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name is listed as Edward, a name which we will see again. Unfortunately, he was never able to provide
references to support his claim, and the final couple of generations prior to our Martin are tenuous to say the
least 31 – see the final two charts for William & Edward . While we have no proof of a family linkage, it does add to the increasing
volume of evidence that keeps pointing us back to Ireland. I also received several other ACA data sheets
descending through Christie’s Will and Edward from the Border that contained information that matched up
fairly well with cousin Glenda’s information below and which contained extensive pedigree and narrative
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information relative to the Scot-Irish of the era, some of which I will reference again later .

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The final piece of family folklore I include in this chapter was contributed by Cousin Glenda Kleppin who
uncovered the following narrative through her branch of the family. She says “The source of this handwritten
history is unknown. It was in the possession of Rolla S. Armstrong, my grandfather, who died in 1952. Based on
a comparison of handwriting on postcards in my possession, this family history was NOT written by Lillian
Depew or her son Harlan Depew.

The Armstrong Family

Siward - the Strong Arm - was the first known member of the
family. He lived at Tynedale which is located near New Castle on
the river tyne. His coat of arms is below. [The shield is roughly
rectangular, wider than tall. The top edge is composed of
approximately equal parts, the outside two shaped as
approximately 1/4 of a circle, and the two inside parts as two half
circles. Along the top of the shield is the lettering: Biget bye LANC
ARMSTRONG. The center of the shield is an arm. The shield also
contains one or more acorn, a sword, and the date 1559]
Whithaugh Castle, Chronicles of the
Armstrong, Page 37
The shield was made of bear skin on oak. Siward was as strong and sturdy as an oak, hence the acorn. All
Armstrongs have strong muscular arms hence the arm. Siward was an expert with his sword, hence the sword.

There were four sons and they are the roots of the family. From these four sons came seven sons which gave
the seven branches of the family. This is the family symbol representing the four roots and the seven branches.
It was used as a family trademark. [Drawing with four "roots" pointed down and seven "branches" pointed up].

Our branch of the family came from Siward's son Christopher. The branch was Christopher's son William. Mac
Cauleys History of England tells the story of the bravery of Willie Armstrong. When William the Norman
conquered England, the Armstrong clan stopped him at Northumberland. A cross was erected here and the
peace terms stated that this cross marks the far decline of England and the Armstrong clan and their
descendants would never have to pay tribute to the King of England.

The Armstrong clan had four hundred of the finest fighters. They were noted for their superior physical
endurance and for their unusual mental alertness. The clan was noted for their industry. They owned many
cattle, with mills and granaries. The family castle and burying ground was at Maingertoun [sp] where there
remains the shell of the old castle and the monuments built for members of the family.

The Armstrong men were noted for their eloquence. They were very musical, had good voices, and wrote their
own ballads. These ballads have been recorded in "A Collection of Old Ballads" printed in 1728.

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