Fred L. Armstrong

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Fred L. Armstrong

Source: History Morris County New Jersey, Volume II, Lewis Publishing Co., 1914

The ARMSTRONG family is among the honored pioneer families of Morris county, its representatives in the various generations being numbered among the prominent business men and successful agriculturists of Morris county, whose labors have done much in the development and improvement of the communities in which they have resided.

Silas ARMSTRONG, the earliest known ancestor of the family, was a native of Morris county, New Jersey, was a farmer by occupation, married _______, and among their children was Silas, of whom further.

Silas (2) ARMSTRONG, son of Silas (1) ARMSTRONG, was a native of Morris county, New Jersey, was reared and educated there, and there spent his active years, passing away at the age of seventy-seven years. He married Betsey NORRIS, also a native of Morris county, and died there at the age of seventy-six; her father was a chair-maker of Morristown. Mr. and Mrs. ARMSTRONG were the parents of eleven children, among whom were: Silas L., of whom further; Harriet; Miles, who served for three years as a Union soldier in the Civil War.

Silas L. ARMSTRONG, son of Silas (2) ARMSTRONG, was born near Morristown, Morris county, New Jersey, March 26, 1829. He was reared on the old family homestead, which later came into his possession, and he attended the common schools of the neighborhood. In early life he learned the trade of carriage-maker, and forming a partnership with a brother, under the style of ARMSTRONG Brothers, conducted a prosperous business on the farm for a period of eight years. In 1857 Silas L. ARMSTRONG began the manufacture of brick, on a small scale, and as his trade increased he enlarged his facilities, increasing his output considerably in order to meet the growing demand. The plant was splendidly equipped with the latest improved machinery, the quality of the product was the best, therefore his enterprise became one of the most extensive and important industries in the county. Mr. ARMSTRONG is also the owner of a valuable farm, devoted to the raising of general farm products, from which he derived a comfortable income. In early life he gave his political support to the Democratic party, but on the outbreak of the Civil War he supported President Lincoln, and from that time on cast his vote for the candidates of the Republican party.

Mr. ARMSTRONG married, in 1859, Susan OVERTON, a native of Morris county, New Jersey, who bore him four children: Addie, Eda, Elver, Fred l. The ARMSTRONG family is noted for its hospitality, and the friends of the family are many. They are members of the Methodist church. Mr. ARMSTRONG is a man of firm convictions and ever true to his belief, and has won and retained the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)