James Armstrong and James Armstrong Jr of Falmouth and Cape Elizabeth, Maine

In a previous post, Armstrong Family of Falmouth, Maine - Puzzle Starting to Fall Into Place, I mentioned that it was my belief that James Armstrong arrived in Falmouth with his children in 1718.  We can say confidently that he arrived with his sons John, Simon and Thomas and his daughter Jean who was married to Robert Means.   There is some mentions of James as a brother to John Armstrong and mentions of James as father to John Armstrong. 

In my Armstrong Family of Falmouth post,  I make the point that there are likely two James' (father and son) who arrive in 1718 as records reference a James Armstrong which remarried after his first wife died to a woman named Mary.  The records indicate that they had three children:  Thomas (b. 1717), John (b. 1720) and James (b. 1721).  There is at least one obvious flaw in this assertion....James Sr. already has a living son named John and he is with them in Falmouth in 1718.  I do not know of a circumstance where someone names two of his sons by the exact same name.  Is this is a Scotch- Irish tradition I am not aware of?

I just received a copy of a list of the Heads of Families of Falmouth circa 1733.  Falmouth at this time included Portland, South Portland and Cape Elizabeth, Maine compiled The list was compiled by Peter Walton.  According to Willis in Smith and Deane #8 Walton died in 1733..so he couldn't have compiled it after 1733.

The list enumerates about 200 families living in this area at this time including (here is a group of  my relatives listed):

1. Robert Means
2. James Armstrong
3. Mary Armstrong
4. William White
5. John White
6. Simon Armstrong
7. William Simonton
8. John Barber

The first things I notice is that there is a James Armstrong listed as a head of a family.  We know that a James Armstrong from Falmouth died in May 3, 1724.  Maybe this list was compiled prior to his death.  However, other records indicate James' wife's name was Mary.  The only way Mary would be listed as a head of household is if she is widow.  So to have both James Armstrong and Mary Armstrong listed it would mean that Mary Armstrong's husband is dead and another James Armstrong is still alive.  Therefore this strongly supports the idea that James Armstrong Sr. arrived with a son, James Armstrong Jr and it was the son who died in 1724.  This evidence would appear to be definitive.

Who are these other people?

Robert Means is husband of Jean Armstrong.  Jean Armstrong is James Armstrong Sr.'s daughter.  In a few years, Robert and his family moved to Saco, Maine.  According to some reports, James moves to Saco, too to be close to his daughter and her family.

William White and John White are brothers who are related from the original settlers to Falmouth before that were run out when the local Native American tribe forced them out.  The White family moved to Gloucester, Massachusetts.  They still had claims to the family land there and the White brothers returned to claim that land.  Both men are accepted as Falmouth owner citizens on May 4, 1730.  In addition, I have seen land grants to William White as early as 1728.  William White married Christian Simonton in 1736.  They are my 5th grand parents.

Simon Armstrong is another son of James Armstrong Sr.  Simon married Isabella.  They are also my 5th grand parents.

William Simonton is likely Christian Simonton's brother. 

John Barber (also spelled Barbour) was married to another of James Armstrong Sr.'s daughters, Mary Armstrong.  It appears that John and Mary married in Ireland and may have arrived in Maine after 1718.

This document was helpful in putting final confirmation of my theory about James Armstrong Sr. and James Armstrong Jr arriving together to Maine in 1718.

Simon Armstrong of Cape Elizabeth

When you read about the Armstrongs who arrived in America and specifically Falmouth, Maine you will see several references to John Armstrong and some of James Armstrong.  You don't see hardly any references of John's brother, Simon Armstrong.

In fact, there is not many of records of Simon at all.  Which is too bad as he is my 5th great-grandfather.

Simon Armstrong was born circa 1701 in Ulster, Ireland.  His family was originally from Scotland.

Simon Armstrong came to Falmouth, Maine with his father and siblings in the Winter of 1718.  He married his wife Isabella very soon after he arrived in America.

Simon and Isabella had the following children:

i. Isabella Armstrong:  b. 1719 m. John Jordan 1738
ii. Elizabeth Armstrong: b. 20 Apr 1729
iii. John Armstrong:  b.  Oct 1731 m. Lucy Cop 23 Dec 1755
iv.  Sarah Armstrong:  b. 1736 m. Andrew Simonton Jr. 27 Dec 1754

Based on the gaps in the dates of the birth of Simon and Isabella's children that it is likely we are missing several of their children.

Simon was a corporal in Col Westbrook's regiment between Nov 22, 1724 and May 22, 1725.  While fighting Native American's he suffered a wound to his head, but did survive.

Simon received multiple land grants from the Town of Falmouth and Cape Elizabeth, Maine. In 1733, Simon Armstrong sold a portion of his land to Samuel Waldo.  (York Deeds Book 16, Fol 161 pg 492-493.  Sept 5, 1733.  This land transaction identifies Simon's wife as Isabella Armstrong.

My great grand Aunt, Marion Armstrong, stated that as a young girl she has seen one of the original land grants from 1747.  She incorrectly remembered that it was a land grant to Samuel vs Simon. Unfortunately, those original land grants were lost in a fire.

According to the list of parishioners of the Second Parish of Falmouth in Cape Elizabeth the only Armstrong listed in 1743 is Simon Armstrong.   All of James Armstrong's other children had moved out of Cape Elizabeth by this time and Simon's children are too young to be parishioners.

In a land transaction from March 7, 1772, John Armstrong (Simon's son) sold land to Nathaniel Dyer which was partial from land grants to Simon Armstrong and James Armstrong (John had purchased some of the land granted to James a few years before from another relative).  This land transaction further indicates that this John Armstrong was Simon's son.

In fact, John Armstrong and Andrew Simonton Jr owned several parcels of land jointly.  Which would be unusual except for the fact that John and Andrew were brothers-in-law.

I recently found this document which is Simon Armstrong providing an affidavit in 1770 where he testified to the fact that William Roberts had owned a piece of land which must have been in dispute. Here is a copy of that document.

We don't know exactly when Simon Armstrong died, but I did see a reference to probate of his estate as follows...administration granted to John Armstrong, gentlemen of Cape Elizabeth, on the estate of his father, Simon Armstrong, yeoman.  Dated July 18, 1778.

Armstrong Family of Falmouth, Maine - Puzzle Starting To Fall Into Place

One of the most fascinating lines of my family research have been the Armstrong's of Falmouth and Cape Elizabeth, Maine.

The Armstrong's lived in County Londonderry, Ulster Ireland...likely close to or in Aghadowey. They were members of the Presbyterian congregation of Rev. James McGregor who lead the migration of approx. 300 Scotch-Irish families to America.

The Armstrongs arrived in Falmouth, Maine (now Portland) in August 1718.  The arrived on a ship named The Robert, which arrived from Ireland and included Scotch-Irish families fleeing persecution for their Presbyterian beliefs.  I have posted extensively about their descendant John Armstrong and his family.

The patriarch of the Maine Armstrong's is James Armstrong.  He arrived with his children:  John, Simon, Thomas and his daughter Jean/Jane (who married Robert Means).

When researching the Armstrongs of Falmouth, you will find numerous references which provide conflicting information regarding who was the Patriarch of the Maine Armstrong clan.  Was it James or John?   I have seen references to both John and James patriarch.  However, I believe the evidence supports that it was, in fact, James Armstrong as the elder and patriarch.  In the compilation of records of the First Parish Church of Falmouth published in 1898 (Baptisms and Admissions from the Records of First Church of Falmouth, pg 147), it indicates that James Armstrong arrived in 1718 with his sons John, Simon and Thomas and his daughter the wife of Robert Means.   In addition, I found the following land sale that is definitive proof that John Armstrong was the son of James Armstrong.

I, John Armstrong of Pepperelborough in the County of York and Province of the Massachusetts in New England, Cabinet Maker, in consideration of the sum of Eighteen Pounds lawful money paid by James Winslow Jr. of Falmouth...for thirty acres of land in Falmouth aforesaid to be laid out in any part of common land in said Falmouth being the thirty acres of land granted by the said town of Falmouth the 13th day of March 1721/2 to my late father, James Armstrong, as may appear by said town records which was laid on former grants or old titles; I now therefore sell the said grant to the said, James Winslow Jr., to be by him laid out anew, on said common land agreeable to the vote of said town of Falmouth or proprietors therefor
                                                                                      Signed August 16, 1760

We know that this John Armstrong is the John Armstrong sometime considered the John Armstrong Patriarch, since there are numerous references to him moving to Pepperlborough (now Saco, Maine). This land sale clearly indicates that John is the son of James Armstrong.  Some of this confusion probably has occurred that John was very active in the local church and is mentioned in numerous historical accounts, much more so than his father, James.

I recently uncovered a genealogy of the Armstrongs by Harry Alexander Davis which he compiled in the late 1800's.   I tend to believe that early research done closer to the events that take place tend to provide more accurate data.  Quite often they capture information from people that have first or second generation information that is more accurate.

Mr. Davis identifies James Armstrong as born circa 1667 in the province of Ulster, Ireland.  He married Jean Jameson (prior to 1689).  The genealogy indicates that James and Jean Armstrong had the following children:

• Robert born circa 1689
• Jean born circa 1691
• Mary born circa 1693
• James born circa 1695 (died in childhood)
• John born circa 1701
• Simon born circa 1703

James and Jean Jameson Armstrong are my 6th great-grand parents.

Mr. Davis states that Jean Armstrong died in 1714 in Ireland and that James remarried Mary (last name unknown).  Mary accompanied him with his sons to Maine.  Mr. Davis claims that James and Mary Armstrong had the following children:

• Thomas born 12/25/1717 in Ireland
• John born 5/2/1720 in Falmouth, Maine
• James born 4/25/1721 in Falmouth, Maine

I think it is likely there were two James Armstrong's that arrived at Falmouth aboard The Robert. James Armstrong the Elder or father and James Armstrong his son.  Mr Davis wrote that James Armstrong Jr. died in childhood.  It is possible that this is true, but that they had another son that named James Armstrong that did survive (it was not unusual at that time to name children with the same name if a child died).  I think it seems likely that the James that married Mary was actually James Jr.

Does any information support this?  Three main reasons:  If James the elder married May, then he would be 50 years old when his son Thomas was born and 54 when James was born.   It is certainly possible that he could father a child at those ages, but if we assume that Mary was approximately his age, she should be too old to bear him children.   Now of course, it isn't impossible or even unlikely, that Mary could have been 10 years or more his junior, but even then it is late for her to be having three children.  Another reason that seems fishy to me is that James has a son named John born around 1701.  Why would he name another son John while his other son, John, was still living.  I don't know of a Scotch-Irish tradition where you would have two sons with the same name living at the same time. This "two John's" is probably the most compelling reason that we are talking about two different James:  Father and Son.  The third reason is that there appears to be at least one mention of a living James Armstrong in the town records after he would have died.  I will go into this a later in this post.

In addition, an Elder Thomas Armstrong arrived with the Armstrong's to Falmouth.  While he isn't mentioned in Mr. Davis' genealogy it is simple to assume that any reference to Thomas Armstrong must be referring to James' infant son.  However, a Thomas Armstrong is awarded land in 1721 in Falmouth. It in unlikely the Selectmen of Falmouth would give land to a 4 year old.

In all the information I have read about the Armstrong family of Falmouth, I seem to be the only one raising these questions.

A James Armstrong was prominent in early Falmouth.  Falmouth had been inhabited in the late 1600's, but had been abandoned after a number of Native American conflicts.  At the time of James and his families arrival it was only starting to be re-inhabited.

In 1720, James Armstrong was elected as a town selectman.  In addition, 3/10/1720 he was granted a house lot and three acre lot.  On 3/13/1720 James was granted a 30 acre lot.

The English and French continues conflicts spilled over into the New World.  The French incited the local Native American population of Maine to attack the small settlements of colonists.  Then acting Massachusetts Govenor William Dummer declared war on July 25, 1722 on "the Eastern Indians, with their confederates, robbers, traitors and enemies of King George."  The war lasted three years.  To help defend their new home, James Armstrong and Simon Armstrong joined the command of Colonel Thomas Westbrook.  James Armstrong achieved the rank of Lieutenant.

Here is the Muster Roll of Colonel Westbrook's company from Nov 22, 1724 to May 22, 1725.

Simon Armstrong was wounded during fighting with the Native Americans.  In a letter from Col. Westbrook, he states "....one Simon Armstrong was scarred on his head, flesh wound, the Enimy (enemy) fought smartly where they stood."

James Armstrong didn't fair as well.  He was killed while fighting with the Native Americans. According to Col. Westbrook's papers he died May 3, 1724. (Letters of Colonel Thomas Westbrook and others, relative to Indian Affairs in Maine 1722-1726 pg 6, 7, 59, 64,87, 136, 151,172)

A James Armstrong was dead, but which James Armstrong?  I tend to think of war as a young man's endeavor.  Colonel Westbrook was only 48 years old when he commanded his company.  If James Armstrong, the elder, was a Lt. under him, he would have been 57.  Not too old to fight, but he would have been considered advanced in age for the time.  Where James Armstrong Jr. would have been about 27.

Evidence that supports that it is likely James Armstrong Jr who was the one killed is that land was granted to Mary Armstrong (widow) received a land grant in 1727.

In addition, a Mary Armstrong (widow) married Hector Patten on 3/11/1735 and moved to Biddeford, Maine in 1738 and lived next door to Robert Means.  Which would have been James' brother-in-law.

I believe I am descended from James' son, Simon.  He will be the subject of some future posts.

Will Wednesday - Andrew Simonton's Will (Died 1744)

Andrew Simonton was my 6th great grandfather.  He was believed to have been born in
Argyleshire, Scotland about 1663.

He came to the Portland, Maine area (at the time known as Falmouth) as part of the migration that took place in the 1820's.  I am not sure exactly when he arrived.  He died April 1744.

I am descended from his daughter, Christian Simonton, who married William White.  This Will is a great proof point that the Christian Simonton who married William White was Andrew's daughter.  Never hurts to have proof of family relationships.

Here are the details of Andrew Simonton's Will:

In the name of God, amen, I, Andrew Simonton, of Falmouth in the County of York New England - Yeoman, being weak of body, but of sound judgement blessed by God, considering the frailty of my nature, do make this my last Will & testament renouncing and making void heretofore made. 

Imprimis, I commit my soul to God which gave it hope at the Resurrection to receive immortal glory and my body to be buried in a descent manner at the discretion of my executrix hereafter named. 

Second, I give my dear and loving wife, Ann Simonton, my executrix & during her natural life, she shall have the improvement of all & singular of my estate.
Item, I give unto my well beloved son, William Simonton, my part or portion of all ye farm I now dwell on to him and his heirs forever.
Item, I give to my loving son, Walter Simonton, ten pounds old tenor.
Item, I give to my loving son, Andrew Simonton, ten pounds old tenor.
Item, I give to my loving daughter, Christian White, ten pounds old tenor.  I order my loving wife at her death to order & dispose of the rest of all my estate real & personal among my children to all above written.  I have hereunto signed, sealed published & declared this to be my last Will & testament witness this 25th day of April in the year of our sovereign King George annoq Domini 1744.   

Witnessed 

Archebal Dowglass
William Simonton
James Noble 

Probated 9 August 1744

Source:  Maine Wills: 1640-1760, Maine Historical Society, p. 490

Sunday's Obituary - Capt William White Woodbury

I have never been a huge fan of Forest Gump, but there is no disputing that genealogy research is "like a box of chocolates", because you never know what you are going to find.

I have been focusing a lot of my time researching the Armstrong line of my family living in Cape Elizabeth and Falmouth (now Portland, Maine).  I have traced the Armstrong family back to the early 1700's, but have hit a road block and I am hoping that there are some other distant relatives which will may have some information which can help me break through.

However, in the meantime, I have been researching Betsey Woodbury Dyer Armstrong's family.  I have multiple post on Betsey Woodbury Dyer Armstrong including:  Betsey Armstrong Probate Mystery, Armstrong Family Land Division - 1897, The Armstrongs and Woodburys of Cape Elizabeth.   

Betsey Woodbury was born Nov 16 1787.  Her parents were Israel Woodbury and Anna White Woodbury.  She married her first husband, William Dyer, Sept 27, 1804.  She was only 16.  They had at least three children:  Woodbury, Benjamin and William Dyer.  Her husband, William, died sometime between 1813-1817.  On Nov 1, 1817, she married her second husband, John Armstrong.  They had at least eight children:  Simon, Mary, Eben, Lucy, John B, Israel, Arthur and George.

Betsey had at least 9 siblings:  Hugh, Jane, Lucy, William, Christina, Jonas, Israel, John and Anna.  I will be making more blog posts on Betsey's mother family as they have some historical significance and some very interesting stories.

Today's post is about Betsey's brother, Captain William White Woodbury.  He died April 29, 1861.

Those of you who have researched in Maine, you know how rare it is to find any significant obituaries prior to 1900.  It is typical to find a death notice that says little more than the name and date of someone who has died.  So I was very excited to uncover such an information rich obituary for Captain Woodbury.  

I have transcribed it below:

Woodbury, William, Portland, April 29 at 90.  He arose on Monday morning at his usual hour and partly dressed himself; in two hours after, he was dead.  Capt. Woodbury was a descendant of John Woodbury, one of the Cape Ann company, who went to that place with Roger Conant in 1624; he afterwards settled in Beverly, Mass., from which the immediate ancestor of our deceased friend, Joshua Woodbury, came to Falmouth in 1727, and settled at Cape Elizabeth.  The parents of the deceased were Israel Woodbury and Ann, dau. of William, and dau. of Rev. John White of Gloucester, Cape Ann.  He was born on the old White farm near Simonton's Cove, at Cape Elizabeth, Oct. 2, 1772 (Maine records show DOB as Aug 4, 1772).  The Whites were ancient settlers at Cape Elizabeth; they occupied farms there previous to the Indian war, in which one was killed, and their land descended from their family to present day.  Capt Woodbury was long a successful shipmaster; afterward, he engaged in commercial pursuits on shore; was a prime mover in establishing the Marine Railway, incorporated in 1826;  he conducted it near thirty years, until it closed its affairs.  He was many years President of the Marine Society, and twenty-seven years President of the Merchants Bank of Portland, holding the office at the time of his death, and having been a Director from its incorporation in 1825.  He married in 1798 (Maine records show Nov 17, 1797), Mary, dau. of Capt William Hoole, who went to Portland from Boston just previous to the Revolution, which whom he has happily lived more than sixty-three years, and by whom he leaves one son and five daughters.  She survives to lament her faithful and long-cherished companion.  Capt W. was a man of most determined will, of sound judgement, of great discernment, and inflexible integrity. 

One of the great benefits of this obituary for my research was that I was trying to confirm that Betsey's mother Anna or Ann White was related to Rev John White of Gloucester.  This obituary was able to confirm this for me.  In addition, since the obituary was written at the time of his death, that I can have a high level of confidence in its accuracy.

The fact that I can confirm my lineage to Rev John White opens up some very interesting genealogy. More on that to come in future posts.

Obituary Source:New England Historical and Genealogical Register, Vol 15 (1861) pg 287