Hugh Armstrong (1858-1926)

Fish merchant, MLA (1892-1895), MLA (1900-1903), MLA (1903-1907), MLA (1908-1910), MLA (1911-1914), MLA (1914-1915).

Born in New York state on 5 August 1858, but came to Canada with his parents at the age of two years. His parents settled in Carleton County, Ontario, and he received his schooling at Richmond. He commenced a career asmerchant in Carleton County but, in 1883, Armstrong joined the westward movement of ambitious young man from Ontario, arriving in Poplar Point, Manitoba, where he went into the fish export business. The ArmstrongTrading Company prospered, eventually being based in nearby Portage la Prairie.

Armstrong was elected to Manitoba Legislature forthe Woodlands constituency in 1892. He resigned in 1896 to contest unsuccessfully Selkirk for the House ofCommons, being defeated by John A. Macdonnell by one vote. Elected to Manitoba Legislature by acclamation for Portage la Prairie in 1902. In 1907 he defeated Edward Brown after a heated campaign and was again returned in 1911. He met defeat in the general election of 1914 when he ran for Portage la Prairie. With the Roblin government remaining in power a seat was found for Mr. Armstrong in Rupert’s Land. He decided not to enter the legislature again, however, when the Roblin government retired in 1915, and was replaced by Fawcett Gowler Taylor. Armstrong held the portfolio of provincial treasurer from 1908, succeeding J. H. Agnew, until the Roblin government went out of power.

Armstrong married Mary Younghusband in Carleton County, Ontario, 1885. He was a member of the Manitoba Club, Carleton Club, and Adanac Club. Recreation: travel. Conservative. Address: Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.

He died at his Winnipeg home, 522 River Avenue, on 4 March 1926.

Sources:

Who’s Who in Western Canada: A Biographical Dictionary of Notable Living Men and Women of Western Canada, Volume 1, 1911. C. W. Parker, editor. Canadian Press Association, Vancouver.

“Former minister of treasury of Manitoba dead” Newspaper clipping dated 4 March 1926. [Manitoba Legislative Library, Biographical Scrapbook B8]

Profile revised: 27 December 2009

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