Armstrong

There were Armstrongs in both Orange County and Sussex County.[1] [2] Thomas Armstrong arrived in Newton and Frankford, Sussex County in 1782 but is said to have bought a farm in Warwick in 1790. There was a Nathan Armstrong b c1717 who came from Ireland about 1740 and settled in Warren County, NJ. His son, Nathan, m Elsie Kerr; they lived in Paulina, Warren County. Hugh Armstrong b c1716 in Ireland arrived about 1740 in Middlesex County, NJ; his son, Thomas moved to Frankford Township, Sussex County, was a well-to-do and leading citizen, and his children continued there into the 20th Century. Stickney believed they were all brothers but the Armstrong Clan has no evidence to support that.

The family we are concerned with in Orange County begins with Francis Armstrong, 1695-1783 (or 1785) who arrived in New York from Ireland in 1723. The family was originally Scottish. He m 1721 Deborah Lattimore, 1695-1760. They arrived in the Florida/Warwick area in 1729. After the death of his first wife, Francis about 1760 m2 ca 1762 Martha (or Mary) Thompson Ayres, widow of Enos Ayres, first pastor of the church of Blooming Grove. She was esteemed to be remarkably pious. He bought land along the Florida--Edenville road which was known as Armstrong Street until well into the 20th Century. The property was close to if not adjoining the lands of William Carr and John Poppino. Witnesses to his will included William Carr and Thomas Jackson. Francis and Deborah Armstrong had seven sons and three daughters:

1. William Armstrong, 1722-1805. He m1, prob ca 1750, Mary Carr (possibly dau of Anthony or David Carr, m2 Catherine Lawrence, and m3, Keziah Finch, widow of Nathaniel Finch who d ca 1783.[3] Armstrong's obituary said: "Through the whole of his life he bore an exceptional character, was esteemed by all who knew him, and his death was universally regretted." His children, probably born of Mary Carr were:

11 William Armstrong Jr 1751-1811, m Sarah Johnson, 1753-1838, dau of Richard and Sarah Poppino Johnson. Sarah Johnson was first cousin to Mary Carr Armstrong, since their mothers, Sarah and Catherine, were sisters. So William Junior married his first cousin once removed. In 1774, William Armstrong deeded to William Armstrong Jr, 196 acres, part of a tract of 608 acres he purchased in 1773, along the north side of the road leading from David Carr to Florida. Witnesses were Robert Armstrong and George Kerr.[4] Later parts of this land, on the west side of the highway, were sold by his heirs, Thomas Armstrong and Jeffrey Wisner, to Rennsalaer and Jasper Armstrong. Children of William and Sarah:

111. Mary (Polly) Armstrong, 1777-1874, m 1799, James Wood, 1778-1853. James was a farmer and cabinetmaker in Florida and served as captain in the War of 1812. In 1814 he was elected Justice of the Peace and served for 18 years. He was an elder in the Presb. church for 45 years. James' grandfather, Daniel Wood, 1700-1773 had, by his first marriage, Elizabeth Wood who m Maj. John Poppino. By his second marriage he had Andrew Wood, 1753-1782, three of whose children were: (Rev.) Andrew 1776-1804, who m Julia Poppino; James, above; and Elizabeth, who m. Peter Totten, whose mother was Mary Poppino, sister of Sarah and Catherine and Maj. John Poppino. Children of James and Mary (all b in Florida):[5]

1111 Rev. Daniel Thompson Wood 1800-1859, m Catherine Day. He was Pastor of the Middletown Presbyterian Church, 1829-59.

1118 Rev. James Washington Wood 1813-1884, m Elizabeth Caroline Able. He was Presb. pastor in Deckertown, NJ 1839-45; Chester, NY, 1845-62; and Allentown, PA, 1865-83. While in Chester he was associated with Pollodore Seward in the underground railway, helping many slaves escape to Canada

113 William Wallace Armstrong, 1784-1850, m 1806 Elizabeth Jackson. She was probably the dau of James Jackson (d 1807) and Mary Poppino (d 1853). She divorced Willliam in 1834.[6] Children:

1131 Charles Bingley Armstrong, 1807-1860, m1 Hattie Coleman, m2, her sister, Anna Maria Coleman.

1133 William Van Ness Armstrong, b 1819, m Catherine Aspell. Supervisor, Warwick, 1849.

1135 Mary Armstrong, m Richard Montgomery Vail. Their son, Charles was author of the book Vail and Armstrong cited.

114 Thomas Armstrong, 1787-1865, m 1810, Christian Miller 1788-1850, widow of Nathan Wheeler. The 1863 map shows him with 116 acres on both sides of the highway, between Samuel and Amzi Jessup. His executors were James T and John M Armstrong.(sons?).[7]

116 Elizabeth (Betsy) Armstrong, 1791-1868, became second wife of Jeffrey Wisner. He was one of the developers of Elmira, Chemung County.

118 Rensselaer Jay Armstrong, 1796-1867, m Ellen Denton, 1806-1883. The 1863 map shows him with 96 acres along both sides of West Ridge Road, some of which was formerly Johnson land. He died intestate and administration was granted to his widow and John M Armstrong.

12 Joseph Armstrong c1752-, m --Hawthorne, d < 1803, leaving 6 children: Jesse, Daniel, John, Milton, Elizabeth, and Phebe. The latter lived with her grandfather before his death.[8]

13 Robert Armstrong, 1754-1834, m Rachel Smith, b 1768. During the days of George Clinton he was the youngest member of the State Legislature and he served later as Justice of the Peace, County Clerk and Treasurer, and Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. For 53 years he was an elder of the Florida Presbyterian Church.

131 Julia Armstrong, b 1788, m 1807 John Roe, son of Nathaniel Roe (1751-1821..

2 Archibald Armstrong, 1724-1780?, m1 --Jones, m2 Mary Roberts d in Vernon, NJ.

21 Samuel Armstrong (?). John Carr and Amy Armstrong sold 24 acres to Samuel Armstrong, surveyed 15 Mar 1783 (Mortgages Liber A, p335). Samuel is listed in the 1790 census next to Archibald, near several other people who lived around Edenville. He may have been a son of Archibald (therefore a first cousin to Amy) or a brother to Amy, not recognized in any of the Armstrong genealogies that I have seen. Not in the 1800 Census.

3. John Armstrong, 1727-1797. m1 Polly McWhorter. They lived in Sugar Loaf, OC, m2 Sarah, d 1807.

35 Amy Armstrong c1765-, m 5 Mar 1780 John Carr,. the son of William Carr I

4. Robert Armstrong, 1730-<1783, m1 Margaret Thompson. She was the daughter of James Thompson (who d 1781), brother of George Thompson whose dau Eleanor m Jonas Poppino.

42 Eunice Armstrong 1764-, m 1783 Alexander McCreery They were married in Goshen, lived in Warwick 1791-99, then moved to Ulysses, Seneca Co, NY.

43 Moses Armstrong c1766, m 1804 Sarah Wilson. From 1798-1828 he resided at Hoosick, Renssealaer, NY.

431 Robert Armstrong 1804-1875, m 1829 Huldeh Grant. Genoa, Cayuga County, NY.

44 Robert Armstrong, Judge, c 1770-1828, m1 Mary Jones, m2 Temperance Elder. Resided 1798-1828 in Amity, contributed to Amity Presb. Church.

45 Benoni Armstrong c1770-1841, m 1806 Elizabeth McCoskey. From 1810-1830 lived in Shlby, IL. Large family.

5. Elcey Armstrong, 1734- , m John Jackson (DAR Pat. Index 364). They lived in the Susquehanna Valley, PA.

6. Francis Armstrong Jr, 1735-1799, m1 Jane Borland 1743-1780, m2 1781, Patience Rowley Finn.[9] They lived and died on what became the Jessup place along Armstrong Street. Surviving children by Borland:

63 Amzi Armstrong, 1771-1827, m Polly (Mary) Dodd, d 1826. He was a minister and two of his sons became ministers.

67 Francis Armstrong, 1788-1881, m1 1810, Elsa Poppino, 1791-1821, m2 1823, Huldah Poppino, 1796 -

69 Patience Armstrong, 1794-1839, m 1819, Benjamin Jennings Seward, 1793-1841 (oldest brother of William Henry Seward).

7. Mary Armstrong b 1740, d 1788 in Seneca ? NY, m Anthony Swarthout of Little Britain, OC (DAR Pat. Index II 205).

8. James Armstrong 1740-<1800, m Mary Thompson from Gibralter. In 1774, James and Mary exchanged with James Finn 50 acres adjoining lands of William Carr and Samuel Jayne for 63 acres nearby adjoining land of Joseph Totten and George Owens. In 1775 James father deeded him 60 acres adjoining where he lived on the westernmost line of the Van Horne tract. In 1776 he purchased two lots of 22 and 1 3/4 acres (where he then lived) from James Finn. These adjoined Peter Edsall's land. David and William Carr were witnesses. All these lands were in about the same place.

81 James Armstrong Jr 1759-1796, m Dorothy Vail. In 1785 James and Dorothy sold 50 acres on Mt. Eve to John Wisner. James was reported to have later moved to NJ.[10]

9. David Armstrong, 1742-1832, m Anne (Nancy) Miller. He was an ensign in 1776 and organized a band of minute men. In 1783 he mortgaged land on the south side of Thomas Jackson�s land which Francis Armstrong had purchased from the Van Hornes. In the 1790 census he is next to William Carr. In 1792 David with his wife and eight children were early settlers in Genoa, Cayuga Co.[11] He took with him the irons for a saw mill which became the first mill in the town. The account says that in 1795 William Armstrong came in from Goshen accompanied by his mother Margaret, wife of Benoni Armstrong who was one of the party who threw overboard the tea in Boston Harbor and died soon thereafter. He settled on a lot bought jointly by his mother and David Armstrong. They were probably referring to Benoni's father, Robert Armstrong who m Margaret Thompson and died in 1783. Benoni would have been too young to be invited to the party. David died in Groton, Tompkins Co, NY at age 90.

10. Elizabeth Armstrong, b 1744, m John Lattimore. They lived in western NY.

Liber C, p 347. William Lattimore of Orange County to Robert Armstrong and David Miller, 27 April 1771. A lot of land near Sugar Loaf, part of a 630 acre tract in Wawayanda Patent, located and surveyed to the right of Peter Mathews, one of the original proprietors of the Patent. Adjoins on SW a lot sold by Peter Clowes to Jeremiah Warder of Philadelphia. Beginning at the NW line of Samuel Staats, being the SW corner of Warder's lot, to Christophr Banker, etc. 116 acres.

C, page 464. Francis Armstrong of Florida to his well beloved son James Armstrong, 21 June 1775. For and in consideration of the love and good will I do bear to my son, and for his better maintenance, transfer a parcel of land, part of a tract of 187 acres in the Wawayanda Patent. Beginning at a sapling standing to the westward of James Armstrong's house on the westernmost line of the whole 2000 acre tract of Van Horne. No other landholders named. 60 acres. Witnesses: John Lucky, David Armstrong

C, page 491. 18 March 1776. James Finn and Hannah his wife, of Goshen to James Armstrong of same. For �96, sells two parcels of land to James Armstrong (in his actual possession now being) part of a tract of 85 acres in Wawayanda Patent which Finn purchased from Peter Clowes 16 Feb 1765. Beginning on the east side of the highway, at the northwest corner of Peter Edsall's land which he bought of Jonathan Knap, runs southwest in the line of Peter Cooley's land, then SE along Cooley's lands to Peter Edsall's land, then NW to the place of beginning. 22+ acres. The second small lot on which James Armstrong's house is situated, 1 3/4 acre adjoining Peter Edsall's land. ..."The said James Finn gave the said James Armstrong a full seizin (?) of quiet possession of the within granted lands and promises by delivering the said James Armstrong Turff and Twig (part of the soil) on the said premises in the presence of their chosen witnesses David Carr, William Carr (his mark). Done before Richard Edsall, one of the judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas.

C, page 493. 13 May 1775. Between William Armstrong, John Dunkin and Abigail his wife, John Sayre and Abigail his wife, Nathaniel Finch and Keziah his wife, and Reyneer Wortendyck, all of OC, sell to Benjamin Davis of Goshen precinct, yeoman, for �126/18, part of that lot made in a survey by Thomas Palmer 5 April 1773, known as lot #1, part of 2370 acres purchased from the several families of the Rutgers etc. Beginning at the NW corner of land commonly called Banckers land, running along the lands of Nathaniel Finch SW, then along the lands of Jonas Roe northwestwardly then southwestwardly to Bankers land. 121 acres. witnesses: John McCamly, Robert Armstrong.

Liber C, page 508. 2 Feb 1774. James Armstrong and Mary his wife, to James Finn. Part of 187 acres which are part of the first division of the Wawayanda Patent. Part of 187 acres, beginning at a sapling west of Armstrong's house and on the westernmost line of the 2000 acre Van Horne tract, thence NW to a popple tree, then NE to a stake, being William Carr's corner, then along Carr's land NW to Samuel Jayne's line, then along Jayne's line SW to the line of the Van Horne tract and back to the beginning. 50 acres. This is exchanged for land near Floriday, part of a tract known as Purlling Brook. Beginning at the westernmost corner of Joseph Totten's land, running along said land southeast to a sapling, then along said lands NE to a stake, continuing SE along the land lately belonging to John Duncan, then SW in the line of land belonging to to the heirs of George Owens, then along the lands of Owens and Jacob Warner SW, then NW, then NE, then NW to the side of the highway and N to the place of beginning. 63 acres. Witnesses: Peter Clowes and Nathaniel Finch.

Liber D, page 179. 17 Feb 1785. James Armstrong and Docily (?) his wife, to John Wisner. �300. All that certain piece of land on Mt. Eve Beginning at a rock at the edge of the road near the SE corner of the house where Daniel Vail lives, runs along the SE side of the new road leading to Pickumak (?), SW along the lines of the widow Elmendorph's land, then NW and NE and SE to the most southerly corner of the aforesaid John Wisner, then along Wisner's and Elmendorph's to the south side of the road leading from the house of said Vail to Samuel Benjamin's and then NW to the place of beginning. 50 acres. Witnesses: Daniel Morrison, James Vanderaft.

Page 432. 7 May 1789. William Armstrong, John Dunkin and Abigail his wife, John Sayre and Abigail his wife, Nathaniel Finch and Keziah his wife, , to Jonas Roe. �18/8. Beginning at the side of the road that leads from Florida to Peter Clowes, between George Lucky and the lands to be granted to Jonas Roe NW etc, etc. Adjoins land of George Rankin, Banckers Tract, David Carr. 124 acres. Witnesses: John McCamly and Robert Armstrong. [Note: 1789 must be date of recording, not date of sale because Nathaniel Finch was already dead and his widow m to Armstrong by that time.]

Liber E, page 284. 20 Aug 1774. William Armstrong to William Armstrong Junior. For and in consideration of the natural love and affection which he has for his son, and for his better maintenance, does grant him part of a tract of 608 acres which Armstrong Sr purchased in 1773 from Adrian Renaudet of NYC, Merchant executor of James Renaudet, decesased; John Beekman of NYC Merchant and Elizabeth his wife; and Townsend White Merchant of Philadelphia and Anne his wife, Peter Chevalier merchant of Philadelphia and Mary his wife, Jane Osborn of the same city widow; and Peter Renaudet. of Clifton, near the city of Bristol, Great Britain; Helena Rutgers of NYC widow; Adrien Rutgers of NYC gentleman; Richard Sharp of NYC merchant and Anne His wife; John Moriss Scott of NYC attorney at law and Helena his wife, Benjamin Kissam of NYC attorney; and Evert Bancker and Richard Bancker of NYC merchants, and Adrian Bancker of Staten Island gentlemen, serving as executors of Christopher Bancker of NYC deceased. beginning at a large tree marked WA and DK along the north side of the road leading from David Carr to Florida, then to the north bounds of lot #5 of said tract, , etc. 196 acres. Witnesses: Robert Armstrong, George Kerr.

Liber F, page 108. 2 Nov 1785. Richard Williams of OC quitclaims unto Robert Armstrong a certain tract of land in the highlands along the Hudson River containing 200 acres. Witnesses: Jonah Seaman and Martin Armstrong. [Note: probably a different Armstrong family.]

Liber J, page 49. 1 Feb 1800. Margaret Armstrong of Warwick, widow, to William Johnson and Daniel Dusinberre of Homestead in Rockland County. �1015. The land where Armstrong now lives. Beginning on the west side of the highway and runs NE, then NW then S etc etc. 113 acres. Witnesses: Jacob Blauvelt and Robert Armstrong.

Liber M, p 441. Indenture of 19 Aug 1786 between William Armstrong and Robert Armstrong, his son. William Armstrong for and in consideration of the natural love and affection which he hath and beareth unto the said Robert Armsrong and for the better maintenance of Robert, and for ten shillings transfers land near Florida beginning on the west side of the highway between the lands of William and Robert Armstrong, being the northernmost corner of the lands of William Armstrong Jr....Witnessed by Joseph Armstrong and Deborah Armstrong. Recorded 1810.

Liber 48, page 224. 7 June 1833. Robert Armstrong to Jasper Smith Armstrong. $390. Land on the westerly corner of the farm where Robert Armstrng now lives. Beginning on the west side of the main road leading from Edenville to Florida, along the line of Henry W Rayner's farm, SE then NE etc etc. 13 acres. Witneses:G W Armstrong and John C Armstrong.

Liber 49, page 301. 5 April 1834. Thomas Armstrong and Christian his wife of Warwick to Jasper S Armstrong. $445. Part of the farm of William Armstrong the younger, deceased, on the SE border of his farm. Beginning at the westwardly side of the highway running from Rennselyr Armstrong to Jeffrey Wisners, adjoining R Armstrongs. 17+ acres.

Liber 106, page 410. 31 Aug 1840. Thomas Armstrong and Christian his wife, to Renselaer S Armstrong. $63.93. Beginning at an oak at the line of the lands of said Renselaer, SE etc along lands of Thomas Armstrong etc. 2+ aces. Alsop V Aspell witness.

Page 412. 18 May 1836. Jeffrey Wisner and Elizabeth his wife to Renseler S Armstrong. $100. Land formerly belonging to William Armstrong deceeased. Beginning at oak on NW side of public highway leading from Florida by the premises formerly belonging to Robert Armstrong deceased, and the most northerly corner of the whole farm, runs along the highway SW , thence along the road leading to Warwick SE to etc, thence along the west line of the whole farm SE etc etc. 32 3/4 acres.

Page 413. 30 May 1834. Thomas Armstrong and Christian his wife, to Rensaler J Armstrong. $272.81. Part of the land set apart from the farm of William Armstrong deceased and one third of the right of dower of my mother Sarah Armstrong setoff for her by Willliam Thompson, Alanson Austin, and Daniel C Dusenberry, commssioners chosen by the heirs of William Armstrong. 32 3/4 acres.

Page 415. 18 July 1834. James Wood and Mary his wife to Renseler J Armstrong.$90.75. 9th part of land of Sarah Armstrong widow. 32 3/4 acres.

[1] Major sources for this genealogy are Charles M Vail, Vail and Armstrong, Goshen 1894; information from researcher Patricia Wood Armstrong, 9811 NE 91st Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98662, representing the Armstrong Clan; and a detailed unattributed genealogical listing from the Goshen Public Library.

[2] Charles Edgar Stickney, Old Sussex County Families of the Minisink Region, reprint 1988 by Virginia Brown of Genealogical Researchers, Washington, NJ, pp 157-159.

[3] This is from a paper by J. W. Wood, Easton, PA,

[4] Deeds, Liber E, p 284.

[5] Family group sheet from Patricia Wood Armstrong. Much of the data are in F Douglas Halverson, Descendants of Edmund Wood in America, 1949 (NYPL APB pv 55)

[6] Lis Pendens, Liber A, p 183.

[7] Letters Testamentary, F-187.

[8] Wills, Liber C, p 239, William Armstrong Sr.

[9] Some of this is from Howell Genealogy (handwritten) supplied by Elmire Conklin.

[10] Deeds, Liber C, pp 464, 491, 508, Liber D, p 179.

[11] Elliot G Storke, History of Cayuga County, NY, D Mason & Co, Syracuse, 1879, pp 486, 491.