OBIT: Robert D. ARMOR, 1908, Gettysburg, Adams County, PA

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Robert D. Armor

A Noble Odd Fellow and Estimable Citizen Passes Away.
Robert Davidson Armor died at the home of his son, Wm. D. Armor, East Middle 
Street, at 1 o’clock Friday afternoon from infirmities due to advanced age, aged 
83 years, 9 months, and 19 days.

Mr. Armor was one of Gettysburg’s oldest and most highly esteemed citizens. He 
was universally respected being known by almost every resident in town. His 
gentle disposition and kind manners won him the friendship of all with whom he 
came in contact. He was a silver platter by trade, but for years was engaged in 
the plumbing business and carried on the same successfully, taking his son, Wm. 
D. in as a partner years ago.

Mr. Armor was one of the oldest Odd Fellows in Pennsylvania. He was beyond a 
doubt the oldest Past Grand in the State if not in the United States, having 
passed through the chairs more than 60 years ago. He was the last charter member 
of Gettys-Lodge, and to him the local lodge owes a dept it can never repay. He 
was often termed "the father" of Gettys-Lodge, to which honor he was justly 
entitled, as he did more for it and took a greater interest in its affairs when 
able than another member, living or dead. On the 8th of May, 1845 Mr. Armor was 
initiated by Columbus Lodge No 75, of Chambersburg and on August 18th if the 
same year, he with four other members, instituted Gettys-Lodge and for many 
years took an active interest in the Order. For more than a quarter of a century 
he represented the local Lodge in the Grand Lodge.

During his later years, through impaired in health and almost blind, he never 
lost interest in Odd Fellowship, and one of his last request was that he be 
buried with the last rites of the order and that the Lodge turn out in a body.

His wishes were fulfilled. The funeral was held Sunday afternoon and was in 
charge of Gettys-lodge- about 70 members being present in body. Rev. W.W. 
Hartman, assisted by Dr. T.C. Billbimer officiated and the Odd Fellows’ service 
was rendered at the grave.

The pall bears- all Odd Fellows- were: J. Edward Oyler, J.C. Wierman, H.H. 
Mertz, J.A. Holtzworth, Jas M. Caldwwelt and C.B. Kitzmiller.

Mr. Armor was a member of the Methodist Church of this place and an honorary 
member of Mary Gettys Lodge, Daughters of Rebekah.

He was twice married, his wives being sisters- Misses Adelia and Lovinia Armor, 
both of whom are dead. To the former union two children are living- F.W. Armor 
of Chambersburg and Mrs. Alice Kitzmiller of this place. To the latter wife 
three children survive- Mrs. L.C. Deatrick, Mrs. J.B. Hamilton and Wm D. Armor, 
all of this place. He is also survived by one sister- Mrs. Sarah Koch, of 
Philadelphia.

Among those who attended R.D. Armor’s funeral from a distance were: Robert B. 
Armor, Willington Del; Frank Armor and wife, John Basehoar and Mrs. Russel 
Hollebaugh of York; Harry Miller and LEVI SWARTZBAUGH of Hanover; Mrs. Sarah 
Huch and Mrs. Sarah Derner of Philadelphia.


Star & Sentinel, Wednesday Morning 15 Jan 1908