Mary ‘Jane’ Means

“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.)

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

Jane Armstrong, wife of Robert Means, was the daughter of James Armstrong, and immigrated to American with that family in 1718 from Ireland. After living in Falmouth, her father settled in Saco, Maine where he was a cabinetmaker. She was a sister of James and John Armstrong, who were among the member of First Parish at Falmouth, now Portland Maine.

In 1738, the Robert Means family moved from Falmouth, Maine to Old Orchard, now Saco, where the Scotch-Irish settlement include her father. Jane and Robert had 8 children of record, all born previous to the move to Old Orchard.

Jane lived to be a very old lady, some say as old as 102, but Pepperell Records indicate she lived to be 98 years. She was believed to be a very pious old lady who sang Psalms at night to keep away the Tempter.

Children:

• 1. Thomas Means 1722-1756
• 2. Sarah Means b. 1726 (?); married to John Thompson on Jun 21, 1739 (?) died 1800 at 77 years old
• 3. Mary Means
• 4. Dorcas Means
• 5. John Means 1728-1776 born 1735
• 6. Jane Means
• 7. Elizabeth Means
• 8. Hannah Means Died 1759

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Origins

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

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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.