Robert F. Christy
Private
Company F
116th Engineer Regiment
Entered the Service from: New Jersey
Died: October 5, 1918
Buried at: Evergreen Cemetery
NW Corner of Mt. Ephraim & Ferry Avenues
Camden NJ 08104
Robert F. Christy — Honor Card
Introduction
Private Robert F. Christy was born in October of 1874 in New Jersey to Robert and Sarah Christy. In 1880 the family lived on South 6th Street in Camden’s 8th Ward. The elder Christy worked as a huckster. The family included at that time three other children—older sisters Clara and Lydia, and a younger brother, Joseph. Sons Benjamin F. and John Christy were born in 1886 and 1890 respectively.
At the time of the 1900 Census he lived with his wife, Mrs. Susan Christy, and their step-daughter, Margaret Young, at 1147 Haddon Avenue in Camden NJ. He was working as a morocco finisher at one of Camden’s leather factories, while Miss Young worked as an inspector at a lace factory. His parents, sister Lydia, and brothers Benjamin and John were living at 909 Spruce Street.
Robert Christy enlisted in the United States Army on May 6, 1918 at the age of 43. He was sent to Fort Slocum NY and assigned to Company K, 2nd Infantry Regiment. One month later he was transferred to Camp Humphreys VA and assigned to Company F, 116th Engineer Regiment, and sailed for France in August of 1918.
Private Christy died of Spanish influenza and pneumonia in France on October 5, 1918. He was survived by his wife and his mother, Mrs. Sarah Christy. His body was the second returned to Camden after the war. Private Christy was buried at Evergreen Cemetery in Camden NJ on October 17, 1920. His widow lived at 1183 Haddon Avenue in 1919 and the early 1920s.
Honor Roll
Robert F. Christy — Camden County World War I Honor Roll (note: Susan Christy was Robert Christy’s spouse, not his sister, as the card incorrectly states)
Last Honors for Camden War Hero
Camden Daily Courier —
Many persons yesterday attended the funeral of Private Robert F. Christy, whose body is the second to arrive in this city from France. Members of Camden Post, American Legion met at the Third Regiment Armory and proceeded to the house in a body. A number of other veterans of war were also in attendance at the funeral.
The services at the house were in charge of the Rev. W. E. Zimmerman, pastor of the Parkside M. E. Church. The American Legion also conducted services and in attendance also were members of the Patriotic Order of Sons of America.
Christy died of Spanish influenza and pneumonia in France. He enlisted in May, 1918, at the age of 43. Interment was made at Evergreen Cemetery.