Page 55 - Armstrong Bloodline - ebook_Neat

Sutherland, pastor of the Chelsea Congregational Church, conducted the service. Burial at Oak Grove cemetery.

The Masonic services were conducted at the grave. Those who attended the services from out-of-town were R. M. Heath of
Wahosha, Wic (probably Wakosha, Wisconsin), Mr. & Mrs. A. E. Fletcher of Jackson, Mrs. C. J. Depew of Parelton, PA, Mr. &
Mrs. Paul Taylor of Pontiac, Dr. & Mrs. J. H. Frost of Ann Arbor, MI and Mrs. Seymour Godfrey of Parma and a number of the
members of the Cavanaugh Lake Association.

Rolla is a prominent figure in the Armstrong family as it was he who took in his older sister, Sarah, and her two
daughters some years after her husband was killed in the Civil War. It was also Rolla who became the guardian
of Alva's four children when he died. Rolla was a compassionate, highly educated and well-respected man, held
in high esteem by his family and friends.

Rolla also served for a time as the mayor of Chelsea, and it is said that his picture can still be seen on the wall at
Chelsea City Hall. 9, CR-7 As mentioned in the previous chapter, the Masons were an important part of his and his
son, Howard’s lives. In fact, Howard’s Masonic sword has been handed down to one of his grandsons. Howard’s
granddaughter 9, CR-10 also passed on the following tidbit – “My grandmother, Edna Seely Armstrong, was known
as Bompy. She really didn't have an interest in genealogy other than to be the keeper of family stuff. I am not
sure who had given her the Armstrong "family tree" but she also had one for the Goodell's (Howard's mother's
family). I think it actually may have been Howard who had an interest in genealogy, but I am only guessing.”

His son, Ransom Sidney, was a graduate of the University of Michigan,
receiving his degree from the college of Pharmacy in 1894. Cousin Kaye
Powell's father, John Rolla, was close to his Uncle Ransom, and recalls several
conversations with him. For example, Ransom once told him that the
Armstrong's originally came from Ireland to New Jersey (which is a new source
to explore), and then migrated to the Green Mountains of Vermont.
Apparently Ransom had gone to visit the old home place in Vermont and had

Photo From Left to Right: told John of the tunnel that went from the barn to the family house that
Charles Miller?; J. B. allowed for passage in some comfort during the snow and cold of winter.
Armstrong, Jr.; Ransom S. Ransom Sidney Armstrong served with the Medical Corps in WWII, and was
Armstrong – photo taken killed in an automobile accident in Chelsea in 1939.
in Chelsea, Michigan

Rolla Silas' daughter, Effa (Mrs. Ernest Dancer) also attended the University of Michigan during the 1896-1897
timeframe and was later a teacher in Chelsea, MI. Jerome Bernard Armstrong (son of Rolla's oldest brother
Jerome Bonaparte) also stayed with Rolla for a time and attended the University of Michigan at the same time
as Effa. However, he did not graduate as his father was getting old and he had to return to Iowa to run his
father's seed business.

References of interest for Rolla:

77
The Armstrong Family - Location of Graves
151
David W. Armstrong and Family, Church of the Latter Day Saints, LDS Archive Record
182
The Diary of Howard Goodell Armstrong, Chelsea, MI, 1896 – 1899, transcribed by Judy (Armstrong)
Walgren; Introduction written and photos added by Dennis Armstrong; this reference will be shown
whenever the family member(s) referenced is mentioned by name. [Papa, Mamma and siblings
Ransom, Effa and Arthur]
192
Death Certificates for Rolla Silas and Eliza Goodell Armstrong
193
Rolla S Armstrong and family burial information received from Virginia Armstrong

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