I have JAMES Armstrong in: 1870 census:
Series: M593 Roll: 277 Page: 87
SHELBY CO., FLAT BRANCH TWP [ILL]
ARMSTRONG J 15 M W IL IL
living with the Charly Elmer family #14
Elmer ,
Charly 40 farmer b: KY
Mary 30 house keep b: KY
Alice (F) 18 b: ILL
Catherine (F) 11 b: ILL
Unknown (F) 10 b: ILL
Unknown (F) 9 b: ILL
Unknown (F) 8 b: ILL
Thomas (m) ? b: ILL
William (M) ? b: ILL
Armstrong, James (M) 15 b:ILL

I still am looking to find James WILLIS Armstrong with his parents and siblings. Perhaps in the 1860 Flatbranch, SHELBY CO., ILL census.
OR:
I would like to see the Charly Elmer family in the 1860 census to see if James Armstrong is living with them then?
OR:
the 1880 census for either Armstrong family or Elmer family in Flatbranch, Shelby County ILL.

FYI:
Marriages of Franklin County, Kansas, 1858-1895
Armstrong,James m:30-Nov-1882 Carter,Katie

CATHERINE (KATE / KATIE) Carter b: IN [about 1840-1860]
JAMES WILLIS Armstrong b: ILL 1854 .

First, it is not the Elmer family. It is the Elam family. Charly is found listed as Chesterfield Elam in the 1860 census, living in Subdivision 66, Shelby, IL. James W. Armstrong is living with this family in the 1860 census. He is listed as 4 years old. In 1880, Chesterfield Elam is found living in Harvey, Cowley, KS; James Willis Armstrong is not living with this family in 1880. Just to let you know, Franklin County James' location in 1882 when he got married) and Cowley County, KS are not very close to each other. Unfortunately, because James was born around 1856, and most likely his parents died before 1860, it will be very difficult to find his parents in the 1850 census. There is a slim chance that Mary, the wife of Chesterfield Elam, was born Mary Armstrong. I have some clues I believe may lead you to James' family. Contact me directly at wai057@aol.com .

I would love to get any information that would help me research my Armstrong family ancestors.
I tried to use this borrowed laptop to contact you directly, but it is not set up to allow me to use the email.
could you contact me with your suggestions or ideas on where I can look for more information?
Here:
rmemazz@charter.net
Thanks