Richard L. Armstrong




Richard L. Armstrong was born January 28, 1848, in Oswego Co., NY, and died August 24, 1920, at Washington Veterans Home, Retsil, Kitsap Co., WA, at age 72. Buried in Washington Veterans Home Cemetery, Retsil, Kitsap Co., WA. He is the son of Samuel Bolton Armstrong of Edwardsburgh, Canada West, and Mary Feavel of New York. Served in Co. C, 49th Wisconsin Infantry.

Elizabeth M. "Lyda" Seager was born March 20, 1857, in Cascade, Adams Co., WI, and died March 11, 1930, in Kentucky, at age 98. She is the daughter of George William Seager of Phelps, Ontario Co., NY, and Jael Martha Sackett of Ohio. George died from disease in the Civil War in 1865.

Sarah Eugenia Seager was born December 12, 1858, in Grand Marsh, Adams Co., WI.

Richard L. Armstrong and Elizabeth M. "Lyda" Seager were married July 12, 1873, in Baraboo, Sauk Co., WI.

Richard L. Armstrong and Elizabeth M. "Lyda" (Seager) Armstrong had no children.

Richard L. Armstrong and Elizabeth M. "Lyda" (Seager) Armstrong were divorced Thursday, December 15, 1881, in Grand Rapids, Wood Co., WI.

Richard L. Armstrong then married Hannah Helen (Wallace) Wagner.

Hannah Helen Wallace was born August 10, 1845, in Wheelock, Caledonia Co., VT, and died January 18, 1933, in Albion, Whitman Co., WA, at age 87. Buried in Albion Cemetery (Guy Cemetery), Albion, Whitman Co., WA. She is the daughter of Samuel Wallace of Holderness, Grafton Co., NH, and Martha Woodman, of Wheelock, Caledonia Co., VT.

Julius B. Wagner was born Unknown in Prussia, and died about 1872 in Wisconsin. He is the son of Unknown.

Julius B. Wagner and Hannah Helen Wallace were married about 1872 in Wisconsin.

Julius B. Wagner and Hannah Helen (Wallace) Wagner had one child:

  1. Ernest William Wagner: Born September 5, 1873, in Waterloo, Jefferson Co., WI; Died August 28, 1961, in Bellingham, Whatcom Co., WA (age 87). Buried in Rosalia IOOF Evergreen Cemetery, Rosalia, Whitman Co., WA. Graduated from the Law School of the University of Michigan in 1903. Married September 21, 1900, in Spokane, Spokane Co., WA, to Minnie Ellen Harris: Born March 31, 1876, in Fairfield, Wayne Co.,  IL; Died November 4, 1962, in Bellingham, Whatcom Co., WA (age 86). Buried in Rosalia IOOF Evergreen Cemetery, Rosalia, Whitman Co., WA.

Richard L. Armstrong and Hannah Helen (Wallace) Wagner were married January 1, 1883, in Milladore, Wood Co., WI.

Richard L. Armstrong and Hannah Helen (Wallace) (Wagner) Armstrong had two children:

  1. George Charles Armstrong: Born August 25, 1884, near Steptoe Post Office, Whitman Co., Washington Territory; Died February 27, 1954, in Coos Co., OR (age 69). Lived in Pullman, Whitman Co., WA, in 1917 and was an Auto Mechanic. His parents were living in Champion, Alberta, Canada. Married about 1917 in Unknown to Nannie Louise (Unknown) Unknown: Born about 1877 in Kansas; Died January 12, 1951, in Coos Co., OR (about age 74). Living in Bunker Hill, Coos Co., OR, in 1930.
  2. Edith May Armstrong: Born May 16, 1888, in Oakesdale, Whitman Co., Washington Territory; Died January 10, 1973, in Hoquiam, Grays Harbor Co., WA (age 84). Buried in Albion Cemetery, Albion, Whitman Co., WA. Married May 8, 1907, in Whitman Hotel, Colfax, Whitman Co., WA, to Jhalmer John "Elmer" Isaacson: Born March 30, 1888, in Pullman, Whitman Co., Washington Territory; Died May 27, 1953, in Albion, Whitman Co., WA (age 65). Buried in Albion Cemetery, Albion, Whitman Co., WA. His parents: Carl John "Charles" Isaacson of Vadso, Finnmark, Norway, and Margrethe "Margaret" Winters? of Kaafiord, Finmark, Norway.  Edith Armstrong is Jim Sweeny's grandmother. Ernest Johannes Sweeney was born March 17, 1905, in Latimer, Franklin Co., IA, and died April 13, 1981, in Woodburn, Marion Co., OR. Buried in Albion Cemetery, Albion, Whitman Co., WA. Beryl Marguerite Isaacson was born June 13, 1910, in Barons, Alberta, Canada, and died July 15, 1973, in Woodburn, Marion Co., OR. Buried in Albion Cemetery, Albion, Whitman Co., WA.

Elizabeth M. "Lyda" (Seager) Armstrong then married Luther Ray Parker.

Luther Ray Parker was born July, 1851, in Steuben Co., NY, and died March, 1932, in Lyons, Sauk Co., WI, at age 80. Buried in Baraboo, Sauk Co., WI. He is the son of William Parker, and Sarah "Sallie" Rude.

Anna Mary Stolta was born Unknown, and died Unknown, at age Unknown. She is the daughter of Henry Stolta of Unknown, and Dora Meyer of Germany.

Luther Ray Parker and Anna Mary Stolta were married December 30, 1889, in the City of Baraboo, Sauk Co., WI.

Luther Ray Parker (a widower), and Elizabeth M. "Lyda" (Seager) Armstrong, a divorcee, were married February 26, 1903, in Sauk Co., WI.

Luther Ray Parker and Elizabeth M. "Lyda" (Seager) (Armstrong) Parker had no children.

Luther Ray Parker and Elizabeth M. "Lyda" (Seager) (Armstrong) Parker were divorced 1920 - 1930 in Sauk Co., WI.




TIMELINE


Richard L. Armstrong is buried in buried in Washington Veterans Home Cemetery, Retsil, Kitsap Co., WA. Thanks to Find-A-Grave for making this image available.


Hannah Helen (Wallace) Armstrong is buried in Albion Cemetery, Albion, Whitman Co., WA. Thanks to Find-A-Grave for making this image available.


Hannah Helen Wallace was born August 10, 1845, in Wheelock, Caledonia Co., VT.


Hannah Helen Wallace birth record.


Richard L. Armstrong was born January 28, 1848, in Oswego Co., NY.

The 1850 U. S. Census taken on August 16, 1850, shows Samuel Armstrong (age 24) born in Canada, is a Brickmaker, and is living in Hounsfield, Jefferson Co., NY. Living with him are: Mary Armstrong (age 22) born in Canada; Richard W. Armstrong (age 3) born in New York; and Geo. L. Armstrong (age 5/12) born in New York. Living in an adjacent house are: Thomas Favel (age 58) born in England, a Laborer; Margaret Favel (age 61) born in England; Celia Page (age 19) born in Canada; David Page (ages 19) born in Canada; and William Page (age 1) born in New York.

The 1850 U. S. Census taken on August 31, 1850, shows Ira W. Jones (age 55) born in Connecticut, is a Boatman and is living in the City of Utica, Oneida Co., NY. Living with him are: M. J. Jones (age 23) born in New York; Leroy Jones (age 20) born in New York, a Boatman; Electa Jones (age 13) born in New York; Eliza Jones (age 11) born in New York; and Delia Jones (age 9) born in New York.

The 1855 New York State Census taken on June 22, 1855, shows Samuel B. Armstrong (age 39) born in Canada, and having lived in this town for one year, is a widowed Farmer, and living in a frame house, Town of Hannibal, Oswego Co., NY. Living with him are: Richard Armstrong (age 7) born in Oswego Co., NY, and having lived in this town for one year; George Armstrong (age 5) born in Jefferson Co., NY, and having lived in this town for one year; his widowed mother, Mary Armstrong (age 55) born in Canada, and having lived in this town for one year; his unmarried brother, George Armstrong (age 19) born in Canada, and having lived in this town for one year, a Labourer; his brother, James A. Armstrong (age 12) born in Canada, and having lived in this town for one year; and his adopted sister, Jane Armstrong (age 3) born in Oswego Co., NY, and having lived in this town for one year.

Elizabeth M. "Lyda" Seager was born March 20, 1857, in Cascade, Adams Co., WI.

The 1860 U. S. Census taken on July 6, 1860, shows George W. Seagur (age 27) born in New York, and with real estate of $25 and Personal Estate of $25 is living in Richfield, Adams Co., WI. Living with him are: Jane Seagur (age 21) born in Ohio; Elizabeth M. Seagur (age 3) born in Wisconsin; and Eugena S. Seagur (age 1) born in Wisconsin.

The 1860 U. S. Census taken on August 18, 1860, shows Samuel Wallace (age 59) born in New Hampshire, and with real estate of $800 and personal estate of $200 is a Farmer, and is living in Lake Mills, Jefferson Co., WI. Living with him are: Martha Wallace (age 50) born in New Hampshire; and Hellen Wallace (age 12) born in Vermont.

The 1870 U. S. Census taken on August 4, 1870, shows Richard Armstrong (age 22) born in New York, is a Wood Farmer, and is living in the William Kinnamon household, Baraboo, Sauk Co., WI.

The 1870 U. S. Census taken on July 18, 1870, shows Sam Wallace (age 69) born in New Hampshire, and with personal estate of $600 is a Laborer, and is living in Portland, Dodge Co., WI. Living with him are: Martha Wallace (age 59) born in Vermont, who is Keeping House; and a minister and his family.

The 1870 U. S. Census taken on July 1, 1870, shows William Soules (age 46) born in Canada, and with real estate of $1,500 and personal estate of $200 is a Carpenter, and is living in the 2nd Ward, City of Portage, Columbia Co., WI. Living with him are: his wife, Jael Soules (age 30) born in Ohio ; Nancy A. Soules (age 15) born in Wisconsin, who Works Out; Leander Soules (age 13) born in Wisconsin; Lida Segar (age 13) born in Wisconsin; Sarah Segar (age 10) born in Wisconsin; Franklin Segar (age 9) born in Wisconsin; William Segar (age 7) born in Wisconsin; William Soles (age 4) born in Wisconsin; and Emma Soles (age 1) born in Wisconsin.

Julius B. Wagner and Hannah Helen Wallace were married about 1872 in Wisconsin.

Julius B. Wagner died about 1873 in Wisconsin.

Richard L. Armstrong and Elizabeth M. "Lyda" Seager were married July 12, 1873, in Baraboo, Sauk Co., WI.

Ernest William Wagner was born September 5, 1873, in Waterloo, Jefferson Co., WI.


The Wood County Reporter, Wisconsin Rapids, Wood Co., WI, Thursday, October 23, 1879

Conveyances.

Deeds received for recording during the week ending Saturday, Oct. 11:

Wood Co. to Richard Armstrong, 80 acres at $10;

Wood Co. to Robert Houghton, 80 acres at $10;


The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 17, 1880, shows William Soules (age 57) born in Canada to England and Vermont-born parents, is a married Carpenter, and is living in the Village of Baraboo, Sauk Co., WI. Living with him are: his wife, Jael Soules (age 40) born in Ohio to Canada and England-born parents, a Dressmaker; his son, Wilmott Soules (age 14) born in Wisconsin to Canada and Ohio-born parents; his daughter, Emma Soules (age 11) born in Wisconsin to Canada and Ohio-born parents; his daughter, Carrie Soules (age 8) born in Wisconsin to Canada and Ohio-born parents; his divorced step-daughter, Lidy Armstrong (age 22) born in Wisconsin to New York and Ohio-born parents, who is Keeping House; and his unmarried step-son, George F. Seger (age 18) born in Wisconsin to New York and Ohio-born parents, an Apprentice Stone Mason.

The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 3, 1880, shows Samuel Armstrong (age 57) born in Canada to New York-born parents, who has been disabled for 6 months with liver problems, is a married Farmer, and is living in Rudolph Twp., Wood Co., WI. Living with him are: his wife, Lois Armstrong (age 49) born in Michigan to Ohio and New York-born parents, who is Keeping House; his step-daughter, Floy Wiser (age 12) both born in Wisconsin to New York and Michigan-born parents; his step-son, Fred Wiser (age 10), born in Wisconsin to New York and Michigan-born parents; his daughter, Cora Armstrong (age 13) born in Wisconsin to New York-born parents; his son, Harry Armstrong (age 11) born in Wisconsin to New York-born parents; his son, Ira Armstrong (age 9) born in Wisconsin to New York-born parents; and his married son, Richard Armstrong (age 31) born in New York to New York-born parents, a Farmer.

Richard L. Armstrong and Elizabeth M. "Lyda" (Seager) Armstrong were divorced Thursday, December 15, 1881, in Grand Rapids, Wood Co., WI.


The Wood County Reporter, Grand Rapids, Wood Co., WI, Thursday, December 15, 1881

CIRCUIT COURT CASES.

The following is the  list of cases disposed of at the present term of court, which adjourned to-day:

Richard Armstrong vs. Lyda Armstrong - Decree for divorce signed.


Richard L. Armstrong and Hannah Helen (Wallace) Wagner were married January 1, 1883, in Milladore, Wood Co., WI.


Richard Armstrong's early land patents in Whitman Co., WA.


The 1887 Washington Territory Census dated the first Monday in April, 1887, shows George Armstrong (age 35) born in Canada, is a married Farmer, and is living in Whitman, Washington Territory. Living with him are: a married female, Mary Armstrong (age 32) born in New York; Ray Armstrong (age 10) born in Wisconsin; Maud Armstrong (age 7) born in Wisconsin; Richard Armstrong (age 40) born in New York, a married Farmer, a married female, Helen Armstrong (age 38) born in Vermont; and George Armstrong (age 2) born in Washington Territory.

The 1889 Washington Territory Census dated the first Monday in April, 1889, shows J. W. Armstrong (age 37) born in Canada, is a married Farmer, and is living in Whitman Co., Washington Territory. Living with him are: a married female, Mary Armstrong (age 36) born in New York; Raymond Armstrong (age 13) born in Wisconsin; Maud Armstrong (age 10) born in Wisconsin; a married male, Robt. Houghton (age 57) born in England; a married female, Eliza Houghton (age 57) born in England; an unmarried male, Chas. Houghton (age 20) born in Wisconsin; a married male, R. Armstrong (age 41) born in Canada; a married female, Hellen Armstrong (age 39) born in Wisconsin; Ernest Wagoner (age 15) born in Wisconsin; Geo. Armstrong (age 3) born in New York; Edith Armstrong (age 1) born in New York; and a married female, Martha Wallace (age 78) born in the United States.

Luther Ray Parker and Anna Mary Stolta were married December 30, 1889, in the City of Baraboo, Sauk Co., WI.


Luther Ray Parker and Anna Mary Stolta record.


The 1890 Special Schedule for surviving Soldiers, etc., shows Richard L. Armstrong was living in Whitman Co., WA. He served twice in the Civil War, one term in New York, and a second term in Wisconsin.


Richard L. Armstrong Civil War Records.


Martha (Woodman) Wallace died June 25, 1890, the farm residence of Richard Armstrong, three miles east of Oakesdale, Whitman Co., WA, at age 79. Buried in Oakesdale, Whitman Co., WA.


The Spokane Daily Chronicle, Spokane, Spokane Co., WI, Thursday, June 26, 1890

Peculiar Death of a Woman.

OAKSDALE, June 25. - Yesterday about 10 o'clock the farm residence of Richard Armstrong, three miles east of this place, burned to the ground. Everybody was away from home at the time of the fire except Mrs. Martha Wallace, aged 79, the mother of Mrs. Armstrong. The old lady endeavored to save the contents of the house, but was overcome by exhaustion and excitement and dropped dead before Mr. Armstrong reached the scene. She was buried in the cemetery here at 3 o'clock this afternoon. The total loss is estimated at $1,300, including $500 in money. It is not known how the fire originated, as the woman who lost her life was the only person there when it commenced.


The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June, 1900, shows Helen Armstrong (age 53) born August, 1846, in Vermont to Canada and Vermont-born parents, and having been married for 17 years, and with all 3 of the children born to her still alive, is a Gardner Head of Household, and who is renting her house, and is living in Thornton Pct., Whitman Co., WA. Living with her are: George Armstrong (age 15) born August, 1884 in Washington to Vermont and New York-born parents; and Edith M. Armstrong (age 12) born May, 1888, in Washington to Vermont and New York-born parents.

The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June, 1900, shows Ernest W. Wagner (age 25), born September, 1874, in Wisconsin to New York and Vermont-born parents, is an unmarried Grain Dealer, and who owns his farm free of a mortgage, and is living in Thornton Pct., Whitman Co., WA. Ernest W. Wagner was the Census Enumerator. Living with him is an unmarried boarder, Chas. Peterson (age 37) born June, 1862, in Sweden to Sweden-born parents, and having immigrated in 1888, and a Naturalized citizen, a Farmer.


Richard L. Armstrong family, left to right: Hannah Helen (Wallace) (Wagner) Armstrong; Edith May Armstrong; Richard L. Armstrong; and George Charles Armstrong, about 1900, WA.


   

Richard L. Armstrong, Loryea Studio, Spokane, Spokane Co., WA.


The 1910 U. S. Census taken on April 20, 1900, shows Richard Armstrong (age 76) born in New York to New York-born parents, and having been married for 50 years, and in his 1st marriage, is an Inmate, and is living at Washington State Soldiers Home, Soldiers Home Pct., Pierce Co., WA.

The State Veterans Home in Retsil opened in February of 1910. In anticipation of the opening of the new Home, some of the applicants were already living in tents and shanties on a stretch of beach across the road from the Home.


Richard L. Armstrong Soldier Home record file.


By 1910, Richard L. Armstrong was unable to support his family, was indigent, and was admitted to the Washington Soldiers' Home, Orting, Pierce County, WA.

On August 14, 1912, Richard L. Armstrong of Port Orchard, WA, applied and was admitted to the Washington Veterans' Home, Kitsap Co., WA.

Richard L. Armstrong died August 24, 1920, at Washington Veterans Home, Retsil, Kitsap Co., WA, at age 72. Buried in Washington Veterans Home Cemetery, Retsil, Kitsap Co., WA. Richard was found dead from a cerebral hemorrhage.

The 1920 U. S. Census taken on January 2, 1920, shows Helen Armstrong (age 74) born in Vermont to Vermont-born parents, is a Widowed Head of Household, and who owns her house free of a mortgage, and is living on Fremont Street, Albion, Albion Pct., Whitman Co., WA.

The 1930 U. S. Census taken on April 17, 1930, shows Helen Armstrong (age 85) born in Vermont to Vermont-born parents, and first married at age 28, is a Widowed Head of Household,  and who rents  renting her home free for $8/month and is living in Albion City, Grey Pct., Whitman Co., WA. Also living there is an Odd Jobs Laborer.

Hannah Helen (Wallace) (Wagner) Armstrong died January 18, 1933, in Albion, Whitman Co., WA, at age 86. Buried in Albion Cemetery, Albion, Whitman Co., WA. She died from breast cancer.


Hannah Helen (Wallace) (Wagner) Armstrong death record.


The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Spokane Co., WI, Sunday, January 22, 1933

WOMAN WAS PIONEER OF 1884

Funeral Services Are Held for Mrs. Helen Armstrong, 87.

ALBION, Wash., Jan. 21. -  Mrs. Helen Armstrong, 87, a pioneer of Albion and eastern Washington who died January 18, was buried from the Christian church yesterday, the Rev. A. J. Kenoyer of the United Brethren church in charge. Interment was in the Albion cemetery. Mrs. Armstrong was born in Lyndon, Vt. When quite young she was married to Julius Wagner, who died in 1872. In 1884, while living in Wisconsin, she married Richard Armstrong. The same year they came to Washington, settling on a homestead near Oakesdale, where Mrs. Armstrong taught school for a time. In 1890 they moved to Thornton and to Albion in 1901. Mrs. Armstrong leaves two sons and a daughter.


In 1850, the Wallace family was living in Wheelock, Caledonia Co., VT, where he was a Shoemaker.

There is a Sam Wallace (age 69, born in New Hampshire) living in Danville, Dodge Co., WI, in 1870. Living with him is Martha Wallace (age 59), born in Vermont. In 1860, Samuel Wallace (age 59, born in New Hampshire) is a Farmer living in Lake Mills, Jefferson Co., WI. Martha Wallace (age 50, born in New Hampshire) and Hellen Wallace (age 12, born in Vermont) are living with him.

 

 

Ernest William Wagner died August 28, 1961, in Bellingham, Whatcom Co., WA, at age 87. Buried in Rosalia IOOF Evergreen Cemetery, Rosalia, Whitman Co., WA.


The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Spokane Co., WI, Tuesday, August 29, 1961

DEATHS

WAGNER, Ernest W. (age 86) - Passed away Aug. 28 in Bellingham, Wn. A former resident of Spokane and Rosalia, Wn. A graduate of the University of Michigan Law school and served as State Representative in 1916. A 50-year member of Rosalia F&AM Lodge and past master of Rosalia F&AM Lodge. Survived by his wife, Minnie in Bellingham; 1 daughter, Mrs. Jean Shephard, Bellingham, Wn.; 2 sons, L. A. Wagner, Vancouver, Wn.; Wallace Wagner, British Columbia. Mr. Wagner will be brought to Rosalia, Wn for Masonic graveside services. The JAEGER FUNERAL HOME, ROSALIA, W. in charge of arrangements.


 

Jean Louise Spencer was born Feb. 28, 1939, near Owyhee, Elko Co., NV. Married March 25, 1959, in Moscow, Laha Co., ID, to James Wallace Sweeney (Born in Pullman, Whitman Co., WA.

James Wallace Sweeney was born January 7, 1930, in Pullman, Whitman Co., WA.

James Wallace Sweeney

Jim Sweeney was born in Pullman, Washington.  He attended elementary school in Chicago, and after graduating from Pullman High School he obtained a B.A. degree from Washington State University and a J.D. degree from the University of Idaho.  He received an ROTC commission in the Army Military Police Corps upon graduation from WSU and then served two years active duty, including assignments of   providing security for atomic bomb testing at Camp Desert Rock, Nevada, and military police service in South Korea during reconstruction there following the Korean War.

He practiced law in Polson, Montana for two years and then entered the Judge Advocate General Corps of the Navy.  As a Judge Advocate (JAG) he acted as prosecutor and defense counsel in court- martial trials, counsel in administrative boards, investigated claims, and provided command advice as staff JAG at Naval Installations, Naval Districts, and while serving on the Battleship New Jersey (BB-62)in the Vietnam War in 1968-69.

Following his retirement from the Navy he performed service as a volunteer for various City of Alameda activities, including:  the Base Reuse Advisory Group Housing Committee , the Economic Development Strategic Plan Committee, the Webster Streetscape Committee, and as a member of the Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) at Alameda Point monitoring the cleanup of hazardous wastes at the former Alameda Naval Air Station and its’ Fisc (supply center) Annex from 1998-present.

Jim’s wife, Jean Sweeney, through her inspiration, courage, determination , tenacious research and hard work from 1998-2009 not only enabled the City to obtain such a treasure as the 40 acre Beltline Railroad property for a small fraction of it's value, but also achieved the rezoning to Open Space of  the 22 acre rail yard portion by voters for her Initiative.  The railroad yard is now being developed as the Jean Sweeney Open Space Park.  He assisted her in these endeavors and in her obtaining Historical Landmark status for the Veterans Memorial Building.

Jim has lived in Alameda since  1972.  He is a member of Kiwanis, has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Alameda Navy League, as commander of American Legion Post 647, as a member of the Alameda Citizens Task Force, and Bike Walk Alameda.  He enjoys  hiking, jogging and biking, and reading history and  non-fiction.

 

 


East Bay Times, Walnut Creek, Contra County, CA, December 2, 2011

Jean Spencer Sweeney Feb. 28, 1939 - Nov. 25, 2011 Resident of Alameda Jean Spencer Sweeney of Alameda, CA died on November 25, 2011. Jean was born in 1939 near Owyhee, NV. She lived on a number of Indian reservations, because her father was a Bureau of Indian Affairs Reservation Superintendent. She spent many carefree days horseback riding on the Reservation. She attended University of Idaho where she met and married Jim Sweeney. She earned a teaching degree in education in 1961. Jim became a lawyer for the Navy and they were stationed at various naval bases, including NAS Alameda in 1972. Jean was an elementary school teacher. She was a member of the Alameda Rotary Club, Humane Society of Alameda, Alameda Historical Society, Restoration Advisory Board, Northern Waterfront Committee, Veteran's Memorial Building Restoration Committee, and the Alameda Community Fund Board. She is best known for her work on the Alameda Belt Line Property that allowed the city to buy it back from the railroad at the original low price. She also authored and qualified the Initiative that voters passed to zone it open space. November 1, 2011 was proclaimed Jean Sweeney Day by the Alameda City Council. Jean enjoyed hiking, backpacking, art, symphony, opera, ballet, theater, sailing, tennis and genealogy. She was also a friend to many, quietly helping out others. She is survived by husband, Jim Sweeney; daughters Kathleen Fahley of Renton, WA and Christine Ahrens of Los Alamos, NM; grandchildren Michael and Shauna Fahley and Peter, Daniel, Connor and Tyler Ahrens; siblings Betty Keller, Chuck Spencer, Helen Spencer and Tom Spencer. Other survivors include sons-in-law Stephen Fahley and James Ahrens, sisters-in-law Linda Spencer and Alice Spencer. A memorial service will be held at the Alameda Elks Lodge at 2pm on Sunday December 11th. Donations can be made to pancreatic cancer research at makeagift.ucsf.edu/hospitals or to world hunger at heifer.org.


The Alameda Sun, Alameda, Alameda Co., CA, Monday, December 5, 2011

Jean Sweeney Passes Away

Obituary, Courtesy Sweeney Family

Jean Spencer Sweeney of Alameda died on Nov. 25, 2011. Sweeney was born in 1939 on the Northern Shoshoni Indian Reservation, near Owyhee, Nev. She was the second of five children. Her father, Charles Spencer, was a Bureau of Indian Affairs Reservation Superintendent. She grew up on several Indian reservations including Fort Washakie, Wyo., Fort Yates, N. Dak. and Browning, Mont. She spent many carefree days horseback riding on the reservation. In high school she was known for her energy and outgoing personality. After completing 11th grade, she told her father she was not happy with the education she was getting in the public schools, so went to boarding school at Wasatch Academy in Mount Pleasant, Utah, for her last year of high school. While at University of Idaho in 1959, she met and married Jim Sweeney, a law student, and they honeymooned at the forest service lookout at Lake Coeur d'Alene, Ida. She earned a degree in elementary education in 1961. Jim became a lawyer for the Navy and they lived in Polson, Mont., Queens, NY, Coronado, Calif., Portsmouth, RI, Alameda, Seattle, then finally settled back in Alameda in 1980. She raised two daughters. Sweeney was an elementary school teacher in Portsmouth, substituted in the public schools in Alameda for several years and also worked as a Montessori teacher in Alameda and San Leandro. When the Alameda Naval Air Station was still active she was a Navy Relief Society case worker who assisted Navy families in financial matters. In her later years, she was a member of the Alameda Rotary Club, the Humane Society of Alameda, the Alameda Historical Society, Veterans' Memorial Building Restoration Fund, and the Alameda Point Restoration Advisory Board. She served on the city's Northern Waterfront Fund, helped write portions of the Alameda General Plan, and was on the board of the Alameda Community Fund. She researched, drafted and submitted the application which resulted in the Alameda Veterans' Memorial Building being placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Her tireless work, sound opinions and can-do attitude made her an asset in many civic efforts. She is best known for her work in obtaining the Alameda Belt Line property. Her extensive research revealed that the city could buy back the property from the railroad at its original low price. After seven years in the courts, the Alameda County Superior Court upheld her findings. She also spearheaded an initiative to have the Belt Line property zoning changed to open space. The Alameda City Council issued a proclamation that the open space eventually created from the Alameda Belt Line be named the "Jean Sweeney Open Space Preserve;" Nov 1 was Jean Sweeny Day in the city. Outside of her civic interests, Sweeney had a passion for many activities such as hiking, backpacking, art, symphony, opera, theater, sailing, tennis and genealogy. She took some adventurous trips such as sailing on the Bounty ship for one leg of its reenactment journey across the South Pacific. She also participated in a cattle drive through California and Nevada. Sweeney was a friend to many, quietly helping out others. Whether it was grocery shopping for someone unable to do so or taking a sick person into her home, she was selfless in her compassion for others. Sweeney is survived by her loving husband, Jim; daughters Kathleen Fahley of Renton, Washington, and Christine Ahrens of Los Alamos, New Mexico; grandchildren Michael and Shauna Fahley and Peter, Daniel, Connor and Tyler Ahrens; siblings Betty Keller, Chuck Spencer, Helen Spencer and Tom Spencer; nephews Nick Keller, David Keller and David Spencer and niece Michelle Reichers. Other survivors include sons-in-law Stephen Fahley and James Ahrens and sisters-in-law Linda Spencer and Alice Spencer. A memorial service was held at the Alameda Elks Lodge, 2255 Santa Clara Ave., 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 11. The family requested donations could be made in her name to pancreatic cancer research at University of California San Francisco (www.makeagift.ucsf.edu/hospitals) or Heifer International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting world hunger through self-reliance (www.heifer.org). In summary, Sweeney was truly a renaissance woman: teacher, researcher, activist, environmentalist, historian, philanthropist, adventurer, caregiver, mother, wife and friend. (some updates have been made to Alameda Sun text).


Alameda Museum Quarterly, Alameda, Alameda Co., CA, Winter, 2012

   

Jean Spencer Sweeney was honored in the Alameda Museum Quarterly publication.


 

Name: Richard Armstrong
Birth: 1847 in New York
Birth: 1838 in New York
Death: 24 AUG 1920 in Washington Veterans Home, Retsil, Kitsap County, WA
Burial: Veterans Home Cemetery, Retsil, Kitsap County, WA
Residence: 1860 Beaver Dam, Dodge County, WI
Residence: 1870 Baraboo, Sauk County, WI
Residence: 1887 Whitman County, WA
Residence: 1890 Oakesdale, Whitman County, WA
Residence: 1910 Washington Soldiers Home, Orting, Pierce County, WA
Military Service: BET JUL 1861 AND APR 1863 Private, Co. C, 110th New York Infantry
Military Service: BET FEB 1864 AND NOV 1865 Private, Co. C, 49th Wisconsin Infantry
Event: Membership 1891 Andrews Post #61, G. A. R., Oakesdale, WA
Note:

Richard Armstrong

Residence Baraboo WI;
Enlisted on 2/11/1865 as a Private.
On 2/11/1865 he mustered into "C" Co. WI 49th Infantry
He was discharged for disability on 9/25/1865

James Bascom Armstrong: Born January 20, 1864, in Missouri; Died June 28, 1906, in Whitman Co., WA (age 42). Buried in Albion Cemetery (Guy Cemetery), Albion, Whitman Co., WA.

Bertha Victoria Sims: Born February 6, 1880, in Forest, Clinton Co., IN; Died July 31, 1954, in Santa Clara Co., CA (about age 74). Buried in Alta Mesa Memorial Park, Palo Alto, Santa Clara Co., CA.

James Bascom Armstrong and Bertha Victoria Sims were married April 18, 1899, in Troy, Latah Co., ID.

James Bascom Armstrong and Bertha Victoria (Sims) Armstrong had three children:

  1. Patricia Gail Armstrong: Born August 15, 1901, in Clarkston, Washington; Died February 21, 1986, in Grants Pass, Josephine Co., OR (age 84). Buried in Hawthorne Memorial Gardens, Grants Pass, Josephine Co., OR. Married about 1926, in Unknown, to John Bartholomew Moriarty: Born July 10, 1903, in San Diego, San Diego Co., CA; Died December 9, 1945, in Hillsborough, San Mateo Co.,  CA (age 42). Buried in Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA.
  2. Madge Armstrong: Born May 29, 1904, in Whitman Co., Washington; Died June 23, 1904, in Whitman Co., Washington (age Infant). Buried in Albion Cemetery (Guy Cemetery), Albion, Whitman Co., WA.
  3. Glen Armstrong: Born December 8, 1905, in Whitman Co., Washington; Died March 28, 1907, in Whitman Co., Washington (age 1). Buried in Albion Cemetery (Guy Cemetery), Albion, Whitman Co., WA.