier in 1933 after more than 35 years' service, later served as member of Hawkins County Court for three terms. He was a member and past master of Overton Lodge No. 5, F&AM, and a member of Kerbela Temple and of the Hawkins County Hospital Board of Trustees.
Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at three o'clock a Rogersville Methodist Church with interment in McKinney Cemetery.
Survivors include five daughters, Mrs. J. B. Emerson, Greeneville, Tenn., Mrs. Thomas G. Price of Wynne, Ark., Mrs. John S. Wahlwend, Miss Lois Armstrong and Miss Florence Armstrong, all of Rogersville, Tenn.; two sons, Clayton Armstrong of Rogersville, and Robert F. Armstrong of Jackson, Ga.; 13 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; and a sister, Mrs. White McTeer of Rogersville, Tenn.

(Jackson Progress Argus - July 18, 1968)

Submitted by V. S. Harrison