James B. Armstrong

James Boydston Armstrong (August 20, 1824 – October 15, 1900) was a businessman and a Colonel during the American Civil War. Originally from Ohio, Armstrong later moved to Sonoma County, California and became a prominent business figure in local society during the second half of the 19th century. Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve outside of Guerneville, which he had set aside as a public nature park, bears his name.

Early life and career James Boydston Armstrong was born August 20, 1824 in Waynesburg, Ohio. His father, George Armstrong (1799-1864), was an Irish-born Methodist minister.

Armstrong also purchased numerous acres of farm and orchard land around Sonoma County, particularly near Cloverdale, and became increasingly influenced by plants, agriculture, and experimenting with different varieties of apples and prunes.

LeBaron and Armstrong's eldest daughter, Lizzie Armstrong Jones, with support from prominent local figures, including Luther Burbank, mounted a decades-long campaign both around the county and to the state government to preserve the Armstrong grove as a public park and to raise funds to do so.