Armstrong, John, 1717-1795

ARMSTRONG, John, (Father of James Armstrong and John Armstrong, Jr. [1758-1843]), a Delegate from Pennsylvania; born in Brookbor, County Fermanagh, Ireland, October 13, 1717; attended school in Ireland, and became a civil engineer; immigrated to the United States and settled in Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pa.; was presented a medal by the city of Philadelphia for destroying the Kittanning Indian towns, September 8, 1756; rendered distinguished service in the Continental Army, was commissioned a brigadier general in 1776, and served until April 4, 1777; appointed a major general of the Pennsylvania State Militia and served throughout the Revolutionary War, with the exception of the term of his congressional service; Member of the Continental Congress 1779-1780; died in Carlisle, Pa., March 9, 1795; interment in Old Carlisle Cemetery.

<p>John Armstrong (October 13, 1717 – March 9, 1795) was an American civil engineer and soldier who served as a brigadier general in the Continental Army and as a major general in the Pennsylvania Militia during the Revolutionary War. He was also a delegate to the Continental Congress for Pennsylvania. Armstrong County, Pennsylvania is named in his honor.</p>

<p>Armstrong was born on October 13, 1717, in Brookeborough, County Fermanagh, Ireland, parents not determined, who married in 1704. He was one of approximately 15 children born to his parents that included: Margaret Armstrong (1737–1817), who married Rev. George Duffield (1732–1790), and Rebecca Armstrong (1738–1828), who married James Turner (1737–1803).</p>

<p>John was educated in Ireland and became a civil engineer before emigrating to Pennsylvania, with his brother-in-law, John Lyon, around 1740.</p>

<ul><b>RACES</b>
<li>12/31/1786 PA Continental Congress Won 100.00% (+100.00%)</li>
<li>12/31/1779 PA Continental Congress Won 100.00% (+100.00%)</li>
<li>12/31/1778 PA Continental Congress Won 100.00% (+100.00%)</li>
</ul>