George W. Armstrong
Source: History of Alexander, Union and Pulaski Counties, Illinois, Edited by William Henry Perrin, Chicago: O. L. Baskin and Co., Historical Publishers, 183 Lake St., 1883, Mound City Precinct, p. 251.
Contributed by: A Friend of Free
Genealogy
George W. Armstrong, first mate of "H. G.
Wright," Mound City.
This gentleman is a native of New Albany,
Ind., born February 17, 1844. His father, John Armstrong, was born in
Shelbyville, KY, in 1807, and died in New Albany, Ind., October 3, 1863.
During his life was principally engaged as a ship carpenter. His wife and
subject's mother was Ann (Want) Armstrong, a native of London, England, born in
1812. She is a daughter of John T. Want, who was an officer in the
construction department of the British Navy, principally located in Canada; when
she was twelve years of age she was brought to America by her parents, who
settled near Louisville, Ky., where he had bought land. She was married in
New Albany, the result of the marriage being thirteen children, of whom six are
now living, viz: James, John W., Mary, Susan, George W., the subject of
this biography, and Mrs. Henrietta Colesta. Our subject was educated and
reared at New Albany, Ind., and in early life was apprenticed at the carpenter
and ship-builder's trade for a term of four years, but, becoming an efficient
workman, he was allowed journeyman's wages after the third year. In March,
1862, he removed from New Albany to Mound City, and here engaged working at his
trade until February, 1882, when he was appointed first mate of the United
States Snag Boat "H. G. Wright," a position he at present fills with tact and
ability. In Caledonia, Ill., on the 1st of November, 1863, he married Miss
Louisa Conway, a native of Union County, Ill., born March 20, 1842; she is a
daughter of Charles and Sarah (Auberts) Conway. This union has been
blessed with the following children: Ida R., born February 17, 1865; John
T., born December 15, 1867; Georgia, born October 6, 1870, who died October 14,
1872; Charles, born September 30, 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong are
religiously connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church; he is an active
member of the order of K. of H., Mound City Lodge, No. 1847, and a self-made man
in every respect.
©Copyright Brenda Neely 2007