Andrew Armstrong facts for kids
Sir Andrew Armstrong, 1st Baronet (born October 19, 1786 – died January 27, 1863) was an important Irish politician and a baronet. A baronet is a special title, like a knight, that can be passed down in a family. He was also a Deputy Lieutenant, which meant he helped represent the King or Queen in his local area.
Early Life and Family
Andrew Armstrong was born at a place called Gallen Priory in County Offaly, Ireland. His father was Edmund Armstrong. His mother was Elizabeth, whose brother was Frederick Trench, a nobleman known as the 1st Baron Ashtown.
His Career as a Politician
Sir Andrew Armstrong had a busy career serving his country.
- He was a captain in the local defense group called the King's County Militia.
- He became the High Sheriff of King's County twice, first in 1811 and again in 1836. The High Sheriff was a very important local official, like a chief law enforcement officer for the county.
- He also served as a deputy lieutenant for his county, helping with local government and military matters.
- In 1831, he took on a job called Receiver General of Stamps in Ireland. This meant he was in charge of collecting taxes on official documents.
- When this job was ended in 1841, he was given the title of baronet as a form of payment or recognition for his service. This title was "of Gallen Priory," named after his family home.
In February 1841, Sir Andrew Armstrong became a member of the British House of Commons. This is part of the UK Parliament, where laws are made. He represented his home area, King's County, until 1852. While in Parliament, he spoke up for Ireland.
- He argued against laws that limited trade and business in Ireland. He famously said, "I never can be satisfied that my country should be bound in calfskin," meaning he wanted Ireland to be free to grow.
- He also pushed for Ireland to start building its own ships.
- He wanted to make sure that Catholic clergy (religious leaders) received proper support.
Marriage and Later Life
In 1835, Sir Andrew Armstrong married Frances Fullerton. They had six sons together. He passed away at the age of 76 in Chester. His oldest son, Edmund, took over the baronet title after him.
One of his youngest sons, Charles Nesbitt Frederick Armstrong, was born when Sir Andrew was quite old. Charles later moved to Queensland, Australia. In 1882, he married a very famous opera singer named Helen Porter Mitchell, who was better known as Dame Nellie Melba. They had a son named George, but they separated after only a year and later divorced.
