John ARMSTRONG, Congress, PA (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.
Bibliography
Crist, Robert G. âJohn Armstrong, Sr.: Proprietary Man.â Ph.D. diss., Pennsylvania State University, 1981.Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present
