Ann Boyer 1834-1895

BOYER, GARVER, RISTE

Posted By: Volunteer-Barbara Evans
Date: 5/2/2012 at 10:31:00

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Scrapbook A, page 337, Keosauqua Public Library; Keosauqua, IA

Mrs. Ann Boyer whose maiden name was Ann Garver, wife of S.A. Boyer departed this life Dec. 19th, 1895.

She was born in Fayett Co., Pa. Dec. 4th, 1834, where her life put forth the bud and bloom of noble womanhood Leaving Pennsylvania in 1856. She arrived in Illinois Nov. 5th of that year where she remained until the following autumn and then came to Iowa and made her home near Big Mound where she was converted and united with the Christian church, Jan. 27th, 1859.

On March 16th, 1864 she was married to Mr. S.A. Boyer. They lived near Big Mound for about seven years then they moved to Union county, Ia., where they resided until Nov. 12th, 1881 when they took up their resident in Farmington, Ia., where they have been residing as honored citizens ever since.

About Dec. 2d Mrs. Boyer was taken sick with the measles. Catarrhal complications followed that resulted in death on the above date. She leaves a husband bereaved to mourn her sudden and unexpected departure, a brother J.F. Garver of Big Mound and a sister Sarah Riste of Blue Springs, Neb.

Mr. and Mrs. Boyer have raised four foster children to whom she has been a mother indeed and they will be as much grieved by her death as though she was their real mother.

Mrs. Boyer’s long residence among the people of Farmington has so endeared her name to a large circle of kindred and friends that time will not efface it from their memory. Her noble alms deeds have gladdened the hearts of the needy, her Christian council has cheered the disconsolate, her words of condolence have dried the tears of the mourner, her motherly tenderness has caused the orphan’s heart to sing for joy. The sanctuary of praise has been made more sacred by her presence. Her home a place of welcome for those who strove to represent the Redeemer in the gospel message. Her life and character was an example of Christian grace and devotion that many long for but few attain. And has been an inspiration to lead others to go and do likewise. Her absence will bring mourning at home gloom in the sacred conclave of the church and a path of sadness to our town. No hearth or home where she was known but feels to sympathize with the bereaved and our entire population would wish me to voice their condolence to those who mourn. But there are no human words that can adequately express the sympathy felt nor heal the wounds made by death. Only the words of inspiration can lift the wounded spirit from the depths of gloom and heal the heart made sore by the shaft of death, in the cheering promise, “My grace is sufficient for thee.” and “I am the resurrection and the life. “

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