Robert Lipton Rodkey

R.L. Rodkey, Pioneer Resident, At Rest

Robert Lipton Rodkey, one of the few surviving veterans of the Civil War in this vicinity, and a well-known and highly esteemed resident of the borough of Mahaffey [Pa.], passed away at his home here on January 8, 1923, aged 80 years, one month and 10 days. He was born November 29, 1842, near Taylorsville, Indiana county, son of David and Jane Rodkey. On January 6, 1870 [Obit. says 1970, that is a typo, it should be 1870 - confirmed by the Obit for his wife], he was united in marriage to Margaret Emily Olp. To this union were born seven girls and three boys. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Emily Rodkey, and four daughters and one son: Edith, of New York City; Mary V., of Pittsburgh; Elizabeth Vance, at home; Margaret Bowen, of Altoona, and Robert Gordon of New York City.

Mr. Rodkey was a member of the 84th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers in 1861 and re-inlisted in 1864. The ranks of the 84th Regiment were so broken by the fighting at Fredericksburg, Chancellorville and Gettysburg, that it was reorganized as the 57th Regiment Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers.

This regiment took part in the Wilderness campaign, Battles of Sportsylvania, Court House and Cold Harbor Siege, Seige of Petersburg and Richmond and was present at the surrender of Lee at Appomatox. The deceased was taken prisoner by the confederates at the battle of Chancellorville and was in Libby Prison for three months, when he was returned to the Union Army in an exchange for prisoners.

He moved to Mahaffey in 1886, and his death therefore marks the passing of one of the pioneers of the town.

For thirteen years from 1882 to 1900 he was an outside foreman at the (1-3 words unreadable) was during those years (1-3 words unreadable) from this section was largely cut and it was not unusual to have over 100 wagon loads of bark hauled through the streets of the town in addition to the large quantities that came by rail.

In 1902(or 3 tough to read) he moved to Pittsburgh but returned to Mahaffey in 1907.

Mr. Rodkey was a member of the Methodist Church of this place for over thirty years.

Last Saturday Mr. and Mrs. Rodkey quietly celebrated their 53rd anniversary of their marriage.

Interment took place in the Mahaffey Cemetery Thursday morning with the rites of a soldier.

Mahaffey Times, Jan. 12, 1923.

Last modified January 9, 2002

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