William R Dyer

DYER

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 5/4/2010 at 09:33:42

William R Dyer, who was identified with agricultural pursuits in Boone county throughout his active business career, ahs lived retired in Boone since 1901 and is widely recognized as an esteemed and representative citizen of the community. His birth occurred in Coles county, Illinois on December 5, 1844, his parents being William and Elizabeth (Cartwright) Dyer, both of whom were native of Indiana. They came to Boone county this state, in November 1853, locating in Worth township, where the father devoted his attention to farming. He died in Boone on December 18, 1890, and the community thus lost one of its substantial and respected citizens. His wife was called to her final rest in the year 1897. They became the parents of seven children, as follows: Andrew J who is deceased, William R of this review, Sarah who is the widow of J H Hoffman and resides in Boone, Reddick J who has passed away, Zimri P living in Paskenta, California, John of Wroth township, Boone county, and Clara E who is the wife of John Jennings of Oklahoma.
William R Dyer was in his eighteenth year when he enlisted for service in the Civil war on August 1, 1862, as a member of Company D, Thirty-second Iowa Volunteer Infantry, with which command he remained for three years and twenty-four days. He was mustered out at St Louis, Missouri and honorably discharged on September 4, 1865, returning hoe with a most creditable military record. General agricultural pursuits claimed his attention throughout his entire business career and he still owns a valuable tract of land comprising 160 acres in this county, In 1901 he put aside the active work of the fields and purchased a residence in Boone, where he has since lived I honorable retirement, spending the evening of life in comfort and ease.
On February 18,1869, Mr Dyer was united in marriage to Miss Almina Doran, a native of Ohio and a daughter of George and Lydia (Steelsmith) Doran, who were born in Pennsylvania and came to Boone county, Iowa in the 50’s locating on a farm in Des Moines township. Both have passed away. Their children were six in number as follows: Sarah who is deceased, Mrs Almira Dyer, George who has also passed away, Angeline, who is the wife of George Bennett and resides in Oregon, James deceased, and Julia, the wife of George Millard of Des Moines township, this county. George Doran was twice married, his first union being with Maria Cobb, by whom he had two children: Thomas B and Andrew J a resident of Prescott, Arizona. Unto Mr and Mrs Dyer were born thirteen children, as follows: Arthur G who is a resident of San Diego, California, Doran who died in infancy, Zimri, who ahs passed away, Adelbert, living in Prescott, Arizona, Atla at home, Ruth a high school principal in Scranton, Iowa Daisy who is engaged in the profession of teaching, Paul living in Colfax township this county, Arizona, the wife of Elmer Smalley, of Jackson township, Boone county, George M Deceased, John living in Colfax township, this county and Morton and Lydia both of whom are deceased.
Mr Dyer gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has been chosen to serve in all the township offices, his worth and ability being uniformly recognized. From 1880 until 1885 he did able service as a member of the board of supervisors. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic and was a member of the Soldiers Relief Commission. He is also a devoted member of the Methodist church. Mr Dyer has many friends in the community where he has resided for more than six decades, and his excellent traits of character have gained for him the respect and regard of his fellowmen.

1914 Boone County History Book