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Note: nited States in 1888 and he became a naturalized citizen in 1904.
In 1947 a biography of Armand's life was published in a local newspaper, "The Ringsted Dispatch" on Thursday, November 27, 1947. "A. Madsen Start 30th. Year At Lumber Yard -- Genial, Armand Madsen started his thirtieth year of service with Thompson Yards in Ringsted this week. That is, this is his thirtieth inventory since being employed with this company. In May of 1917 Armand started to work for Thompson Yards as ad man. He served in that capacity until November when he was appointed manager and has held that position ever since. When Armand started as second man, J. C. Hansen was the manager and the yard was located just 80 ft. back from the present site. Hansen was later transferred to Forest City and is now deceased. In 1938 the company decided to build a new lumber yard and this building was moved 80 ft. forward, bringing it up to the sidewalk. In the old day only lumber, cement, millwork and coal was sold by Thompson yards. Since that time they have added building material lines. In years of service, Mr. Madsen is next to the oldest man with the Thompson Yards company. He is second to Mr. Fred Zeigler of Keister, Minn., who has been with the company only a short time longer. During Armand's 30 years of service, he has had five different superintendents. This division of the company operates 34 lumber yards in Northern Iowa and Southern Minnesota. When asked what he did before starting with the lumber company Armand said, "Oh, heck, thats been so long ago I don't remember and anyway who cares about what I did 30 years ago" However, your reporter thought it might be of interest so by prodding him a bit we found out that he came to Ringsted when the town was just started and as he put it, "The cornstalks were growing on main street clear up over the wooden sidewalks." He started the first moving picture show in Ringsted while operating the shoe and harness shop. After that Armand took a short leave, from March to September and went to California. Upon his return he worked for the Petersen Hardware Co., for about one year, then started his career with Thompson's. It has often been said that a man can work so long at one job he becomes crabby and disagreeable. Upon first appearance, Armand might give one that impression but you certainly don't have to be around him very long to change your mind. This brings to mind an incident concerning the editor and Mrs. Madsen's first meeting. Upon arriving in Ringsted to take over the publication of the Dispatch, Mr. Hopkins was making his rounds, getting acquainted with the merchants and selling his first week's advertising. After walking into the lumber yard feeling pretty good about the whole thing, Armand started to work, and take it from the editor, he can really pour it on. When he walked out of the office, Mr. Hopkins swore he would never go back for any reason. However upon relating his experience to some of the other business men, he was informed that Armand was just trying him out and having fun with him . Since that time, if a stranger was present when Mr. Madsen and Mr. Hopkins get together they would surely think they were the greatest of enemies. However, it's all in fun and the editor has found out that Armand can and usually is, one of the town's most congenial businessmen. Mr. Madsen has the congratultions of all the Business people in Ringsted and their best wishes for another thirty years in business here and the editor says:
good luck you old so and so'."
In 1962, just prior to Armand's death, his wife Anna wrote a short note to Roy and Ada Johansen, Armand's half-brother. She described his health during the Christmas season just prior to his death. "Dear Roy & Ada - Should have written you before but its hard for Armand to do anything and with 6 children scattered all over it keeps me busy. Paul is Capt in air Force stationed in Hawaii. Lyle in LA, Betty in Olympia, Wash, Edna in New York, Helen in Emmetsburg & Pat in Waterloo, Iowa. Armand has really been an invalid, can hardly walk across the room but what his breathing is so difficult. Had 4 coronary attacks this summer. His humor isn' t what it was but not bad. Can hardly visit with some people on accountt of breathing and that is his nervous reation on visitors. I'm real well so keep the home fires burning and Armand is more relaxed with we are alone, still so many run in to see him. space forbid more. Anna."
Note: According to the 1920 US Census, Armand emmigrated to the U
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