Stillwater Valley News
21 August 1927
Samuel D. Royer
Samuel D. Royer was born June 3, 1840 in Union Co. Pa. and departed this life at the home of his daughter, Mrs. D. I Hoover, near Bradford, Ohio, August 23, 1927, aged 87 years 2 months and 20 days.
Bro. Royer was the youngest of seven children born to Jacob and Susannah Myers Royer, both of whom were descendants of early Swiss settlers. He was the last remaining member of the family having survived all the others more than ten years. His early life was spent in Pa. where he attended country school and received all the instruction given in this early day. He taught one full term of school in Pa. when the school year was limited to four months.
On May 12, 1864, he came to the home of his brother, J. G. Royer, who was then living on a farm near Webster, O. On Dec. 19, 1865 he was united in marriage with Marry A. Mummert, to whom was born, one daughter, Mrs. Catherine Hoover.
In Oct. 1858 Bro. Royer accepted Christ as His Savior uniting with the Church of the Brethren at the age of 18, while he was yet in Penn. His membership was transferred to the Harris Creek church in 1861, when he came to Ohio, and for more than 63 years he has been an earnest disciple of his Lord's in this community. In 1878 he was chosen as a deacon by the church, and served in this office until 1885, at which time he was elected to the ministry. In his office he served according to the grace given unto him until declining years gradually limited the possibility of such public activity, and at his request it was discontinued, although he continued to attend and enjoy the public worship until the end, having attended the homecoming at the church just two days before his death. Throughout the years of his Christian experience he was intensely interested in the missionary work and educational work of the church. When these movements were yet unpopular, he sponsored the cause both in his teaching and by liberal gifts. He was a charter member of The Book and Tract committee of the brotherhood and served until it was merged into the General Mission Board of the Church of the Brethren. most of his official activity was of a local nature and the spirit of his work is the greatest tribute that can be given to his life.
He was preceded in death by his wife, who was called to her reward a little more than a year ago, since which time he has often expressed himself as longing to go too, and constantly anticipated the day of his departure; which came suddenly without warning according to his own desire. He leaves to mourn his departure his daughter and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. D. I. Hoover, two grandchildren, Etta Buckley and Harley R. Hoover and five great- grandchildren, and many other close friends and relatives.
Funeral services were held Friday P.M. August 26, at the Harris Creek Church, conducted by his Pastor Rev. D. G. Berkabile, Interment was made by the side of his wife in the cemetery nearby. Miller Bros. Funeral Directors.
The family wish to express their sincere appreciation for all kindness and sympathy shown to them in this hour of bereavement and sadness.
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