James ‘of Londonderry’ Armstrong

Not the same as James ‘of Enniskillen‘ Armstrong, Sr.. Probably not related to David ‘of Enniskillen’ Armstrong or others in his family. This Presbyterian line of Armstrongs were from Argyllshire, then Londonderry on the Ulster plantation.

“Chronicles of the Armstrongs - Armstrongs of the Eighteenth Century”. Page 360 < Archive.Org >

“In the autumn of 1718 a vessel arrived in the harbor here [Portland] with twenty families. Many of them were descendants of a colony which emigrated from Argyleshire, Scotland, and settled in the north of Ireland about the middle of the seventeenth century. They were rigid Presbyterians and fled from Scotland to escape the persecutions of Charles I. On arriving in the harbor, they were very destitute and the town helped them during the winter. In the spring most of them sailed for Newburyport, reached Haverhill April id, and soon established themselves at a place to which they gave the name Londonderry. Several families, however, remained here, among which was that of James Armstrong, with his sons John, Simon, and Thomas. Robert Means, his son-in-law, was also with him." (Willis Collection, Portland library, Maine.)

“Chronicles of the Armstrongs - Armstrongs of the Eighteenth Century”. Page 361. < Archive.Org >

”James Armstrong came to Portland from Ireland in 1718 with his family and brothers and was one of the emigrants who spent the winter on board ship during that winter. He had a son Thomas, born in Ireland Dec. 25th, 1717. His sons John and James were born in Falmouth, the old name for Portland and Cape Elizabeth, the former March 9th, 1720, the latter April 25th, 1721. He remained here with his brothers while his companions went upon their voyage. John, Simeon, and Thomas Armstrong, together with James, received grants of land here previous to 17214 His daughter married Robert Means." (Willis Collection, Portland library, Maine.)

From “Family Pilgrimage John Armstrong of Falmouth, Boston and Saco.” < link >

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:

1. Robert born circa 1689
2. Jean born circa 1691
3. Mary born circa 1693
4. James born circa 1695 (died in childhood)
5. John born circa 1701
6. 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:

1. Thomas born 12/25/1717 in Ireland
2. John born 5/2/1720 in Falmouth, Maine
3. 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.

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From “The Means Family, 1718-1950” < PDF >

Scotch-Irish Immigration to America

In the summer of 1718, the first organized company of this class (Presbyterians), of which we have any knowledge, left the shores of Ireland in 5 vessels, containing 120 families, for the new world, and arrived safely in Boston, August 4, 1718. Her all was new, the wilderness and the world before them. Imagine this little colony, strangers in a strange land, seeking new homes and not knowing whither to turn. There they lie at the little wharf at the foot of State Street in the town of Boston, which then contained about 12,000 inhabitants, taking counsel where to go, and how to dispose of themselves and their little ones, to begin the world anew. With their wonted energy, they were soon astir. One brigantine, with a company of 20 families, sought their fortunes at the eastward, among whom were Armstrong, Means, McKean, Gregg’-they spent a hard and long winter in Portland harbor, and then fled westward, most of them, to join their companions in founding their new Londonderry.

This group of immigrants were credited with the beginning of Presbyterianism in the New World. In Maine, however, the church was overthrown by Congregationalism, such that no Presbyterian church remained.

Several agricultural innovations in America were theirs. In the Spring of 1719, they introduced the potato, planting the seed potatoes brought with tem in 1718. The introduced the cultivation of flax as a source of cloth, along with the use of the foot propelled flax spinning wheel.

Source: New England Historical and Genealogical Society, The New England Historical and Genealogical Register for the year 1858, Volume XII, Samuel Drake, Publisher, Boston, 1858, Page 234.