Elizabeth Armstrong

Elizabeth Armstrong (née Boyd; October 21, 1798 – 13 November 1857) was an American settler who found temporary shelter at Apple River Fort with her husband, John, and two children during the 1832 Black Hawk War. She was praised for her bravery during the Battle of Apple River Fort. Early life Elizabeth Armstrong was born Elizabeth Boyd on October 21, 1798, in Bourbon County, Kentucky. Shortly after her birth, her family immigrated to Spanish Missouri. Her father became a Spanish citizen and was awarded a land grant in present-day Lincoln County, Missouri. In 1817, Elizabeth, 19, was married to John Armstrong. The couple had two children, David and Catherine. Around 1827, the Armstrong family moved to Jo Daviess County, Illinois and settled south of the Falls of Apple River in present-day Hanover Township. In late May, during the 1832 Black Hawk War, the Armstrong family sought protection at the new Apple River Fort Black Hawk War On the afternoon of June 24, 1832 the Black Hawk War came to Apple River Fort. There were 28–30 armed militia and civilians inside Apple River Fort at the time of the attack. Another 40 women, children, and infants sought protection at the stockade. Captain Clack Stone command the militia company at the Fort, some of whom were not present for the battle.