Boyce, Robert M. 1841-1925

BOYCE, TAPPER

Posted By: S Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 12/1/2016 at 13:21:19

Robert M. Boyce, 84 years of age, civil war veteran and pioneer, passed away at his home at Monona last Wednesday. His wife survives. She was the first white child born at Fort Atkinson, Ia., Miss Jane Tapper.

~Elkader Register, March 5, 1925 (Local News Notes)

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Added by S. Ferrall 5/23/2018:

Robert M. Boyce was born in McKean County, Pennsylvania, August 24th, 1841. When but a small boy he came with his parents from Pennsylvania to Iowa, locating at Garnavillo. Here his father died. Later he went with his mother from Garnavillo to Franklin Township, Allamakee County. He received his education in the District School of Reed Township, of Clayton County, and later continued his lessons in the schools of Franklin Township.

When eighteen years of age he bought forty acres of his present farm from his mother and engaged independently in agricultural pursuit until February 18, 1862, when he heard the call of his country to help end the Civil War struggles. He enlisted with Co. H., First Batallion, Sixteenth United States Regular Regiment. He valiantly served his country for three years, enduring the hardships of the campaign and the dangers of battle and camp until he was mustered out at Lookout Mountain, Tennessee. He was never wounded in battle but contacted sickness which caused him to spend some time in the hospital at Keokuk, Iowa. After he was discharged from the Civil War Service, he returned to the farm, where he has practically had his home ever since, until a few months ago, when they moved to Monona.

He was united in marriage to Miss Mary Jane Tapper, on September 11, 1866 - who was the first white child born at Ft. Atkinson, Iowa. Together they took up life's duties, and planned and labored for the happiness of each other.

Mr. Boyce realized that the Gospels reveal a Person, who is called the Christ; and that through His personal influence folks are wooed to goodness. He also realized that the representative institution that was to "Carry On" the work of our Master was the Christian church. Thus he identified himself with the fellowship of the Methodist church, of which Church he was a faithful member until death. Some twelve years ago, when the proposition was being submitted to the Monona folk for a New Church Plant, Mr. and Mrs. Boyce were among the first to subscribe toward the building fund of such Church. And it was their large contribution toward this present Church building that created the interest in a New Church, and inspired others to give largely. And this splendid edifice now remains as a splendid memorial of their interest and their devotions.

Mr. Boyce kept himself in touch with the comrades of the Battlefields of the south as a member of the Grand Army Post, No. 495, at Monona. the spirit of Patriotism which led him to follow the flag at the time of the great Civil Conflict never left him. His las wish was to be buried in the colors of Old Glory.

On February 10th, 1925, he was not for God took him. He passed to the great beyond having had the privilege of living on this earth four score and three years.

Servant of God, well done.
Thy Glorious warfare passed.
The battles fought, the victory won
And thou art crowned at last.

He leaves to mourn his bereaved companion, Mrs. Mary Boyce, who was his faithful stand by and helpmate for more than fifty-eight years, as well as relatives and many friends.

~Monona Leader, Thursday, February 26, 1925