Martinsville (IL) Planet - August 1897
Lydia Hurst Boyer, wife of John Boyer, died August the 9th 1897 at her home in Orange Township, eight miles south of Martinsville. The funeral services were held on Sunday. Rev. M. E. Hobart officiating, assisted by Dr. P. F. Thornburg. The remains were interred at Wesley Chapel where a large concourse of people gathered to pay the last respects to the dead. The deceased was born in Jefferson County, Indiana January 25, 1818 and was married to John Boyer March 6, 1834. 17 children were the result of this union. She leaves beside an aged companion seven children, three of whom, i. e. Mrs. Wm. Ennis, Mrs. Wesley Connelly and James Boyer, reside in this county. 57 grandchildren, 54 great grandchildren, and four great great grandchildren having in all 122 descendents. Mrs. Boyer united with the M. E. Church at the age of 9 and she has lived a model Christian life ever since. She was cheerful and pleasant in disposition, a devoted wife, an affectionate mother and a blessing to all who came in contact with her.
The last three years of her life were full of suffering. She often said "I want to do all the good I can." Having been a citizen of this county of 45 years Mother Boyer was well known and loved by all. To the sorrowing relatives and friends the PLANET extends heartfelt sympathy in this hour of their bereavement.