---
Robert Torrance Armstrong, son of Robert Thomas Armstrong and Maude Lora O'Neil, of Flint, Michigan
What could be found about his life is shown below.
Robert married Zoe Kathryn Busler, daughter of Frank Elwood Busler and Martha Rebecca McClaine. She was the widow of Nelson B. Warden.
Robert's death was in 1962, however it remains unknown for the exact date or where his death occurred.
---
Marriage of Robert Torrance Armstrong to Zoe Kathryn Warden:
Name: Robert Torrance Armstrong
Event Type: Marriage
Event Date: 15 Sep 1937
Event Place: Manhattan, NY, NY
Gender: Male
Age: 33
Marital Status: Single
Race: White
Birth Year (Est): 1904
Birthplace: Flint, Michigan
Father's Name: Robert Thomas Armstrong
Mother's Name: Maude Laura O'Neil
Spouse's Name: Zoe Kathryn Warden
Spouse's Gender: Female
Spouse's Age: 30
Spouse's Marital Status: Widowed
Spouse's Race: White
Spouse's Birth Year (Est): 1907
Spouse's Birthplace: Williamsport, PA
Spouse's Father's Name: Frank Elwood Busler
Spouse's Mother's Name: Martha Rebecca Mcclaine
---
Immigration card: Brasil, Cartões de Imigração
Name: Robert Torrance Armstrong
Event Type: Immigration
Event Date: 1954
Event Place: Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Gender: Male
Marital Status: Married
Nationality: United States
Traveling With Children: No
Birth Date: 02 Sep 1904
Birthplace: Flint Mich USA
Father's Name: Robert
Mother's Name: Maude
(address provided was the same as his sister, 2747 Westwood Pkwy, Flint, MI)
---
NEW YORK SUN, New York, NY
Saturday, Nov. 12, 1938
COLONISTS BEGIN TO OPEN HOMES AT MIAMI BEACH.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Armstrong of Flint, MI, who have been visiting in New York and Philadelphia, where Mrs. Armstrong, the former Mrs. Nelson B. Warden, formerly lived, are expected in Miami Beach on next Tuesday.
--- --- --- ---
NEW YORK TIMES, NY. Apr. 21, 1964
- Mrs. Zoe Busler Armstrong of 875 Fifth Avenue and Miami Beach, widow of Robert Torrance Armstrong, was married here yesterday afternoon to Dr. John McMasters Larimer, a physician of the Miami area. The Rev. Dr. Frank Grebe performed the ceremony at the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church.
The couple was attended by the bridegroom's brother and sister‐in‐law, Mr. and Mrs. Frank G. Larimer of Pittsburgh. Dr. Larimer, formerly of Pittsburgh, is on the staff of Osteopathic General Hospital in North Miami.
---
PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, Philadelphia, PA
Saturday, Feb. 15, 1936. pg. 10 a b c 'd' e
Leaves $100,000 to Wife.
A bequest of $100,000 outright to his widow, the former Miss Zoe Kathryn Busier, of Lancaster, PA, contained in the will of Nelson B. Warden, who died February 3 at his winter home In Miami Beach, FL.
Mr. Warden, who was a native of Philadelphia and was a son of the late William O. Warden, one of the founders of the United Gas Improvement Co. and of the Atlantic Refining Co., left personalty valued at $200,000 and upward and realty here and in Pittsburgh valued at $35,000.
His yacht, automobile and jewelry are to be sold and the proceeds turned over to the residuary estate, which is to be invested and reinvested, with the income going to his
widow.
Mr. Warden directed his executors to pay his chauffeur, yacht captain and others in his employ more than a year's salary. Mr. Warden's first wife, Mrs. Cecile Warden, died in 1931.
---
PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, Philadelphia, PA
Wednesday, Sept. 30, 1936, pg. 'a c d e 5
MRS. NELSON B. WARDEN, the former Palm Beach manicurist, who a few years ago orange-blossomed it right into the verre wealthy and ultra conservative WARDEN family of this town when she married the 62-year-old late NELSON B. WARDEN, is being swamped with posies in her New York apartment by the many fortune-hunting Lotharios of the beeg city . . . but the cute "ZOE," we're afraid, will have to remain just a gay young widow or lose her fortune, according to the terms of the will . . .
--- --- ---
Below are details of Robert's parents, Robert Thomas Armstrong and Maude Lora O'Neil:
- Robert Thomas Armstrong was the son of John Belmar Armstrong and Margaret Dryden. Robert married Maude Lora O'Neil on September 19, 1899 in Middlesex, Ontario, Canada. They had three children:
• Margaret D. Armstrong (1903-1961), m. Lester Lockwood
• Robert Torrence Armstrong (1904-__), m. Zoe Katherine Busler
• Lawrence Belmar Armstrong (Feb 21, 1906 at Flint, MI, d. 1938), m. May 16, 1933 to Nancy Isabelle Buckingham at Flint, MI
[Maude] Lora was born about 1875 in Canada, daughter of Darius and Mary O'Neill (born in England).
Please note: some records offer Robert's nickname of "Bert"
---
The following text is excerpted from pgs. 159-160 of the HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY (Michigan):
ROBERT T. ARMSTRONG.
Mr. Armstrong was general manager of the Armstrong Spring Company, a division of the General Motors Company, with headquarters in Flint, and was been identified with the automotive industry in various capacities for thirty years.
He was born in 1871 at Guelph, Wellington County, Ontario, a son of John B. Armstrong, a prominent and successful manufacturer of carriages in Guelph. His mother was, before her marriage, Margaret Dryden.
Robert T. Armstrong received a public school education in Guelph, later attending Upper Canada College in Toronto. After completing his school work he entered the service of his father with the J. B. Armstrong Manufacturing company in Guelph, mastered the machinist's trade and remained at the plant until 1894 at which time he was factory manager.
In 1894 Mr. Armstrong went to Flint and became associated with the J. B. Armstrong Manufacturing company in that city, makers of axles and springs, and in 1910 the Western Spring and Axle company took over and controlled the corporation as a subsidiary and later the Western Spring and Axle company was absorbed in 1918 by the Standard Parts company of Cleveland.
The Standard Parts Company then built a complete and modern spring plant in Flint which was purchased and transferred to Mr. Armstrong in the spring of 1920 in which year a company was formed, known as the Armstrong Spring company. Mr. Armstrong was president and general manager, holding the office until January, I924, when the General Motors took it over and Mr. Armstrong retained his title as general manager, devoting his exclusive time and attention to the business.
Mr. Armstrong was fond of outdoor sports and recreational activities, a member of the Detroit club, the Detroit Athletic club, Flint Country club, Caledon Mountain club of Canada, the Masonic fraternity and the Shrine. He is a Scottish Rite member.
In the matter of politics, Mr. Armstrong is Republican. On September 19, 1899, he was united in marriage to Miss Maude L. O'Neil, of London, Ontario. There are three children in the family, Margaret L., Robert T., Jr., and Lawrence B. Armstrong.
---
While residing in Flint, MI, Mr. Armstrong maintained a cottage "Gilnochie" on Long Lake, now known as Lake Fenton.
During 1914 Mr. Armstrong purchased a Curtis aeroplane for which his chauffeur, Russell Clark, had flight training at the Curtis Flying School at Hammondsport, NY. When Mr. Clark had a mishap with that aircraft, O. E. Williams of Scranton, PA, was in the region.
Mr. Williams was contracted to repair Mr. Armstrong's aeroplane, which he did. Mr. Armstrong was most impressed with Mr. Williams and assisted him to secure residency for his family at Long Lake. There are more in-depth details about Mr. Armstrong's pioneer aviation in the book, "MEN, WIND and COURAGE, A Pioneer Aviation Story of O. E. Williams and His Associates"
---
1891 Canada Census:
Name: Robert Armstrong
Gender: Male
Marital Status: Single
Age: 20
Birth Year: abt 1871
Birthplace: Ontario
Religion: Free Church
French Canadian: No
Father: John Armstrong
Father's Birth Place: Ontario
Mother: Margaret Armstrong
Mother's Birth Place: Ontario
Province: Ontario
District: Wellington South
Subdistrict: Guelph City
Household Members:
- John Armstrong, 53, head
- Margaret Armstrong, 50, wife
- Robert Armstrong, 20, son
---
Ontario, Canada, Marriage:
Name: Robert Thomas Armstrong
Age: 29
Birth Date: abt 1870
Birth Place: Canada
Marriage Date: 19 Sep 1899
Marriage County or District: Middlesex
Father: John Beluor
Mother: Margaret Armstrong
Spouse: Lora Maude O'Neil
Spouse's Age: 24
Spouse Birth Date: abt 1875
Spouse Birth Place: Canada
Spouse Father: Darius O'Neil
Spouse Mother: Mary O'Neil
---
1930 US Census
Name: Robert Armstrong (Son)
Home: Flint, Genesee Co., MI
Birth Year (Est): 1905
Birthplace: Michigan
Father's Birthplace: Canada
Mother's Birthplace: England
Household Members:
- Robert Armstrong, Head, M, 58, Canada
- Maude Armstrong, Wife, F, 54, England
- Robert Armstrong, Son, M, 25, MI
- Lawrence Armstrong, Son, M, 23, MI
- Jessie Brunson Servant, F, 49, MI
- Freda Anderson Servant, F, 24, Sweden
- George Armstrong, Nephew, M, 28, MI
---
The cemetery records confirm that Maude Armstrong purchased ten crypts in a private room in one of the mausoleums. Robert, Maude, and all three of the children are buried together, along with son-in-law Lester Lockwood. The other four crypts remain empty.
---
Robert Torrance Armstrong, son of Robert Thomas Armstrong and Maude Lora O'Neil, of Flint, Michigan
What could be found about his life is shown below.
Robert married Zoe Kathryn Busler, daughter of Frank Elwood Busler and Martha Rebecca McClaine. She was the widow of Nelson B. Warden.
Robert's death was in 1962, however it remains unknown for the exact date or where his death occurred.
---
Marriage of Robert Torrance Armstrong to Zoe Kathryn Warden:
Name: Robert Torrance Armstrong
Event Type: Marriage
Event Date: 15 Sep 1937
Event Place: Manhattan, NY, NY
Gender: Male
Age: 33
Marital Status: Single
Race: White
Birth Year (Est): 1904
Birthplace: Flint, Michigan
Father's Name: Robert Thomas Armstrong
Mother's Name: Maude Laura O'Neil
Spouse's Name: Zoe Kathryn Warden
Spouse's Gender: Female
Spouse's Age: 30
Spouse's Marital Status: Widowed
Spouse's Race: White
Spouse's Birth Year (Est): 1907
Spouse's Birthplace: Williamsport, PA
Spouse's Father's Name: Frank Elwood Busler
Spouse's Mother's Name: Martha Rebecca Mcclaine
---
Immigration card: Brasil, Cartões de Imigração
Name: Robert Torrance Armstrong
Event Type: Immigration
Event Date: 1954
Event Place: Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Gender: Male
Marital Status: Married
Nationality: United States
Traveling With Children: No
Birth Date: 02 Sep 1904
Birthplace: Flint Mich USA
Father's Name: Robert
Mother's Name: Maude
(address provided was the same as his sister, 2747 Westwood Pkwy, Flint, MI)
---
NEW YORK SUN, New York, NY
Saturday, Nov. 12, 1938
COLONISTS BEGIN TO OPEN HOMES AT MIAMI BEACH.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Armstrong of Flint, MI, who have been visiting in New York and Philadelphia, where Mrs. Armstrong, the former Mrs. Nelson B. Warden, formerly lived, are expected in Miami Beach on next Tuesday.
--- --- --- ---
NEW YORK TIMES, NY. Apr. 21, 1964
- Mrs. Zoe Busler Armstrong of 875 Fifth Avenue and Miami Beach, widow of Robert Torrance Armstrong, was married here yesterday afternoon to Dr. John McMasters Larimer, a physician of the Miami area. The Rev. Dr. Frank Grebe performed the ceremony at the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church.
The couple was attended by the bridegroom's brother and sister‐in‐law, Mr. and Mrs. Frank G. Larimer of Pittsburgh. Dr. Larimer, formerly of Pittsburgh, is on the staff of Osteopathic General Hospital in North Miami.
---
PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, Philadelphia, PA
Saturday, Feb. 15, 1936. pg. 10 a b c 'd' e
Leaves $100,000 to Wife.
A bequest of $100,000 outright to his widow, the former Miss Zoe Kathryn Busier, of Lancaster, PA, contained in the will of Nelson B. Warden, who died February 3 at his winter home In Miami Beach, FL.
Mr. Warden, who was a native of Philadelphia and was a son of the late William O. Warden, one of the founders of the United Gas Improvement Co. and of the Atlantic Refining Co., left personalty valued at $200,000 and upward and realty here and in Pittsburgh valued at $35,000.
His yacht, automobile and jewelry are to be sold and the proceeds turned over to the residuary estate, which is to be invested and reinvested, with the income going to his
widow.
Mr. Warden directed his executors to pay his chauffeur, yacht captain and others in his employ more than a year's salary. Mr. Warden's first wife, Mrs. Cecile Warden, died in 1931.
---
PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, Philadelphia, PA
Wednesday, Sept. 30, 1936, pg. 'a c d e 5
MRS. NELSON B. WARDEN, the former Palm Beach manicurist, who a few years ago orange-blossomed it right into the verre wealthy and ultra conservative WARDEN family of this town when she married the 62-year-old late NELSON B. WARDEN, is being swamped with posies in her New York apartment by the many fortune-hunting Lotharios of the beeg city . . . but the cute "ZOE," we're afraid, will have to remain just a gay young widow or lose her fortune, according to the terms of the will . . .
--- --- ---
Below are details of Robert's parents, Robert Thomas Armstrong and Maude Lora O'Neil:
- Robert Thomas Armstrong was the son of John Belmar Armstrong and Margaret Dryden. Robert married Maude Lora O'Neil on September 19, 1899 in Middlesex, Ontario, Canada. They had three children:
• Margaret D. Armstrong (1903-1961), m. Lester Lockwood
• Robert Torrence Armstrong (1904-__), m. Zoe Katherine Busler
• Lawrence Belmar Armstrong (Feb 21, 1906 at Flint, MI, d. 1938), m. May 16, 1933 to Nancy Isabelle Buckingham at Flint, MI
[Maude] Lora was born about 1875 in Canada, daughter of Darius and Mary O'Neill (born in England).
Please note: some records offer Robert's nickname of "Bert"
---
The following text is excerpted from pgs. 159-160 of the HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY (Michigan):
ROBERT T. ARMSTRONG.
Mr. Armstrong was general manager of the Armstrong Spring Company, a division of the General Motors Company, with headquarters in Flint, and was been identified with the automotive industry in various capacities for thirty years.
He was born in 1871 at Guelph, Wellington County, Ontario, a son of John B. Armstrong, a prominent and successful manufacturer of carriages in Guelph. His mother was, before her marriage, Margaret Dryden.
Robert T. Armstrong received a public school education in Guelph, later attending Upper Canada College in Toronto. After completing his school work he entered the service of his father with the J. B. Armstrong Manufacturing company in Guelph, mastered the machinist's trade and remained at the plant until 1894 at which time he was factory manager.
In 1894 Mr. Armstrong went to Flint and became associated with the J. B. Armstrong Manufacturing company in that city, makers of axles and springs, and in 1910 the Western Spring and Axle company took over and controlled the corporation as a subsidiary and later the Western Spring and Axle company was absorbed in 1918 by the Standard Parts company of Cleveland.
The Standard Parts Company then built a complete and modern spring plant in Flint which was purchased and transferred to Mr. Armstrong in the spring of 1920 in which year a company was formed, known as the Armstrong Spring company. Mr. Armstrong was president and general manager, holding the office until January, I924, when the General Motors took it over and Mr. Armstrong retained his title as general manager, devoting his exclusive time and attention to the business.
Mr. Armstrong was fond of outdoor sports and recreational activities, a member of the Detroit club, the Detroit Athletic club, Flint Country club, Caledon Mountain club of Canada, the Masonic fraternity and the Shrine. He is a Scottish Rite member.
In the matter of politics, Mr. Armstrong is Republican. On September 19, 1899, he was united in marriage to Miss Maude L. O'Neil, of London, Ontario. There are three children in the family, Margaret L., Robert T., Jr., and Lawrence B. Armstrong.
---
While residing in Flint, MI, Mr. Armstrong maintained a cottage "Gilnochie" on Long Lake, now known as Lake Fenton.
During 1914 Mr. Armstrong purchased a Curtis aeroplane for which his chauffeur, Russell Clark, had flight training at the Curtis Flying School at Hammondsport, NY. When Mr. Clark had a mishap with that aircraft, O. E. Williams of Scranton, PA, was in the region.
Mr. Williams was contracted to repair Mr. Armstrong's aeroplane, which he did. Mr. Armstrong was most impressed with Mr. Williams and assisted him to secure residency for his family at Long Lake. There are more in-depth details about Mr. Armstrong's pioneer aviation in the book, "MEN, WIND and COURAGE, A Pioneer Aviation Story of O. E. Williams and His Associates"
---
1891 Canada Census:
Name: Robert Armstrong
Gender: Male
Marital Status: Single
Age: 20
Birth Year: abt 1871
Birthplace: Ontario
Religion: Free Church
French Canadian: No
Father: John Armstrong
Father's Birth Place: Ontario
Mother: Margaret Armstrong
Mother's Birth Place: Ontario
Province: Ontario
District: Wellington South
Subdistrict: Guelph City
Household Members:
- John Armstrong, 53, head
- Margaret Armstrong, 50, wife
- Robert Armstrong, 20, son
---
Ontario, Canada, Marriage:
Name: Robert Thomas Armstrong
Age: 29
Birth Date: abt 1870
Birth Place: Canada
Marriage Date: 19 Sep 1899
Marriage County or District: Middlesex
Father: John Beluor
Mother: Margaret Armstrong
Spouse: Lora Maude O'Neil
Spouse's Age: 24
Spouse Birth Date: abt 1875
Spouse Birth Place: Canada
Spouse Father: Darius O'Neil
Spouse Mother: Mary O'Neil
---
1930 US Census
Name: Robert Armstrong (Son)
Home: Flint, Genesee Co., MI
Birth Year (Est): 1905
Birthplace: Michigan
Father's Birthplace: Canada
Mother's Birthplace: England
Household Members:
- Robert Armstrong, Head, M, 58, Canada
- Maude Armstrong, Wife, F, 54, England
- Robert Armstrong, Son, M, 25, MI
- Lawrence Armstrong, Son, M, 23, MI
- Jessie Brunson Servant, F, 49, MI
- Freda Anderson Servant, F, 24, Sweden
- George Armstrong, Nephew, M, 28, MI
---
The cemetery records confirm that Maude Armstrong purchased ten crypts in a private room in one of the mausoleums. Robert, Maude, and all three of the children are buried together, along with son-in-law Lester Lockwood. The other four crypts remain empty.
---
---
Robert Torrance Armstrong, son of Robert Thomas Armstrong and Maude Lora O'Neil, of Flint, Michigan
What could be found about his life is shown below.
Robert married Zoe Kathryn Busler, daughter of Frank Elwood Busler and Martha Rebecca McClaine. She was the widow of Nelson B. Warden.
Robert's death was in 1962, however it remains unknown for the exact date or where his death occurred.
---
Marriage of Robert Torrance Armstrong to Zoe Kathryn Warden:
Name: Robert Torrance Armstrong
Event Type: Marriage
Event Date: 15 Sep 1937
Event Place: Manhattan, NY, NY
Gender: Male
Age: 33
Marital Status: Single
Race: White
Birth Year (Est): 1904
Birthplace: Flint, Michigan
Father's Name: Robert Thomas Armstrong
Mother's Name: Maude Laura O'Neil
Spouse's Name: Zoe Kathryn Warden
Spouse's Gender: Female
Spouse's Age: 30
Spouse's Marital Status: Widowed
Spouse's Race: White
Spouse's Birth Year (Est): 1907
Spouse's Birthplace: Williamsport, PA
Spouse's Father's Name: Frank Elwood Busler
Spouse's Mother's Name: Martha Rebecca Mcclaine
---
Immigration card: Brasil, Cartões de Imigração
Name: Robert Torrance Armstrong
Event Type: Immigration
Event Date: 1954
Event Place: Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Gender: Male
Marital Status: Married
Nationality: United States
Traveling With Children: No
Birth Date: 02 Sep 1904
Birthplace: Flint Mich USA
Father's Name: Robert
Mother's Name: Maude
(address provided was the same as his sister, 2747 Westwood Pkwy, Flint, MI)
---
NEW YORK SUN, New York, NY
Saturday, Nov. 12, 1938
COLONISTS BEGIN TO OPEN HOMES AT MIAMI BEACH.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Armstrong of Flint, MI, who have been visiting in New York and Philadelphia, where Mrs. Armstrong, the former Mrs. Nelson B. Warden, formerly lived, are expected in Miami Beach on next Tuesday.
--- --- --- ---
NEW YORK TIMES, NY. Apr. 21, 1964
- Mrs. Zoe Busler Armstrong of 875 Fifth Avenue and Miami Beach, widow of Robert Torrance Armstrong, was married here yesterday afternoon to Dr. John McMasters Larimer, a physician of the Miami area. The Rev. Dr. Frank Grebe performed the ceremony at the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church.
The couple was attended by the bridegroom's brother and sister‐in‐law, Mr. and Mrs. Frank G. Larimer of Pittsburgh. Dr. Larimer, formerly of Pittsburgh, is on the staff of Osteopathic General Hospital in North Miami.
---
PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, Philadelphia, PA
Saturday, Feb. 15, 1936. pg. 10 a b c 'd' e
Leaves $100,000 to Wife.
A bequest of $100,000 outright to his widow, the former Miss Zoe Kathryn Busier, of Lancaster, PA, contained in the will of Nelson B. Warden, who died February 3 at his winter home In Miami Beach, FL.
Mr. Warden, who was a native of Philadelphia and was a son of the late William O. Warden, one of the founders of the United Gas Improvement Co. and of the Atlantic Refining Co., left personalty valued at $200,000 and upward and realty here and in Pittsburgh valued at $35,000.
His yacht, automobile and jewelry are to be sold and the proceeds turned over to the residuary estate, which is to be invested and reinvested, with the income going to his
widow.
Mr. Warden directed his executors to pay his chauffeur, yacht captain and others in his employ more than a year's salary. Mr. Warden's first wife, Mrs. Cecile Warden, died in 1931.
---
PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, Philadelphia, PA
Wednesday, Sept. 30, 1936, pg. 'a c d e 5
MRS. NELSON B. WARDEN, the former Palm Beach manicurist, who a few years ago orange-blossomed it right into the verre wealthy and ultra conservative WARDEN family of this town when she married the 62-year-old late NELSON B. WARDEN, is being swamped with posies in her New York apartment by the many fortune-hunting Lotharios of the beeg city . . . but the cute "ZOE," we're afraid, will have to remain just a gay young widow or lose her fortune, according to the terms of the will . . .
--- --- ---
Below are details of Robert's parents, Robert Thomas Armstrong and Maude Lora O'Neil:
- Robert Thomas Armstrong was the son of John Belmar Armstrong and Margaret Dryden. Robert married Maude Lora O'Neil on September 19, 1899 in Middlesex, Ontario, Canada. They had three children:
• Margaret D. Armstrong (1903-1961), m. Lester Lockwood
• Robert Torrence Armstrong (1904-__), m. Zoe Katherine Busler
• Lawrence Belmar Armstrong (Feb 21, 1906 at Flint, MI, d. 1938), m. May 16, 1933 to Nancy Isabelle Buckingham at Flint, MI
[Maude] Lora was born about 1875 in Canada, daughter of Darius and Mary O'Neill (born in England).
Please note: some records offer Robert's nickname of "Bert"
---
The following text is excerpted from pgs. 159-160 of the HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY (Michigan):
ROBERT T. ARMSTRONG.
Mr. Armstrong was general manager of the Armstrong Spring Company, a division of the General Motors Company, with headquarters in Flint, and was been identified with the automotive industry in various capacities for thirty years.
He was born in 1871 at Guelph, Wellington County, Ontario, a son of John B. Armstrong, a prominent and successful manufacturer of carriages in Guelph. His mother was, before her marriage, Margaret Dryden.
Robert T. Armstrong received a public school education in Guelph, later attending Upper Canada College in Toronto. After completing his school work he entered the service of his father with the J. B. Armstrong Manufacturing company in Guelph, mastered the machinist's trade and remained at the plant until 1894 at which time he was factory manager.
In 1894 Mr. Armstrong went to Flint and became associated with the J. B. Armstrong Manufacturing company in that city, makers of axles and springs, and in 1910 the Western Spring and Axle company took over and controlled the corporation as a subsidiary and later the Western Spring and Axle company was absorbed in 1918 by the Standard Parts company of Cleveland.
The Standard Parts Company then built a complete and modern spring plant in Flint which was purchased and transferred to Mr. Armstrong in the spring of 1920 in which year a company was formed, known as the Armstrong Spring company. Mr. Armstrong was president and general manager, holding the office until January, I924, when the General Motors took it over and Mr. Armstrong retained his title as general manager, devoting his exclusive time and attention to the business.
Mr. Armstrong was fond of outdoor sports and recreational activities, a member of the Detroit club, the Detroit Athletic club, Flint Country club, Caledon Mountain club of Canada, the Masonic fraternity and the Shrine. He is a Scottish Rite member.
In the matter of politics, Mr. Armstrong is Republican. On September 19, 1899, he was united in marriage to Miss Maude L. O'Neil, of London, Ontario. There are three children in the family, Margaret L., Robert T., Jr., and Lawrence B. Armstrong.
---
While residing in Flint, MI, Mr. Armstrong maintained a cottage "Gilnochie" on Long Lake, now known as Lake Fenton.
During 1914 Mr. Armstrong purchased a Curtis aeroplane for which his chauffeur, Russell Clark, had flight training at the Curtis Flying School at Hammondsport, NY. When Mr. Clark had a mishap with that aircraft, O. E. Williams of Scranton, PA, was in the region.
Mr. Williams was contracted to repair Mr. Armstrong's aeroplane, which he did. Mr. Armstrong was most impressed with Mr. Williams and assisted him to secure residency for his family at Long Lake. There are more in-depth details about Mr. Armstrong's pioneer aviation in the book, "MEN, WIND and COURAGE, A Pioneer Aviation Story of O. E. Williams and His Associates"
---
1891 Canada Census:
Name: Robert Armstrong
Gender: Male
Marital Status: Single
Age: 20
Birth Year: abt 1871
Birthplace: Ontario
Religion: Free Church
French Canadian: No
Father: John Armstrong
Father's Birth Place: Ontario
Mother: Margaret Armstrong
Mother's Birth Place: Ontario
Province: Ontario
District: Wellington South
Subdistrict: Guelph City
Household Members:
- John Armstrong, 53, head
- Margaret Armstrong, 50, wife
- Robert Armstrong, 20, son
---
Ontario, Canada, Marriage:
Name: Robert Thomas Armstrong
Age: 29
Birth Date: abt 1870
Birth Place: Canada
Marriage Date: 19 Sep 1899
Marriage County or District: Middlesex
Father: John Beluor
Mother: Margaret Armstrong
Spouse: Lora Maude O'Neil
Spouse's Age: 24
Spouse Birth Date: abt 1875
Spouse Birth Place: Canada
Spouse Father: Darius O'Neil
Spouse Mother: Mary O'Neil
---
1930 US Census
Name: Robert Armstrong (Son)
Home: Flint, Genesee Co., MI
Birth Year (Est): 1905
Birthplace: Michigan
Father's Birthplace: Canada
Mother's Birthplace: England
Household Members:
- Robert Armstrong, Head, M, 58, Canada
- Maude Armstrong, Wife, F, 54, England
- Robert Armstrong, Son, M, 25, MI
- Lawrence Armstrong, Son, M, 23, MI
- Jessie Brunson Servant, F, 49, MI
- Freda Anderson Servant, F, 24, Sweden
- George Armstrong, Nephew, M, 28, MI
---
The cemetery records confirm that Maude Armstrong purchased ten crypts in a private room in one of the mausoleums. Robert, Maude, and all three of the children are buried together, along with son-in-law Lester Lockwood. The other four crypts remain empty.
---
Robert Torrance Armstrong, son of Robert Thomas Armstrong and Maude Lora O'Neil, of Flint, Michigan
What could be found about his life is shown below.
Robert married Zoe Kathryn Busler, daughter of Frank Elwood Busler and Martha Rebecca McClaine. She was the widow of Nelson B. Warden.
Robert's death was in 1962, however it remains unknown for the exact date or where his death occurred.
---
Marriage of Robert Torrance Armstrong to Zoe Kathryn Warden:
Name: Robert Torrance Armstrong
Event Type: Marriage
Event Date: 15 Sep 1937
Event Place: Manhattan, NY, NY
Gender: Male
Age: 33
Marital Status: Single
Race: White
Birth Year (Est): 1904
Birthplace: Flint, Michigan
Father's Name: Robert Thomas Armstrong
Mother's Name: Maude Laura O'Neil
Spouse's Name: Zoe Kathryn Warden
Spouse's Gender: Female
Spouse's Age: 30
Spouse's Marital Status: Widowed
Spouse's Race: White
Spouse's Birth Year (Est): 1907
Spouse's Birthplace: Williamsport, PA
Spouse's Father's Name: Frank Elwood Busler
Spouse's Mother's Name: Martha Rebecca Mcclaine
---
Immigration card: Brasil, Cartões de Imigração
Name: Robert Torrance Armstrong
Event Type: Immigration
Event Date: 1954
Event Place: Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Gender: Male
Marital Status: Married
Nationality: United States
Traveling With Children: No
Birth Date: 02 Sep 1904
Birthplace: Flint Mich USA
Father's Name: Robert
Mother's Name: Maude
(address provided was the same as his sister, 2747 Westwood Pkwy, Flint, MI)
---
NEW YORK SUN, New York, NY
Saturday, Nov. 12, 1938
COLONISTS BEGIN TO OPEN HOMES AT MIAMI BEACH.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Armstrong of Flint, MI, who have been visiting in New York and Philadelphia, where Mrs. Armstrong, the former Mrs. Nelson B. Warden, formerly lived, are expected in Miami Beach on next Tuesday.
--- --- --- ---
NEW YORK TIMES, NY. Apr. 21, 1964
- Mrs. Zoe Busler Armstrong of 875 Fifth Avenue and Miami Beach, widow of Robert Torrance Armstrong, was married here yesterday afternoon to Dr. John McMasters Larimer, a physician of the Miami area. The Rev. Dr. Frank Grebe performed the ceremony at the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church.
The couple was attended by the bridegroom's brother and sister‐in‐law, Mr. and Mrs. Frank G. Larimer of Pittsburgh. Dr. Larimer, formerly of Pittsburgh, is on the staff of Osteopathic General Hospital in North Miami.
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PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, Philadelphia, PA
Saturday, Feb. 15, 1936. pg. 10 a b c 'd' e
Leaves $100,000 to Wife.
A bequest of $100,000 outright to his widow, the former Miss Zoe Kathryn Busier, of Lancaster, PA, contained in the will of Nelson B. Warden, who died February 3 at his winter home In Miami Beach, FL.
Mr. Warden, who was a native of Philadelphia and was a son of the late William O. Warden, one of the founders of the United Gas Improvement Co. and of the Atlantic Refining Co., left personalty valued at $200,000 and upward and realty here and in Pittsburgh valued at $35,000.
His yacht, automobile and jewelry are to be sold and the proceeds turned over to the residuary estate, which is to be invested and reinvested, with the income going to his
widow.
Mr. Warden directed his executors to pay his chauffeur, yacht captain and others in his employ more than a year's salary. Mr. Warden's first wife, Mrs. Cecile Warden, died in 1931.
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PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, Philadelphia, PA
Wednesday, Sept. 30, 1936, pg. 'a c d e 5
MRS. NELSON B. WARDEN, the former Palm Beach manicurist, who a few years ago orange-blossomed it right into the verre wealthy and ultra conservative WARDEN family of this town when she married the 62-year-old late NELSON B. WARDEN, is being swamped with posies in her New York apartment by the many fortune-hunting Lotharios of the beeg city . . . but the cute "ZOE," we're afraid, will have to remain just a gay young widow or lose her fortune, according to the terms of the will . . .
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Below are details of Robert's parents, Robert Thomas Armstrong and Maude Lora O'Neil:
- Robert Thomas Armstrong was the son of John Belmar Armstrong and Margaret Dryden. Robert married Maude Lora O'Neil on September 19, 1899 in Middlesex, Ontario, Canada. They had three children:
• Margaret D. Armstrong (1903-1961), m. Lester Lockwood
• Robert Torrence Armstrong (1904-__), m. Zoe Katherine Busler
• Lawrence Belmar Armstrong (Feb 21, 1906 at Flint, MI, d. 1938), m. May 16, 1933 to Nancy Isabelle Buckingham at Flint, MI
[Maude] Lora was born about 1875 in Canada, daughter of Darius and Mary O'Neill (born in England).
Please note: some records offer Robert's nickname of "Bert"
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The following text is excerpted from pgs. 159-160 of the HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY (Michigan):
ROBERT T. ARMSTRONG.
Mr. Armstrong was general manager of the Armstrong Spring Company, a division of the General Motors Company, with headquarters in Flint, and was been identified with the automotive industry in various capacities for thirty years.
He was born in 1871 at Guelph, Wellington County, Ontario, a son of John B. Armstrong, a prominent and successful manufacturer of carriages in Guelph. His mother was, before her marriage, Margaret Dryden.
Robert T. Armstrong received a public school education in Guelph, later attending Upper Canada College in Toronto. After completing his school work he entered the service of his father with the J. B. Armstrong Manufacturing company in Guelph, mastered the machinist's trade and remained at the plant until 1894 at which time he was factory manager.
In 1894 Mr. Armstrong went to Flint and became associated with the J. B. Armstrong Manufacturing company in that city, makers of axles and springs, and in 1910 the Western Spring and Axle company took over and controlled the corporation as a subsidiary and later the Western Spring and Axle company was absorbed in 1918 by the Standard Parts company of Cleveland.
The Standard Parts Company then built a complete and modern spring plant in Flint which was purchased and transferred to Mr. Armstrong in the spring of 1920 in which year a company was formed, known as the Armstrong Spring company. Mr. Armstrong was president and general manager, holding the office until January, I924, when the General Motors took it over and Mr. Armstrong retained his title as general manager, devoting his exclusive time and attention to the business.
Mr. Armstrong was fond of outdoor sports and recreational activities, a member of the Detroit club, the Detroit Athletic club, Flint Country club, Caledon Mountain club of Canada, the Masonic fraternity and the Shrine. He is a Scottish Rite member.
In the matter of politics, Mr. Armstrong is Republican. On September 19, 1899, he was united in marriage to Miss Maude L. O'Neil, of London, Ontario. There are three children in the family, Margaret L., Robert T., Jr., and Lawrence B. Armstrong.
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While residing in Flint, MI, Mr. Armstrong maintained a cottage "Gilnochie" on Long Lake, now known as Lake Fenton.
During 1914 Mr. Armstrong purchased a Curtis aeroplane for which his chauffeur, Russell Clark, had flight training at the Curtis Flying School at Hammondsport, NY. When Mr. Clark had a mishap with that aircraft, O. E. Williams of Scranton, PA, was in the region.
Mr. Williams was contracted to repair Mr. Armstrong's aeroplane, which he did. Mr. Armstrong was most impressed with Mr. Williams and assisted him to secure residency for his family at Long Lake. There are more in-depth details about Mr. Armstrong's pioneer aviation in the book, "MEN, WIND and COURAGE, A Pioneer Aviation Story of O. E. Williams and His Associates"
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1891 Canada Census:
Name: Robert Armstrong
Gender: Male
Marital Status: Single
Age: 20
Birth Year: abt 1871
Birthplace: Ontario
Religion: Free Church
French Canadian: No
Father: John Armstrong
Father's Birth Place: Ontario
Mother: Margaret Armstrong
Mother's Birth Place: Ontario
Province: Ontario
District: Wellington South
Subdistrict: Guelph City
Household Members:
- John Armstrong, 53, head
- Margaret Armstrong, 50, wife
- Robert Armstrong, 20, son
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Ontario, Canada, Marriage:
Name: Robert Thomas Armstrong
Age: 29
Birth Date: abt 1870
Birth Place: Canada
Marriage Date: 19 Sep 1899
Marriage County or District: Middlesex
Father: John Beluor
Mother: Margaret Armstrong
Spouse: Lora Maude O'Neil
Spouse's Age: 24
Spouse Birth Date: abt 1875
Spouse Birth Place: Canada
Spouse Father: Darius O'Neil
Spouse Mother: Mary O'Neil
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1930 US Census
Name: Robert Armstrong (Son)
Home: Flint, Genesee Co., MI
Birth Year (Est): 1905
Birthplace: Michigan
Father's Birthplace: Canada
Mother's Birthplace: England
Household Members:
- Robert Armstrong, Head, M, 58, Canada
- Maude Armstrong, Wife, F, 54, England
- Robert Armstrong, Son, M, 25, MI
- Lawrence Armstrong, Son, M, 23, MI
- Jessie Brunson Servant, F, 49, MI
- Freda Anderson Servant, F, 24, Sweden
- George Armstrong, Nephew, M, 28, MI
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The cemetery records confirm that Maude Armstrong purchased ten crypts in a private room in one of the mausoleums. Robert, Maude, and all three of the children are buried together, along with son-in-law Lester Lockwood. The other four crypts remain empty.
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Family Members
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