---The Weekly Pantagraph, Champaign, Il. 03/30/1888 Friday Page 7

Mrs. Christian Oyer, who lived on the farm of Dr. Shurtleff in Groveland, died Sunday March 25th morning of Puerperal fever. She leaves a husband and two children - one child of 2 years and a babe 8 days old. Mrs. Oyer was a daughter of Samuel King, who lives a few miles east of Pekin, in Elm Grove.

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Handwritten-Nov. 15, 1958 [sic]

Christian Oyer

Christian Oyer, son of David Oyer and Susanne Forney Oyer, was born on June 28, 1862, in Woodford County, near Farmdale, Illinois. He passed away on November 23, 1954, at the home of his son, John, at Tremont, Illinois, at the age of 92 years, 4 months and 25 days.

In 1883 he was married to Bena King. To them were born a son and a daughter. After five years of marriage his young wife left him to be at home with the Lord. On February 15, 1898, Brother Oyer was united in marriage to Mary Ann Raeuber. Two sons were born to them, one being deceased in infancy. After thirty-eight years of married life, on December 28, 1931, the Lord took his companion to her eternal reward. He leaves to mourn his home-going, two sons, and one daughter: Arthur C. Oyer of Montpelier, Ohio; Mrs. C. E. Rediger, Wheaton, Illinois, and John E. Oyer of Tremont, Illinois. Also, fourteen grandchildren, twenty-seven great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. One brother, Joseph Oyer, of East Peoria, Illinois, and a sister, Mrs. Barbara Wagler, of Milford, Nebraska, preceded him in death. Brother Oyer was converted at quite an early age and entered the ministry of the Evangelical Mennonite Church in 1895. He served for some thirty years with others ministering at the Brethren Church at Groveland, Illinois. He preached his last sermon at the age of 81 years.

Rev. Oyer lived an exemplary life, loved his Bible, gave liberally to missions and charities as need arose.

Just think:--

Of stepping on shore-and finding it in heaven.

Of taking hold of a hand-and finding it in God's hand.

Of breathing a new air-and finding in in celestial air.

Of feeling invigorated-and finding it immortality.

Of passing from storm and tempest-to an unbroken calm.

Of waking up-and finding it Home.

Funeral services for Rev. Oyer were held on Friday afternoon at the Davis Mortuary in Tremont, Illinois, and at the Groveland Evangelical Mennonite Church., the pastor, Rev. Milo Nussbaum, officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.

(Death date is 4 years earlier than handwritten date)

Adams County, Indiana Historical Museum "Jan1958-Dec1960"

Image 1

Transcribed by Janice Vasilovski