Please add Bio:
Robert Hamilton Armour (1813-1880): He was the son of Robert Armour (1793-1844) and Eva Marie (Mary) Chess. Robert was born in Wampun, Beaver County (now Lawrence), Pennsylvania during the War of 1812. Wampun Borough, established in 1796, is located South of Mercer County just over the county line. He married on May 2, 1833 a newly arrived Mercer County, Pennsylvania girl named Sally Church born in New York. She was the daughter of William and Wealthy (Palmer) Church. She died soon after their marriage in 1834 or 1835. Robert in 1836 went to Wisconsin where he married another New York girl, Sarah Wolcott from Chautauqua, Chautauqua County, New York on July 6, 1836 in Menomenee, Waukesha, Wisconsin. Why he went to Wisconsin can be explained in the following story. Robert's second wife Sarah or Sally as she went by had a brother named Joseph B. and sister Ardelia Wolcott. Ardelia married Luther Pierce on September 6, 1829 in Jamestown, Chautauqua, New York and had three children with the last one born, Ezra S. Pierce, in New York on November 15, 1835. Luther's family and his wife's brother and sister moved to Pennsylvania in Spring of 1836 and made their home base Concord, Erie County, Pennsylvania. Concord is just across the state line from Crawford County, Pennsylvania. In about the same time frame, Luther acquired another piece of land in Athens Township in Crawford County. The two townships were about ten miles apart. Athens Township was one of the last counties to be formed in Crawford County. Athens was recorded formed in 1829. The area was a gigantic forest that had to be cleared. The recorded history of Athens, Luther Pierce wasn't one of the first settler before 1836. Luther was recorded in the 1840 census in Concord and in 1850 census in Athens. This gives the timeline when Robert Hamilton Armour met Sally Wolcott. Sally and her brother, Joseph Bailey Wolcott, accompanied her sister, Ardelia, and her husband, Luther Pierce, to Pennsylvania from New York. In 1836 Robert Hamilton Armour met Sally Wolcott. Where or how they met in Erie or Crawford, Pennsylvania is not known. They lived about 40 miles apart. On April 20, 1836, the Territory of Wisconsin was organized, and Indians had been removed. A large number of settlers on horseback and wagons traveled to Wisconsin in search of cheap land and opportunity. Joseph B. Wolcott and his sister hit the road soon after arriving in Pennsylvania with Robert H. Armour in tow. It was a fast courtship because two days after Independence Day they were married in Menominee, Wisconsin. By Fall in the same year, Sally was expecting their first child. Menominee was a wilderness and life was hard. They made the decision to return to the civilized world before winter came. We can be sure Sally wanted to be with her sister, Ardelia Pierce, in Pennsylvania with the birth of their first baby. In 1837 the Ho-Chunk Indians refused a treaty with the governor of Wisconsin and an economic depression checked immigration and the only four banks in the Territory failed after Robert and Sally returned to Pennsylvania. They decided not to return to Wisconsin before the mass emigrates into Wisconsin began again in 1838. Robert's father had just warranted a tract of land in Sandy Creek Township in Mercer County, Pennsylvania on April 4, 1837 with money willed to him by his father-in-law John Chess. Robert and Sally's first child, Louisa, was born in Pennsylvania on April 10, 1837. In May 1812, Congress passed an act which set aside lands in Arkansas, Michigan, and Illinois as payment to volunteer soldiers in the War of 1812. Mercer County, Illinois was part of this "Military Tract." Seven years after Illinois became a state, Mercer County was founded. It was formed from unorganized territory near Pike County on January 13, 1825. Mercer County's border west is the Mississippi River running between Illinois and Iowa. Many Indian tribes roamed the area. The Black Hawk War was a brief conflict beginning on May 14, 1832, when the militia opened fire on a delegation from the British Band. Black Hawk responded by attacking the militia force, soundly thrashing them at the Battle of Stillman's Run. He led his band to a secure location in what is now southern Wisconsin. As American forces pursued Black Hawk's band, Native Americans conducted raids against American forts and settlements. By 1835 the native Indians were moved west of the Mississippi River. In the summer of 1835, the Indians still remaining in Illinois staged a magnificent war dance in Chicago, before taking leave of their land. One historian wrote, "With beautiful appropriateness the red man thus celebrated the end of his era. Defeated but defiant, he took up his journey toward the sunset. Over Chicagoland the day of the white man had dawned." (Maps 8 & 9) It was late Summer or late Fall in 1837 when Robert and Sally Wolcott and their daughter Louisa arrived in Mercer County Illinois. They had four more children in Illinois: Hamilton Luke, March 15, 1838; Melinda, March 1839; Barrett Sidney, May 24, 1841 and Aques Armour in 1843 before moving to Wisconsin. Robert H. Armour owned land in what is now Suez Township of Mercer County Illinois. Part of the bounty land warrant, 60 acres, they settle on in Mercer County, Illinois he sold it to Tobias Kimmel. The deed warrant # 1552 is dated October 20, 1843 ref: Book E, page 123. They stayed in Illinois for about 7 years before pulling up stakes and moving back to Menomonee Township, Waukesha County Wisconsin not far from Lake Michigan and Sally's brother. In 1836 Wisconsin Territory a new law passed required "squatters" to register their claims or any conflict of claims that year. In 1838-1844 land offices open across the state. An exceptionally sizable proportion of the most valuable lands in Grant, Iowa, La Fayette, Dane, Green, and the west half of Rock and Columbia Counties on August 15, 1836 had passed it from control of government onto speculators. This new law caused a great mass of emigrates "in search for new homes" during the years 1837 and 1838. The land rush laid waste to those counties by speculators. In 1839 six other counties were open to purchase but a new law was enacted to prevent speculation. One of those counties was Waukesha Note: In the 1840 census Roll 62, page 1151 Robert H Armour age was recorded between 20-29 in Mercer County, Illinois with: one male under 5 and three females: one between 60-69, one 20- 29 and one under five. Census index records name as Robert W. Armour. The original record was clearly recorded as Robert H. Armour. Wisconsin became a state in 1848. In the 1850 census page 467B for Menominee, Waukesha, Wisconsin Robert H. Armour age 37 farmer born Pennsylvania and wife Sally age 34 born New York with children: Lucinda 14 (born Pennsylvania), Hamilton 13, Melinda 11, Barrett 9, Agues 7(born in Illinois), Martin 4, Augustus 3, and Harriet 4/12 (born Wisconsin). Note: indexed transcribed wrong in 1850 census...name recorded: Robert A. Aramy. Children names match between censuses and Robert H. Armour name was also clearly written on original documents. Robert H. Armour was first recorded in Menomonee Township in the Wisconsin Territory census on January 1, 1846. Robert invested his money made from the improved Mercer County homestead in new land in Waukesha County, Wisconsin Territory 242 miles away. Robert and family move from Illinois was first recorded in 1846 living in Menomonie Township, Waukesha County, Wisconsin where they had three more children: Martin Reese, June 26, 1846; Augustus Martiollis, October 26, 1847, and Harriet Armour in June of 1849. After the death of his Second wife, Sally, on September 18, 1852 he married Ardelia "Amelia" Pierce on July 6, 1856 in Waukesha County, Wisconsin. She was the sister to, Sally, his Second wife. Amelia, his third wife, had moved to Wisconsin after the death of her husband, Luther Pierce, on May 30, 1854. The marriage record is below. Note: Parents name Robert and Eva Armour and Luke and Polly Wolcott. Robert's birth was Wamn Pa. Correct spelling would be Wampun, but name was pronounced Wamn in the early years. Robert H. Armour was last recorded in Wisconsin in 1855 and then in Rockdale Township, Crawford County, Pennsylvania in 1860 with his new wife Ardelia. On March 11, 1856 in Crawford County, Pennsylvania William Church, his father-in-law and the surviving executor to his younger brothers and sisters was requested by the providers through the Orphans Court to pay the bill for their care. The court so order on March 14, 1856 Robert Hamilton Armour's Uncle James Armour to pay the bill for their care. Robert was a wealthy man and returned to Pennsylvania in that year to help resolve the debt. He settled in Rockdale Township, Crawford County Pennsylvania living near his kinfolk and his new wife's children in Crawford leaving his son Martin with Jesse Price in Menomonie to reconcile property and other matters in Wisconsin. Soon after the 1870 census was taken on July 1, 1870, Amelia, the wife of Robert died. Robert married Harriet Jane Johnson on August 6, 1871in Jefferson County, Illinois. After their marriage they adopt a child named Henry Snickcloth, from foreign born parents. Robert had returns to Jefferson County, Illinois where his son Martin R. Armour was living and on August 2, 1871. In the 1880 census Robert's fourth wife was recorded in Shiloh, Jefferson County, Illinois records: R. H. Armour born Pennsylvania age 66 and wife Harriet J. age 54 born Illinois with adopted daughter Ellen F. Retherford age 13 born Illinois. The census also records his father was born in Ireland and nothing for his mother's place of birth. His mother and father were born in Pennsylvania. A disagreement between censuses is a common error. Plus...Robert was ill and died seven weeks after the census in 1880 was taken. His new wife I'm sure didn't know where his parents were born. The entire censuses from 1850-1870 record Robert's birth in Pennsylvania and in two 1870 censuses validate his parents were not foreign born. The one thing that was evident; Robert was compelled to help orphans. I believe he suffered a great deal in the course of time when his brothers and sisters became orphans, and he couldn't help. (Chart 22) William Church (1778-1861): He was the father-in-law to Robert Hamilton Armour (1813-1880). William Church was born in Connecticut and married Wealthy Palmer born on February 15, 1786 in Connecticut. They were married in Otsego Town, Otsego County, New York in 1802 and had six children: Two boys and four girls: Cyrus (1803-1888); Judge Gaylord (1811-1869); Emily (1807-1885); Sally (1816-1834) and two other daughters. They moved from Otsego County, New York to Sandy Creek, Mercer County, Pennsylvania after the birth of their daughter Sally. William Church was well educated and served in Sandy Creek Township's government: • In 1820: Appraiser for Sandy Creek Township • In 1822-23: Supervisor for Sandy Creek Township • In 1824-26: Overseer for Sandy Creek Township Upon the death Robert Armour on April 23, 1844 William Church was appointed executor over Robert's estate and five orphan minor children, Jane, John, Alexander, Mary, and Margaret. Robert's oldest son Robert Hamilton Armour was married and had moved to Mercer County Illinois in 1837. The Orphan Court appointed John Davison and Hugh Deviney guardians over the children in 1847. William Church was 70 years old and too old to care for them. On March 11, 1856 Hugh Deviney and John Davison, in separate letters, requested the court to discharge them as guardian of the minors and make an order on William Church, surviving executor, to pay them the amount of the annexed bill. All the children were over 18 and considered adults. Mercer court ruled to show cause granted to be served upon James Armour (Robert's younger brother) whom the count appoints to take care of the interest of the ward ... By the court. "Certified from the record this 14 day of March AD 1856, D. W. Findley, clerk." In the 1850 census two of Robert and Eva Marie children can be found. Alexander Armour thirteen years old is recorded on page 301 Sandy Creek Township, Mercer County. Alexander's sister Margaret is living with her stepmother Susana Chess age 77, Uncle John Chess 56 and Aunt Susana 42 years old in the same Township on page 302. Also, in 1860, his third oldest son Martin R. Armour age 14 was living with Jesse Price in Menomonee Township. Martin followed his father to Pennsylvania in 1861 and enlisted in the 83 Pa., Company E. infantry on July 29, 1861 four months after the Civil War started at age 16. Martin was discharged on April 20, 1862 for a disability (shot to the skull) and reenlisted on December 31, 1863 in the 16th Pa. Cavalry as a sergeant and was discharged at the end of the war on July 24, 1865. He married Catharine Harriet Kerr after the war and had two children in Pennsylvania: Delphine in November 1869 and Cora in February 1870. By June 24, 1870 Martin and family were recorded with his father in Jefferson, Illinois. An interesting note in the 1870 census…Robert H. Armour was recorded twice in two locations: On June 24, 1870 census for Mount Vernon, Jefferson County, Illinois records Robert H. Armour farmer born Pennsylvania age 55 and wife Ardilia P. age 53 born Pennsylvania with child Henry Snickcloth age 9 born in Illinois. Both of Henry's parents were recorded foreign born. Robert's son Martin R. Armour (name recorded him as Bartin) an artist by trade was living on his father's land valued at $5000 with his wife Catharine and children Delphine L and Cora L. Armour both born in Pennsylvania. On July 1, 1870 census for Center, Starke County, Indiana records Robert H. Armour a farmer born Pennsylvania age 56 and wife Ardelia aged 56 with child Henry Armour age 9 born Illinois. Robert and Ardelia's parents were not foreign born. The land is valued at $500. Robert and his family traveled 328 miles in 7 days from Illinois "The bulk of new construction on the railroads was during 1850s east-west orientation, providing connections for western travel. By 1856 Indianapolis was connected with St. Louis. In June of the next year a grand excursion from Baltimore to St. Louis celebrated the linking of the two cities via the "American Central Route." Trains of that day could travel at speeds of 15-26 miles an hour. Normally traveling 400 miles, which used to take weeks by horse, was now a two to three-day train ride. Robert H. Armour moved over 300 miles away leaving $5000 valued property to his youngest son Martin and family in 1870 just after the Civil War. Martin was a Pennsylvania Calvary Sergeant returning from the war marrying Catharine Harriet Kerr and having the birth of their first child Delphine November of 1869 and second Cora L. in February 1870 in Pennsylvania and in Illinois by June 24, 1870. Robert Hamilton Armour, I thought at first was a wonderer, but he was an entrepreneur purchasing land and giving it to his children starting from Mercer County Pennsylvania tracking across and living in four states. He died at 67 after his fourth marriage, ten children: eight of his own and two adopted.
Regards, Jacob J Leisle
Robert Hamilton Armour (1813-1880): He was the son of Robert Armour (1793-1844) and Eva Marie (Mary) Chess. Robert was born in Wampun, Beaver County (now Lawrence), Pennsylvania during the War of 1812. Wampun Borough, established in 1796, is located South of Mercer County just over the county line. He married on May 2, 1833 a newly arrived Mercer County, Pennsylvania girl named Sally Church born in New York. She was the daughter of William and Wealthy (Palmer) Church. She died soon after their marriage in 1834 or 1835. Robert in 1836 went to Wisconsin where he married another New York girl, Sarah Wolcott from Chautauqua, Chautauqua County, New York on July 6, 1836 in Menomenee, Waukesha, Wisconsin. Why he went to Wisconsin can be explained in the following story. Robert's second wife Sarah or Sally as she went by had a brother named Joseph B. and sister Ardelia Wolcott. Ardelia married Luther Pierce on September 6, 1829 in Jamestown, Chautauqua, New York and had three children with the last one born, Ezra S. Pierce, in New York on November 15, 1835. Luther's family and his wife's brother and sister moved to Pennsylvania in Spring of 1836 and made their home base Concord, Erie County, Pennsylvania. Concord is just across the state line from Crawford County, Pennsylvania. In about the same time frame, Luther acquired another piece of land in Athens Township in Crawford County. The two townships were about ten miles apart. Athens Township was one of the last counties to be formed in Crawford County. Athens was recorded formed in 1829. The area was a gigantic forest that had to be cleared. The recorded history of Athens, Luther Pierce wasn't one of the first settler before 1836. Luther was recorded in the 1840 census in Concord and in 1850 census in Athens. This gives the timeline when Robert Hamilton Armour met Sally Wolcott. Sally and her brother, Joseph Bailey Wolcott, accompanied her sister, Ardelia, and her husband, Luther Pierce, to Pennsylvania from New York. In 1836 Robert Hamilton Armour met Sally Wolcott. Where or how they met in Erie or Crawford, Pennsylvania is not known. They lived about 40 miles apart. On April 20, 1836, the Territory of Wisconsin was organized, and Indians had been removed. A large number of settlers on horseback and wagons traveled to Wisconsin in search of cheap land and opportunity. Joseph B. Wolcott and his sister hit the road soon after arriving in Pennsylvania with Robert H. Armour in tow. It was a fast courtship because two days after Independence Day they were married in Menominee, Wisconsin. By Fall in the same year, Sally was expecting their first child. Menominee was a wilderness and life was hard. They made the decision to return to the civilized world before winter came. We can be sure Sally wanted to be with her sister, Ardelia Pierce, in Pennsylvania with the birth of their first baby. In 1837 the Ho-Chunk Indians refused a treaty with the governor of Wisconsin and an economic depression checked immigration and the only four banks in the Territory failed after Robert and Sally returned to Pennsylvania. They decided not to return to Wisconsin before the mass emigrates into Wisconsin began again in 1838. Robert's father had just warranted a tract of land in Sandy Creek Township in Mercer County, Pennsylvania on April 4, 1837 with money willed to him by his father-in-law John Chess. Robert and Sally's first child, Louisa, was born in Pennsylvania on April 10, 1837. In May 1812, Congress passed an act which set aside lands in Arkansas, Michigan, and Illinois as payment to volunteer soldiers in the War of 1812. Mercer County, Illinois was part of this "Military Tract." Seven years after Illinois became a state, Mercer County was founded. It was formed from unorganized territory near Pike County on January 13, 1825. Mercer County's border west is the Mississippi River running between Illinois and Iowa. Many Indian tribes roamed the area. The Black Hawk War was a brief conflict beginning on May 14, 1832, when the militia opened fire on a delegation from the British Band. Black Hawk responded by attacking the militia force, soundly thrashing them at the Battle of Stillman's Run. He led his band to a secure location in what is now southern Wisconsin. As American forces pursued Black Hawk's band, Native Americans conducted raids against American forts and settlements. By 1835 the native Indians were moved west of the Mississippi River. In the summer of 1835, the Indians still remaining in Illinois staged a magnificent war dance in Chicago, before taking leave of their land. One historian wrote, "With beautiful appropriateness the red man thus celebrated the end of his era. Defeated but defiant, he took up his journey toward the sunset. Over Chicagoland the day of the white man had dawned." (Maps 8 & 9) It was late Summer or late Fall in 1837 when Robert and Sally Wolcott and their daughter Louisa arrived in Mercer County Illinois. They had four more children in Illinois: Hamilton Luke, March 15, 1838; Melinda, March 1839; Barrett Sidney, May 24, 1841 and Aques Armour in 1843 before moving to Wisconsin. Robert H. Armour owned land in what is now Suez Township of Mercer County Illinois. Part of the bounty land warrant, 60 acres, they settle on in Mercer County, Illinois he sold it to Tobias Kimmel. The deed warrant # 1552 is dated October 20, 1843 ref: Book E, page 123. They stayed in Illinois for about 7 years before pulling up stakes and moving back to Menomonee Township, Waukesha County Wisconsin not far from Lake Michigan and Sally's brother. In 1836 Wisconsin Territory a new law passed required "squatters" to register their claims or any conflict of claims that year. In 1838-1844 land offices open across the state. An exceptionally sizable proportion of the most valuable lands in Grant, Iowa, La Fayette, Dane, Green, and the west half of Rock and Columbia Counties on August 15, 1836 had passed it from control of government onto speculators. This new law caused a great mass of emigrates "in search for new homes" during the years 1837 and 1838. The land rush laid waste to those counties by speculators. In 1839 six other counties were open to purchase but a new law was enacted to prevent speculation. One of those counties was Waukesha Note: In the 1840 census Roll 62, page 1151 Robert H Armour age was recorded between 20-29 in Mercer County, Illinois with: one male under 5 and three females: one between 60-69, one 20- 29 and one under five. Census index records name as Robert W. Armour. The original record was clearly recorded as Robert H. Armour. Wisconsin became a state in 1848. In the 1850 census page 467B for Menominee, Waukesha, Wisconsin Robert H. Armour age 37 farmer born Pennsylvania and wife Sally age 34 born New York with children: Lucinda 14 (born Pennsylvania), Hamilton 13, Melinda 11, Barrett 9, Agues 7(born in Illinois), Martin 4, Augustus 3, and Harriet 4/12 (born Wisconsin). Note: indexed transcribed wrong in 1850 census...name recorded: Robert A. Aramy. Children names match between censuses and Robert H. Armour name was also clearly written on original documents. Robert H. Armour was first recorded in Menomonee Township in the Wisconsin Territory census on January 1, 1846. Robert invested his money made from the improved Mercer County homestead in new land in Waukesha County, Wisconsin Territory 242 miles away. Robert and family move from Illinois was first recorded in 1846 living in Menomonie Township, Waukesha County, Wisconsin where they had three more children: Martin Reese, June 26, 1846; Augustus Martiollis, October 26, 1847, and Harriet Armour in June of 1849. After the death of his Second wife, Sally, on September 18, 1852 he married Ardelia "Amelia" Pierce on July 6, 1856 in Waukesha County, Wisconsin. She was the sister to, Sally, his Second wife. Amelia, his third wife, had moved to Wisconsin after the death of her husband, Luther Pierce, on May 30, 1854. The marriage record is below. Note: Parents name Robert and Eva Armour and Luke and Polly Wolcott. Robert's birth was Wamn Pa. Correct spelling would be Wampun, but name was pronounced Wamn in the early years. Robert H. Armour was last recorded in Wisconsin in 1855 and then in Rockdale Township, Crawford County, Pennsylvania in 1860 with his new wife Ardelia. On March 11, 1856 in Crawford County, Pennsylvania William Church, his father-in-law and the surviving executor to his younger brothers and sisters was requested by the providers through the Orphans Court to pay the bill for their care. The court so order on March 14, 1856 Robert Hamilton Armour's Uncle James Armour to pay the bill for their care. Robert was a wealthy man and returned to Pennsylvania in that year to help resolve the debt. He settled in Rockdale Township, Crawford County Pennsylvania living near his kinfolk and his new wife's children in Crawford leaving his son Martin with Jesse Price in Menomonie to reconcile property and other matters in Wisconsin. Soon after the 1870 census was taken on July 1, 1870, Amelia, the wife of Robert died. Robert married Harriet Jane Johnson on August 6, 1871in Jefferson County, Illinois. After their marriage they adopt a child named Henry Snickcloth, from foreign born parents. Robert had returns to Jefferson County, Illinois where his son Martin R. Armour was living and on August 2, 1871. In the 1880 census Robert's fourth wife was recorded in Shiloh, Jefferson County, Illinois records: R. H. Armour born Pennsylvania age 66 and wife Harriet J. age 54 born Illinois with adopted daughter Ellen F. Retherford age 13 born Illinois. The census also records his father was born in Ireland and nothing for his mother's place of birth. His mother and father were born in Pennsylvania. A disagreement between censuses is a common error. Plus...Robert was ill and died seven weeks after the census in 1880 was taken. His new wife I'm sure didn't know where his parents were born. The entire censuses from 1850-1870 record Robert's birth in Pennsylvania and in two 1870 censuses validate his parents were not foreign born. The one thing that was evident; Robert was compelled to help orphans. I believe he suffered a great deal in the course of time when his brothers and sisters became orphans, and he couldn't help. (Chart 22) William Church (1778-1861): He was the father-in-law to Robert Hamilton Armour (1813-1880). William Church was born in Connecticut and married Wealthy Palmer born on February 15, 1786 in Connecticut. They were married in Otsego Town, Otsego County, New York in 1802 and had six children: Two boys and four girls: Cyrus (1803-1888); Judge Gaylord (1811-1869); Emily (1807-1885); Sally (1816-1834) and two other daughters. They moved from Otsego County, New York to Sandy Creek, Mercer County, Pennsylvania after the birth of their daughter Sally. William Church was well educated and served in Sandy Creek Township's government: • In 1820: Appraiser for Sandy Creek Township • In 1822-23: Supervisor for Sandy Creek Township • In 1824-26: Overseer for Sandy Creek Township Upon the death Robert Armour on April 23, 1844 William Church was appointed executor over Robert's estate and five orphan minor children, Jane, John, Alexander, Mary, and Margaret. Robert's oldest son Robert Hamilton Armour was married and had moved to Mercer County Illinois in 1837. The Orphan Court appointed John Davison and Hugh Deviney guardians over the children in 1847. William Church was 70 years old and too old to care for them. On March 11, 1856 Hugh Deviney and John Davison, in separate letters, requested the court to discharge them as guardian of the minors and make an order on William Church, surviving executor, to pay them the amount of the annexed bill. All the children were over 18 and considered adults. Mercer court ruled to show cause granted to be served upon James Armour (Robert's younger brother) whom the count appoints to take care of the interest of the ward ... By the court. "Certified from the record this 14 day of March AD 1856, D. W. Findley, clerk." In the 1850 census two of Robert and Eva Marie children can be found. Alexander Armour thirteen years old is recorded on page 301 Sandy Creek Township, Mercer County. Alexander's sister Margaret is living with her stepmother Susana Chess age 77, Uncle John Chess 56 and Aunt Susana 42 years old in the same Township on page 302. Also, in 1860, his third oldest son Martin R. Armour age 14 was living with Jesse Price in Menomonee Township. Martin followed his father to Pennsylvania in 1861 and enlisted in the 83 Pa., Company E. infantry on July 29, 1861 four months after the Civil War started at age 16. Martin was discharged on April 20, 1862 for a disability (shot to the skull) and reenlisted on December 31, 1863 in the 16th Pa. Cavalry as a sergeant and was discharged at the end of the war on July 24, 1865. He married Catharine Harriet Kerr after the war and had two children in Pennsylvania: Delphine in November 1869 and Cora in February 1870. By June 24, 1870 Martin and family were recorded with his father in Jefferson, Illinois. An interesting note in the 1870 census…Robert H. Armour was recorded twice in two locations: On June 24, 1870 census for Mount Vernon, Jefferson County, Illinois records Robert H. Armour farmer born Pennsylvania age 55 and wife Ardilia P. age 53 born Pennsylvania with child Henry Snickcloth age 9 born in Illinois. Both of Henry's parents were recorded foreign born. Robert's son Martin R. Armour (name recorded him as Bartin) an artist by trade was living on his father's land valued at $5000 with his wife Catharine and children Delphine L and Cora L. Armour both born in Pennsylvania. On July 1, 1870 census for Center, Starke County, Indiana records Robert H. Armour a farmer born Pennsylvania age 56 and wife Ardelia aged 56 with child Henry Armour age 9 born Illinois. Robert and Ardelia's parents were not foreign born. The land is valued at $500. Robert and his family traveled 328 miles in 7 days from Illinois "The bulk of new construction on the railroads was during 1850s east-west orientation, providing connections for western travel. By 1856 Indianapolis was connected with St. Louis. In June of the next year a grand excursion from Baltimore to St. Louis celebrated the linking of the two cities via the "American Central Route." Trains of that day could travel at speeds of 15-26 miles an hour. Normally traveling 400 miles, which used to take weeks by horse, was now a two to three-day train ride. Robert H. Armour moved over 300 miles away leaving $5000 valued property to his youngest son Martin and family in 1870 just after the Civil War. Martin was a Pennsylvania Calvary Sergeant returning from the war marrying Catharine Harriet Kerr and having the birth of their first child Delphine November of 1869 and second Cora L. in February 1870 in Pennsylvania and in Illinois by June 24, 1870. Robert Hamilton Armour, I thought at first was a wonderer, but he was an entrepreneur purchasing land and giving it to his children starting from Mercer County Pennsylvania tracking across and living in four states. He died at 67 after his fourth marriage, ten children: eight of his own and two adopted.
Regards, Jacob J Leisle
Please add Bio:
Robert Hamilton Armour (1813-1880): He was the son of Robert Armour (1793-1844) and Eva Marie (Mary) Chess. Robert was born in Wampun, Beaver County (now Lawrence), Pennsylvania during the War of 1812. Wampun Borough, established in 1796, is located South of Mercer County just over the county line. He married on May 2, 1833 a newly arrived Mercer County, Pennsylvania girl named Sally Church born in New York. She was the daughter of William and Wealthy (Palmer) Church. She died soon after their marriage in 1834 or 1835. Robert in 1836 went to Wisconsin where he married another New York girl, Sarah Wolcott from Chautauqua, Chautauqua County, New York on July 6, 1836 in Menomenee, Waukesha, Wisconsin. Why he went to Wisconsin can be explained in the following story. Robert's second wife Sarah or Sally as she went by had a brother named Joseph B. and sister Ardelia Wolcott. Ardelia married Luther Pierce on September 6, 1829 in Jamestown, Chautauqua, New York and had three children with the last one born, Ezra S. Pierce, in New York on November 15, 1835. Luther's family and his wife's brother and sister moved to Pennsylvania in Spring of 1836 and made their home base Concord, Erie County, Pennsylvania. Concord is just across the state line from Crawford County, Pennsylvania. In about the same time frame, Luther acquired another piece of land in Athens Township in Crawford County. The two townships were about ten miles apart. Athens Township was one of the last counties to be formed in Crawford County. Athens was recorded formed in 1829. The area was a gigantic forest that had to be cleared. The recorded history of Athens, Luther Pierce wasn't one of the first settler before 1836. Luther was recorded in the 1840 census in Concord and in 1850 census in Athens. This gives the timeline when Robert Hamilton Armour met Sally Wolcott. Sally and her brother, Joseph Bailey Wolcott, accompanied her sister, Ardelia, and her husband, Luther Pierce, to Pennsylvania from New York. In 1836 Robert Hamilton Armour met Sally Wolcott. Where or how they met in Erie or Crawford, Pennsylvania is not known. They lived about 40 miles apart. On April 20, 1836, the Territory of Wisconsin was organized, and Indians had been removed. A large number of settlers on horseback and wagons traveled to Wisconsin in search of cheap land and opportunity. Joseph B. Wolcott and his sister hit the road soon after arriving in Pennsylvania with Robert H. Armour in tow. It was a fast courtship because two days after Independence Day they were married in Menominee, Wisconsin. By Fall in the same year, Sally was expecting their first child. Menominee was a wilderness and life was hard. They made the decision to return to the civilized world before winter came. We can be sure Sally wanted to be with her sister, Ardelia Pierce, in Pennsylvania with the birth of their first baby. In 1837 the Ho-Chunk Indians refused a treaty with the governor of Wisconsin and an economic depression checked immigration and the only four banks in the Territory failed after Robert and Sally returned to Pennsylvania. They decided not to return to Wisconsin before the mass emigrates into Wisconsin began again in 1838. Robert's father had just warranted a tract of land in Sandy Creek Township in Mercer County, Pennsylvania on April 4, 1837 with money willed to him by his father-in-law John Chess. Robert and Sally's first child, Louisa, was born in Pennsylvania on April 10, 1837. In May 1812, Congress passed an act which set aside lands in Arkansas, Michigan, and Illinois as payment to volunteer soldiers in the War of 1812. Mercer County, Illinois was part of this "Military Tract." Seven years after Illinois became a state, Mercer County was founded. It was formed from unorganized territory near Pike County on January 13, 1825. Mercer County's border west is the Mississippi River running between Illinois and Iowa. Many Indian tribes roamed the area. The Black Hawk War was a brief conflict beginning on May 14, 1832, when the militia opened fire on a delegation from the British Band. Black Hawk responded by attacking the militia force, soundly thrashing them at the Battle of Stillman's Run. He led his band to a secure location in what is now southern Wisconsin. As American forces pursued Black Hawk's band, Native Americans conducted raids against American forts and settlements. By 1835 the native Indians were moved west of the Mississippi River. In the summer of 1835, the Indians still remaining in Illinois staged a magnificent war dance in Chicago, before taking leave of their land. One historian wrote, "With beautiful appropriateness the red man thus celebrated the end of his era. Defeated but defiant, he took up his journey toward the sunset. Over Chicagoland the day of the white man had dawned." (Maps 8 & 9) It was late Summer or late Fall in 1837 when Robert and Sally Wolcott and their daughter Louisa arrived in Mercer County Illinois. They had four more children in Illinois: Hamilton Luke, March 15, 1838; Melinda, March 1839; Barrett Sidney, May 24, 1841 and Aques Armour in 1843 before moving to Wisconsin. Robert H. Armour owned land in what is now Suez Township of Mercer County Illinois. Part of the bounty land warrant, 60 acres, they settle on in Mercer County, Illinois he sold it to Tobias Kimmel. The deed warrant # 1552 is dated October 20, 1843 ref: Book E, page 123. They stayed in Illinois for about 7 years before pulling up stakes and moving back to Menomonee Township, Waukesha County Wisconsin not far from Lake Michigan and Sally's brother. In 1836 Wisconsin Territory a new law passed required "squatters" to register their claims or any conflict of claims that year. In 1838-1844 land offices open across the state. An exceptionally sizable proportion of the most valuable lands in Grant, Iowa, La Fayette, Dane, Green, and the west half of Rock and Columbia Counties on August 15, 1836 had passed it from control of government onto speculators. This new law caused a great mass of emigrates "in search for new homes" during the years 1837 and 1838. The land rush laid waste to those counties by speculators. In 1839 six other counties were open to purchase but a new law was enacted to prevent speculation. One of those counties was Waukesha Note: In the 1840 census Roll 62, page 1151 Robert H Armour age was recorded between 20-29 in Mercer County, Illinois with: one male under 5 and three females: one between 60-69, one 20- 29 and one under five. Census index records name as Robert W. Armour. The original record was clearly recorded as Robert H. Armour. Wisconsin became a state in 1848. In the 1850 census page 467B for Menominee, Waukesha, Wisconsin Robert H. Armour age 37 farmer born Pennsylvania and wife Sally age 34 born New York with children: Lucinda 14 (born Pennsylvania), Hamilton 13, Melinda 11, Barrett 9, Agues 7(born in Illinois), Martin 4, Augustus 3, and Harriet 4/12 (born Wisconsin). Note: indexed transcribed wrong in 1850 census...name recorded: Robert A. Aramy. Children names match between censuses and Robert H. Armour name was also clearly written on original documents. Robert H. Armour was first recorded in Menomonee Township in the Wisconsin Territory census on January 1, 1846. Robert invested his money made from the improved Mercer County homestead in new land in Waukesha County, Wisconsin Territory 242 miles away. Robert and family move from Illinois was first recorded in 1846 living in Menomonie Township, Waukesha County, Wisconsin where they had three more children: Martin Reese, June 26, 1846; Augustus Martiollis, October 26, 1847, and Harriet Armour in June of 1849. After the death of his Second wife, Sally, on September 18, 1852 he married Ardelia "Amelia" Pierce on July 6, 1856 in Waukesha County, Wisconsin. She was the sister to, Sally, his Second wife. Amelia, his third wife, had moved to Wisconsin after the death of her husband, Luther Pierce, on May 30, 1854. The marriage record is below. Note: Parents name Robert and Eva Armour and Luke and Polly Wolcott. Robert's birth was Wamn Pa. Correct spelling would be Wampun, but name was pronounced Wamn in the early years. Robert H. Armour was last recorded in Wisconsin in 1855 and then in Rockdale Township, Crawford County, Pennsylvania in 1860 with his new wife Ardelia. On March 11, 1856 in Crawford County, Pennsylvania William Church, his father-in-law and the surviving executor to his younger brothers and sisters was requested by the providers through the Orphans Court to pay the bill for their care. The court so order on March 14, 1856 Robert Hamilton Armour's Uncle James Armour to pay the bill for their care. Robert was a wealthy man and returned to Pennsylvania in that year to help resolve the debt. He settled in Rockdale Township, Crawford County Pennsylvania living near his kinfolk and his new wife's children in Crawford leaving his son Martin with Jesse Price in Menomonie to reconcile property and other matters in Wisconsin. Soon after the 1870 census was taken on July 1, 1870, Amelia, the wife of Robert died. Robert married Harriet Jane Johnson on August 6, 1871in Jefferson County, Illinois. After their marriage they adopt a child named Henry Snickcloth, from foreign born parents. Robert had returns to Jefferson County, Illinois where his son Martin R. Armour was living and on August 2, 1871. In the 1880 census Robert's fourth wife was recorded in Shiloh, Jefferson County, Illinois records: R. H. Armour born Pennsylvania age 66 and wife Harriet J. age 54 born Illinois with adopted daughter Ellen F. Retherford age 13 born Illinois. The census also records his father was born in Ireland and nothing for his mother's place of birth. His mother and father were born in Pennsylvania. A disagreement between censuses is a common error. Plus...Robert was ill and died seven weeks after the census in 1880 was taken. His new wife I'm sure didn't know where his parents were born. The entire censuses from 1850-1870 record Robert's birth in Pennsylvania and in two 1870 censuses validate his parents were not foreign born. The one thing that was evident; Robert was compelled to help orphans. I believe he suffered a great deal in the course of time when his brothers and sisters became orphans, and he couldn't help. (Chart 22) William Church (1778-1861): He was the father-in-law to Robert Hamilton Armour (1813-1880). William Church was born in Connecticut and married Wealthy Palmer born on February 15, 1786 in Connecticut. They were married in Otsego Town, Otsego County, New York in 1802 and had six children: Two boys and four girls: Cyrus (1803-1888); Judge Gaylord (1811-1869); Emily (1807-1885); Sally (1816-1834) and two other daughters. They moved from Otsego County, New York to Sandy Creek, Mercer County, Pennsylvania after the birth of their daughter Sally. William Church was well educated and served in Sandy Creek Township's government: • In 1820: Appraiser for Sandy Creek Township • In 1822-23: Supervisor for Sandy Creek Township • In 1824-26: Overseer for Sandy Creek Township Upon the death Robert Armour on April 23, 1844 William Church was appointed executor over Robert's estate and five orphan minor children, Jane, John, Alexander, Mary, and Margaret. Robert's oldest son Robert Hamilton Armour was married and had moved to Mercer County Illinois in 1837. The Orphan Court appointed John Davison and Hugh Deviney guardians over the children in 1847. William Church was 70 years old and too old to care for them. On March 11, 1856 Hugh Deviney and John Davison, in separate letters, requested the court to discharge them as guardian of the minors and make an order on William Church, surviving executor, to pay them the amount of the annexed bill. All the children were over 18 and considered adults. Mercer court ruled to show cause granted to be served upon James Armour (Robert's younger brother) whom the count appoints to take care of the interest of the ward ... By the court. "Certified from the record this 14 day of March AD 1856, D. W. Findley, clerk." In the 1850 census two of Robert and Eva Marie children can be found. Alexander Armour thirteen years old is recorded on page 301 Sandy Creek Township, Mercer County. Alexander's sister Margaret is living with her stepmother Susana Chess age 77, Uncle John Chess 56 and Aunt Susana 42 years old in the same Township on page 302. Also, in 1860, his third oldest son Martin R. Armour age 14 was living with Jesse Price in Menomonee Township. Martin followed his father to Pennsylvania in 1861 and enlisted in the 83 Pa., Company E. infantry on July 29, 1861 four months after the Civil War started at age 16. Martin was discharged on April 20, 1862 for a disability (shot to the skull) and reenlisted on December 31, 1863 in the 16th Pa. Cavalry as a sergeant and was discharged at the end of the war on July 24, 1865. He married Catharine Harriet Kerr after the war and had two children in Pennsylvania: Delphine in November 1869 and Cora in February 1870. By June 24, 1870 Martin and family were recorded with his father in Jefferson, Illinois. An interesting note in the 1870 census…Robert H. Armour was recorded twice in two locations: On June 24, 1870 census for Mount Vernon, Jefferson County, Illinois records Robert H. Armour farmer born Pennsylvania age 55 and wife Ardilia P. age 53 born Pennsylvania with child Henry Snickcloth age 9 born in Illinois. Both of Henry's parents were recorded foreign born. Robert's son Martin R. Armour (name recorded him as Bartin) an artist by trade was living on his father's land valued at $5000 with his wife Catharine and children Delphine L and Cora L. Armour both born in Pennsylvania. On July 1, 1870 census for Center, Starke County, Indiana records Robert H. Armour a farmer born Pennsylvania age 56 and wife Ardelia aged 56 with child Henry Armour age 9 born Illinois. Robert and Ardelia's parents were not foreign born. The land is valued at $500. Robert and his family traveled 328 miles in 7 days from Illinois "The bulk of new construction on the railroads was during 1850s east-west orientation, providing connections for western travel. By 1856 Indianapolis was connected with St. Louis. In June of the next year a grand excursion from Baltimore to St. Louis celebrated the linking of the two cities via the "American Central Route." Trains of that day could travel at speeds of 15-26 miles an hour. Normally traveling 400 miles, which used to take weeks by horse, was now a two to three-day train ride. Robert H. Armour moved over 300 miles away leaving $5000 valued property to his youngest son Martin and family in 1870 just after the Civil War. Martin was a Pennsylvania Calvary Sergeant returning from the war marrying Catharine Harriet Kerr and having the birth of their first child Delphine November of 1869 and second Cora L. in February 1870 in Pennsylvania and in Illinois by June 24, 1870. Robert Hamilton Armour, I thought at first was a wonderer, but he was an entrepreneur purchasing land and giving it to his children starting from Mercer County Pennsylvania tracking across and living in four states. He died at 67 after his fourth marriage, ten children: eight of his own and two adopted.
Regards, Jacob J Leisle
Robert Hamilton Armour (1813-1880): He was the son of Robert Armour (1793-1844) and Eva Marie (Mary) Chess. Robert was born in Wampun, Beaver County (now Lawrence), Pennsylvania during the War of 1812. Wampun Borough, established in 1796, is located South of Mercer County just over the county line. He married on May 2, 1833 a newly arrived Mercer County, Pennsylvania girl named Sally Church born in New York. She was the daughter of William and Wealthy (Palmer) Church. She died soon after their marriage in 1834 or 1835. Robert in 1836 went to Wisconsin where he married another New York girl, Sarah Wolcott from Chautauqua, Chautauqua County, New York on July 6, 1836 in Menomenee, Waukesha, Wisconsin. Why he went to Wisconsin can be explained in the following story. Robert's second wife Sarah or Sally as she went by had a brother named Joseph B. and sister Ardelia Wolcott. Ardelia married Luther Pierce on September 6, 1829 in Jamestown, Chautauqua, New York and had three children with the last one born, Ezra S. Pierce, in New York on November 15, 1835. Luther's family and his wife's brother and sister moved to Pennsylvania in Spring of 1836 and made their home base Concord, Erie County, Pennsylvania. Concord is just across the state line from Crawford County, Pennsylvania. In about the same time frame, Luther acquired another piece of land in Athens Township in Crawford County. The two townships were about ten miles apart. Athens Township was one of the last counties to be formed in Crawford County. Athens was recorded formed in 1829. The area was a gigantic forest that had to be cleared. The recorded history of Athens, Luther Pierce wasn't one of the first settler before 1836. Luther was recorded in the 1840 census in Concord and in 1850 census in Athens. This gives the timeline when Robert Hamilton Armour met Sally Wolcott. Sally and her brother, Joseph Bailey Wolcott, accompanied her sister, Ardelia, and her husband, Luther Pierce, to Pennsylvania from New York. In 1836 Robert Hamilton Armour met Sally Wolcott. Where or how they met in Erie or Crawford, Pennsylvania is not known. They lived about 40 miles apart. On April 20, 1836, the Territory of Wisconsin was organized, and Indians had been removed. A large number of settlers on horseback and wagons traveled to Wisconsin in search of cheap land and opportunity. Joseph B. Wolcott and his sister hit the road soon after arriving in Pennsylvania with Robert H. Armour in tow. It was a fast courtship because two days after Independence Day they were married in Menominee, Wisconsin. By Fall in the same year, Sally was expecting their first child. Menominee was a wilderness and life was hard. They made the decision to return to the civilized world before winter came. We can be sure Sally wanted to be with her sister, Ardelia Pierce, in Pennsylvania with the birth of their first baby. In 1837 the Ho-Chunk Indians refused a treaty with the governor of Wisconsin and an economic depression checked immigration and the only four banks in the Territory failed after Robert and Sally returned to Pennsylvania. They decided not to return to Wisconsin before the mass emigrates into Wisconsin began again in 1838. Robert's father had just warranted a tract of land in Sandy Creek Township in Mercer County, Pennsylvania on April 4, 1837 with money willed to him by his father-in-law John Chess. Robert and Sally's first child, Louisa, was born in Pennsylvania on April 10, 1837. In May 1812, Congress passed an act which set aside lands in Arkansas, Michigan, and Illinois as payment to volunteer soldiers in the War of 1812. Mercer County, Illinois was part of this "Military Tract." Seven years after Illinois became a state, Mercer County was founded. It was formed from unorganized territory near Pike County on January 13, 1825. Mercer County's border west is the Mississippi River running between Illinois and Iowa. Many Indian tribes roamed the area. The Black Hawk War was a brief conflict beginning on May 14, 1832, when the militia opened fire on a delegation from the British Band. Black Hawk responded by attacking the militia force, soundly thrashing them at the Battle of Stillman's Run. He led his band to a secure location in what is now southern Wisconsin. As American forces pursued Black Hawk's band, Native Americans conducted raids against American forts and settlements. By 1835 the native Indians were moved west of the Mississippi River. In the summer of 1835, the Indians still remaining in Illinois staged a magnificent war dance in Chicago, before taking leave of their land. One historian wrote, "With beautiful appropriateness the red man thus celebrated the end of his era. Defeated but defiant, he took up his journey toward the sunset. Over Chicagoland the day of the white man had dawned." (Maps 8 & 9) It was late Summer or late Fall in 1837 when Robert and Sally Wolcott and their daughter Louisa arrived in Mercer County Illinois. They had four more children in Illinois: Hamilton Luke, March 15, 1838; Melinda, March 1839; Barrett Sidney, May 24, 1841 and Aques Armour in 1843 before moving to Wisconsin. Robert H. Armour owned land in what is now Suez Township of Mercer County Illinois. Part of the bounty land warrant, 60 acres, they settle on in Mercer County, Illinois he sold it to Tobias Kimmel. The deed warrant # 1552 is dated October 20, 1843 ref: Book E, page 123. They stayed in Illinois for about 7 years before pulling up stakes and moving back to Menomonee Township, Waukesha County Wisconsin not far from Lake Michigan and Sally's brother. In 1836 Wisconsin Territory a new law passed required "squatters" to register their claims or any conflict of claims that year. In 1838-1844 land offices open across the state. An exceptionally sizable proportion of the most valuable lands in Grant, Iowa, La Fayette, Dane, Green, and the west half of Rock and Columbia Counties on August 15, 1836 had passed it from control of government onto speculators. This new law caused a great mass of emigrates "in search for new homes" during the years 1837 and 1838. The land rush laid waste to those counties by speculators. In 1839 six other counties were open to purchase but a new law was enacted to prevent speculation. One of those counties was Waukesha Note: In the 1840 census Roll 62, page 1151 Robert H Armour age was recorded between 20-29 in Mercer County, Illinois with: one male under 5 and three females: one between 60-69, one 20- 29 and one under five. Census index records name as Robert W. Armour. The original record was clearly recorded as Robert H. Armour. Wisconsin became a state in 1848. In the 1850 census page 467B for Menominee, Waukesha, Wisconsin Robert H. Armour age 37 farmer born Pennsylvania and wife Sally age 34 born New York with children: Lucinda 14 (born Pennsylvania), Hamilton 13, Melinda 11, Barrett 9, Agues 7(born in Illinois), Martin 4, Augustus 3, and Harriet 4/12 (born Wisconsin). Note: indexed transcribed wrong in 1850 census...name recorded: Robert A. Aramy. Children names match between censuses and Robert H. Armour name was also clearly written on original documents. Robert H. Armour was first recorded in Menomonee Township in the Wisconsin Territory census on January 1, 1846. Robert invested his money made from the improved Mercer County homestead in new land in Waukesha County, Wisconsin Territory 242 miles away. Robert and family move from Illinois was first recorded in 1846 living in Menomonie Township, Waukesha County, Wisconsin where they had three more children: Martin Reese, June 26, 1846; Augustus Martiollis, October 26, 1847, and Harriet Armour in June of 1849. After the death of his Second wife, Sally, on September 18, 1852 he married Ardelia "Amelia" Pierce on July 6, 1856 in Waukesha County, Wisconsin. She was the sister to, Sally, his Second wife. Amelia, his third wife, had moved to Wisconsin after the death of her husband, Luther Pierce, on May 30, 1854. The marriage record is below. Note: Parents name Robert and Eva Armour and Luke and Polly Wolcott. Robert's birth was Wamn Pa. Correct spelling would be Wampun, but name was pronounced Wamn in the early years. Robert H. Armour was last recorded in Wisconsin in 1855 and then in Rockdale Township, Crawford County, Pennsylvania in 1860 with his new wife Ardelia. On March 11, 1856 in Crawford County, Pennsylvania William Church, his father-in-law and the surviving executor to his younger brothers and sisters was requested by the providers through the Orphans Court to pay the bill for their care. The court so order on March 14, 1856 Robert Hamilton Armour's Uncle James Armour to pay the bill for their care. Robert was a wealthy man and returned to Pennsylvania in that year to help resolve the debt. He settled in Rockdale Township, Crawford County Pennsylvania living near his kinfolk and his new wife's children in Crawford leaving his son Martin with Jesse Price in Menomonie to reconcile property and other matters in Wisconsin. Soon after the 1870 census was taken on July 1, 1870, Amelia, the wife of Robert died. Robert married Harriet Jane Johnson on August 6, 1871in Jefferson County, Illinois. After their marriage they adopt a child named Henry Snickcloth, from foreign born parents. Robert had returns to Jefferson County, Illinois where his son Martin R. Armour was living and on August 2, 1871. In the 1880 census Robert's fourth wife was recorded in Shiloh, Jefferson County, Illinois records: R. H. Armour born Pennsylvania age 66 and wife Harriet J. age 54 born Illinois with adopted daughter Ellen F. Retherford age 13 born Illinois. The census also records his father was born in Ireland and nothing for his mother's place of birth. His mother and father were born in Pennsylvania. A disagreement between censuses is a common error. Plus...Robert was ill and died seven weeks after the census in 1880 was taken. His new wife I'm sure didn't know where his parents were born. The entire censuses from 1850-1870 record Robert's birth in Pennsylvania and in two 1870 censuses validate his parents were not foreign born. The one thing that was evident; Robert was compelled to help orphans. I believe he suffered a great deal in the course of time when his brothers and sisters became orphans, and he couldn't help. (Chart 22) William Church (1778-1861): He was the father-in-law to Robert Hamilton Armour (1813-1880). William Church was born in Connecticut and married Wealthy Palmer born on February 15, 1786 in Connecticut. They were married in Otsego Town, Otsego County, New York in 1802 and had six children: Two boys and four girls: Cyrus (1803-1888); Judge Gaylord (1811-1869); Emily (1807-1885); Sally (1816-1834) and two other daughters. They moved from Otsego County, New York to Sandy Creek, Mercer County, Pennsylvania after the birth of their daughter Sally. William Church was well educated and served in Sandy Creek Township's government: • In 1820: Appraiser for Sandy Creek Township • In 1822-23: Supervisor for Sandy Creek Township • In 1824-26: Overseer for Sandy Creek Township Upon the death Robert Armour on April 23, 1844 William Church was appointed executor over Robert's estate and five orphan minor children, Jane, John, Alexander, Mary, and Margaret. Robert's oldest son Robert Hamilton Armour was married and had moved to Mercer County Illinois in 1837. The Orphan Court appointed John Davison and Hugh Deviney guardians over the children in 1847. William Church was 70 years old and too old to care for them. On March 11, 1856 Hugh Deviney and John Davison, in separate letters, requested the court to discharge them as guardian of the minors and make an order on William Church, surviving executor, to pay them the amount of the annexed bill. All the children were over 18 and considered adults. Mercer court ruled to show cause granted to be served upon James Armour (Robert's younger brother) whom the count appoints to take care of the interest of the ward ... By the court. "Certified from the record this 14 day of March AD 1856, D. W. Findley, clerk." In the 1850 census two of Robert and Eva Marie children can be found. Alexander Armour thirteen years old is recorded on page 301 Sandy Creek Township, Mercer County. Alexander's sister Margaret is living with her stepmother Susana Chess age 77, Uncle John Chess 56 and Aunt Susana 42 years old in the same Township on page 302. Also, in 1860, his third oldest son Martin R. Armour age 14 was living with Jesse Price in Menomonee Township. Martin followed his father to Pennsylvania in 1861 and enlisted in the 83 Pa., Company E. infantry on July 29, 1861 four months after the Civil War started at age 16. Martin was discharged on April 20, 1862 for a disability (shot to the skull) and reenlisted on December 31, 1863 in the 16th Pa. Cavalry as a sergeant and was discharged at the end of the war on July 24, 1865. He married Catharine Harriet Kerr after the war and had two children in Pennsylvania: Delphine in November 1869 and Cora in February 1870. By June 24, 1870 Martin and family were recorded with his father in Jefferson, Illinois. An interesting note in the 1870 census…Robert H. Armour was recorded twice in two locations: On June 24, 1870 census for Mount Vernon, Jefferson County, Illinois records Robert H. Armour farmer born Pennsylvania age 55 and wife Ardilia P. age 53 born Pennsylvania with child Henry Snickcloth age 9 born in Illinois. Both of Henry's parents were recorded foreign born. Robert's son Martin R. Armour (name recorded him as Bartin) an artist by trade was living on his father's land valued at $5000 with his wife Catharine and children Delphine L and Cora L. Armour both born in Pennsylvania. On July 1, 1870 census for Center, Starke County, Indiana records Robert H. Armour a farmer born Pennsylvania age 56 and wife Ardelia aged 56 with child Henry Armour age 9 born Illinois. Robert and Ardelia's parents were not foreign born. The land is valued at $500. Robert and his family traveled 328 miles in 7 days from Illinois "The bulk of new construction on the railroads was during 1850s east-west orientation, providing connections for western travel. By 1856 Indianapolis was connected with St. Louis. In June of the next year a grand excursion from Baltimore to St. Louis celebrated the linking of the two cities via the "American Central Route." Trains of that day could travel at speeds of 15-26 miles an hour. Normally traveling 400 miles, which used to take weeks by horse, was now a two to three-day train ride. Robert H. Armour moved over 300 miles away leaving $5000 valued property to his youngest son Martin and family in 1870 just after the Civil War. Martin was a Pennsylvania Calvary Sergeant returning from the war marrying Catharine Harriet Kerr and having the birth of their first child Delphine November of 1869 and second Cora L. in February 1870 in Pennsylvania and in Illinois by June 24, 1870. Robert Hamilton Armour, I thought at first was a wonderer, but he was an entrepreneur purchasing land and giving it to his children starting from Mercer County Pennsylvania tracking across and living in four states. He died at 67 after his fourth marriage, ten children: eight of his own and two adopted.
Regards, Jacob J Leisle
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