Jane was born in 1815 and passed away in 1899. She immigrated from Drung, County Cavan, Ireland, sometime in the 1800s. I don't have much information about Jane and her family, but I believe that Jane's family could have been Scottish Protestants who settled in Northern Ireland (Ulster-Scots). This is because her maiden name (Armstrong) is Scottish and not Irish. I am not completely sure about this, and I am still searching for any information I can find about them. Cavan is one of three counties in the province of Ulster that are NOT part of Northern Ireland. I don't know if Jane's family was Protestant or Catholic. I assume they were Protestants.
Jane and her husband, John, were both blessed with eight children -- who all lived relatively long lives. In the two photos that I have seen of Jane, she is smiling in both and looks happy. She seems to have been a very sweet lady. Please scroll down and read the comment below. It contains the story of the Armstrong family's voyage to America as told from Jane's recollection. It must have been passed down through the generations.
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A > Armstrong | M > McMichen > Jane (Armstrong) McMichen
Categories: Crossroads Baptist Church Cemetery, Dallas, Georgia
Aanna related the story that her grandmother told her about the crossing. During those days, whales often troubled ships crossing the ocean, especially if they sensed sickness aboard. After the birth of her brother, the ship was attacked and damaged by a whale and the capt had stated if they were not able to distract the whale and get away by some other means, they would have to throw the mother and new baby overboard in order to save the rest of the people aboard. Before this happened, however, the ship which accompanied them and which carried meat for the purpose of throwing overboard and distracting whales overtook them and was able to keep the whale off long enough for the ship to be repaired and get away The trip lasted 3 months, 3 weeks and 3 days. During an eleven day period Jane and her brother went without water because the remaining water was being saved for the mother and new baby. The rest of the passengers were drinking sea water. However, Jane and her brother were unable to drink it. After eleven days, they lowered one of their father's socks in the "vault" in which the water was kept. In this way they each were able to get a sock full of water (the close-knitted socks in those days appparently held water like a bag). They received a sound whipping for this little trick. If their father had worn the sock for 3 months, apparently, at this point the taste of the water was not important - only that it was wet! It is said Jane was the first person to sight land on the boat from Ireland. Her prize was a $10 gold piece She appears in an 1894 photograph with William Harvey McMichen's family in Allatoona, and appears to be a short petite woman, but that happens as we age. LOL! Aanna remembered her grandmother saying the rest of her husband John's family had returned to Ireland. My information up to this point has been only that John was born in South Carolina about 1805 (the 1850 Dekalb County GA). Perhaps a further search will reveal that his parents were born in Ireland. Jane outlived John and spent her last days with her youngest son, William Harvey, and his family. On her tombstone at the Crossroads Church Cemetary in Paulding Co, Georgia is the following inscription: "Weep not for her who meekly led A life of piety and love Whose unassuming virtues shed A hallowed influence from above." (May she rest in peace.) source: https://www.facebook.com/groups/97177545592/permalink/10158409428295593/
edited by Mary Leachman
edited by Mary Leachman