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.
Extracted 02 Nov 2014 by Norma Hass from 1883 History of Alexander, Union and Pulaski Counties, Illinois, Part V - Biographical Sketches, page 251.
| Union | Johnson | |
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Massac McCracken KY |
| Ballard KY |
