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Below is a family biography included in the book,  Portrait and biographical record of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties, Pennsylvania published in 1894 by Chapman Publishing Company.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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AMANDES BOYER, Chief Engineer in charge of the Catasauqua Electric Light and Power Works, is a native of this state, and was born in Bucks County, August 11, 1862. His father, George Boyer, was also a native of Bucks County, and up to 1891 followed his trade of a pattern-maker.

The father of our subject in 1863 located in this place, being engaged by the Crane Iron Company. Later he entered the employ of the Thomas Iron Company in the capacity of pattern-maker, and is now fireman of the Electric Light Works. His wife, Mrs. Aurilla (Wenholt) Boyer, was born in Bucks County, this state, and was the daughter of Thomas Wenholt, a prominent farmer in that locality. The parents are both members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, in which they are active members.

Of the five children who are still living, Amandes of this sketch is the eldest. He has spent his entire life in this city, and received his education in the common and high schools. When a lad of sixteen years he was apprenticed to learn the machinist’s trade in the shop of Davies & Thomas. After mastering the trade he continued to work for that firm until September, 1890, when he was called upon to aid in the building of the engines of the Electric Light and Power Company, with whom he was given the position of Chief Engineer. The shops contain three engines, with a combined two-hundred-and-forty-horse power, and have six dynamos. They manufacture both the arc and incandescent light, and the company intend adding two engines which will enable them to erect in the city two thousand more lights.

Mr. Boyer was united in marriage in Allentown, in 1885, with Miss Mary Young, a native of this county. Their union has been blessed by the birth of two children: Melinda, who died when two years of age; and Edward G. In religious affairs Mr. Boyer is a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, in which he held the office of Deacon for three years. With his family he occupies a beautiful residence on Mulberry Street, where they entertain a host of warm friends. Politically he is independent, reserving his right to vote for the best man, regardless of party lines. He is a skillful machinist, and as a man is genial and courteous, and by his straightforward honesty has won the confidence of the people.

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This family biography is one of numerous biographies included in the book, Portrait and biographical record of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties, Pennsylvania published in 1894 by Chapman Publishing Company. 

View additional Lehigh County, Pennsylvania family biographies here: Lehigh County, Pennsylvania Biographies

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