The Gettysburg Compiler February 13, 1937

Martin Boyer, 88, operator of a Butler township sawmill nice he was 14 years old, died Friday afternoon at 3:20 at his home along Conewago creek about two miles south of Biglerville along the Gettysburg Road.
Death was caused by pulmonary pneumonia. Mr. Boyer had been taken ill last Monday after suffering from a cold since the preceding Saturday.
He was the last survivor of 11 children of the late John and Elizabeth Sherk Boyer.
Mr. Boyer was a member of the Mummasburg Mennonite church and had served that body as a deacon for a number of years.
He was twice married. His first wife was the late Mary A Raffensperger and these children survive from that union; John M., Gettysburg; Clayton T., Harrisburg; Mrs. J Warren Matthews, Everson, Pa., and Mrs. Katie Albert, Gettysburg RD.
His second wife, the former Anna Gingrich, survives. These children by the second marriage survive
Mr. Boyer; Mrs. Coffman Shenk, Washington, D.C.; Joseph S., Biglerville; Warren M, Biglerville R1; Mrs. E. J. Bontrager, Midland, Michigan; Mrs. J Warren Martin, Fairfield; Charles G and
Miss Lena M, both at home.
There are 36 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.
Funeral services from the lat home Monday afternoon at 1:00 with further services in the Mummasburg Mennonite church at 1:45 with Bishop Noah H Mack, New Holland; the Rev. A.W. Geigley, Fairfield, and the Rev. A. W. Meyer, Mummasburg, officiating. Interment in the Mennonite cemetery at Mummasburg.

Boyer.--Martin Boyer was born Nov. 2, 1848, near Biglerville, Pa.; died Feb. 5, 1937, at the same place; aged 88 y. 3 m. 3 d. He was ill four days with a sever cold which developed into pulmonary pneumonia. Before death he realized that his end was near, and he gave eager expression to his longings for heaven. Those of his family and friends who heard some of his last words and saw the heavenly smile on his face as he left will long remember his peaceful passing. "I am nearing the port;" are some of the whispers caught from his lips during his last hours. Sacred memories indeed are these, bringing joy to us even as we weep.
A mechanic by trade during his life time, he did clean, honest business for which he was highly respected. From the age of 14 he operated a saw mill, and later added to his business the manufacture of chairs, wooden rakes, water pumps, apple barrels; and finally fruit crates. He became a member of the Mummasburg Mennonite Church at middle age and was ordained deacon there on Christmas day, 1903. He served in this work the remainder of his life. In religious work he nevertheless showed a quiet, sincere concern for the welfare of the Church and its young people. He occupied his usual seat in church the last Sunday of his life, the day before he became ill.
He was twice married, first in 1870 to Mary A. Raffensperger. From this union the following children survive: John, Gettysburg; Clayton, Harrisburg; Anna (Mrs J. W. Matthews), Elverson; Katy (Mrs. Joseph Albert), Gettysburg. In 1897 he was married to Mary Ann Gingrich, who with the following children survive: Retta (Mrs. Coffman Shenk), Washington, D. C.; Elton, Millersville; Nancy (Mrs. D. D. Shenk), Washington, D. D.; Joseph and Warren, Biglerville; Ida (Mrs. Ernest Bontrager), Midland, Mich.; Cora (Mrs. J. Warren Martin), Fairfield; Charles and Lena (foster) at home. He is also survived by 35 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.
Services were held Feb. 8 from the home with Bro. A. W. Geigley in charge and at the Mummasburg Mennonite Church by Noah H. Mack assisted by Brethren A. W. Myer and Roy Geigley. Texts, Rev. 14:13; Job 5:26. Interment in Mummasburg Mennonite Cemetery.

Gospel Herald, March 4, 1937 - Vol. XXIX, No.49 - page 1038,1039,1040