My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM BOYER, a venerable representative citizen, and retired agriculturist of Centreville, is a native of Northampton County, and was born February 10, 1826. His parents, Jacob and Anna (Miller) Boyer, were natives of the same county, their ancestors having settled in Upper Mt. Bethel Township, near the Delaware River, in a very early day. They were brave and noble men and women, who left their native place and came to what was then called the “far West,” making their homes in the forests and on the wide prairies, where danger beset them on every hand. The Indians were a constant source of terror to the few settlers scattered over the country, and they knew not what day or hour they might have to give up their homes, and perhaps their lives, in defending their loved ones. Wild beasts were also to be found in great numbers, and it was unsafe to venture even a few rods from their dwellings without the trusty shotgun in their hands. Many were the perils and hardships they had to undergo, and their children and grandchildren may well look back with pride to the ancestors who so bravely endured the trials and dangers of a pioneer life.

John Boyer, the grandfather of our subject, came to Northampton County and settled in Upper Mt. Bethel Township, on the Delaware River, and the Boyers have been a prominent family in that region ever since. Jacob, the father of William, resided in Centreville for a number of years, but later purchased a farm and became a tiller and cultivator of the soil. He engaged in this occupation for a time, but when he became advanced in years he removed to Portland, Pa., and in a few years passed peacefully away. Of his children four survive: William, our subject; Samuel, who makes his home in Newark, N. J.; Mrs. Peter Fry, of Portland, Pa.; and Courtlin, now living in Washington, D. C.

The subject of this sketch was reared to man’s estate in Northampton County, and has passed most of his life in agricultural pursuits, although he followed the trade of a carpenter for a short time. He attended the public schools of his native home in his early boyhood, but is mainly self-educated. In 1853 he purchased ninety acres of beautiful farm land in this township, and for thirty-five years was one of the leading agriculturists of Northampton County. In 1893 he gave up the arduous duties of farm life and removed to Centreville, where he now resides, living retired and enjoying the wealth which, by his own honest efforts and good management, he accumulated in his younger days.

Mr. Boyer was united in marriage with Miss Sallie, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Butz, of Warren County, N. J. This union has been blessed by the birth of two children: Anna, who is the wife of Reuben Emery; and Henry. Mrs. Boyer is a native of Warren County, N. J., and was born May 10, 1829. Her ancestors were pioneers of the Delaware Valley, in New Jersey, and made their home there until their death. She was one of eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Butz, four of whom are living: Catherine, the widow of Samuel Hill; Caroline, the widow of Abram Steine; Henry, who resides in New Jersey; and Mrs. Boyer. Philip Butz, an uncle of Mrs. Boyer, was a soldier in the War of 1812.

Politically our subject is a Republican, and is always found in the front ranks of that party. He and his excellent wife are members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, and are earnest workers in the cause of Christianity, and as such well deserve the high regard and esteem in which they are held.