Wilmer Valentine (Bud) Oyer

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: Published Peoria Journal Star, The (IL) - July 28, 2001
Wilmer V. ''Bud'' Oyer, 78, died at 8:49 a.m. Friday, July 27, 2001, at BroMenn Regional Medical Center in Normal.

Born Sept. 26, 1922, in Foosland to John and Mary Springer Oyer, he married Marie P. Birkey on Feb. 15, 1944, in Flanagan. She survives.

Also surviving are three sons, Michael (and Janet) of Elgin, Craig (and Melanie) of Bloomington and Kevin (and Kathy) of Cooksville; one daughter, Jean (and Bruce) Bernardi of Bloomington; one half brother, Clifford Weaver of Texas; one stepbrother, Donald (and Marlene) Weaver of Michigan; two stepsisters, Phyllis Janz and Joan Diltz, both of Hesston, Kan.; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Lester R. Weaver, who helped raise him; four sisters; and one stepsister.

He was a salesman for Sanders Tools & Supplies of Peoria for about 40 years, retiring in 1992.

He was a member of Metamora Mennonite Church in Metamora, where he sang with the Gospelaires Quartet for almost 50 years, taught Sunday school and was a church elder for many years.

He was a volunteer treasurer of the Eureka Etc. Shop. 

Buried:
Hickory Point Cemetery

Wilmer married Marie Phoebe Birkey on 15 Feb 1944 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. Marie (daughter of Silas Daniel Birkey and Amanda Mae Stalter) was born on 20 Jul 1920 in El Paso, Livingston Co., IL; died on 3 Oct 2011 in Eureka, Woodford Co., IL; was buried on 6 Oct 2011 in Metamora, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Michael Jon Oyer
2. Jean Kay Oyer
3. Craig Dean Oyer
4. Kevin Jay Oyer

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite
• Baptism: 19 Feb 1911, Champaign Co., IL

Notes:

Obit:
OYER.--John R., son of Christian and Katherine Oyer was born at Roanoke, Ill., June 7, 1896; died very suddenly at his home near Foosland, Ill., Saturday morning, Oct. 4, 1930; aged 34 y. 3 m. 27 d. He accepted Christ as his Savior at the age of 15, united with the East Bend Mennonite Church, and remained a faithful member until death. On Dec. 6, 1921, he was united in marriage with Mary Springer. To this union 5 children were born--4 of whom died in infancy. He leaves a sorrowing wife, one son (Wilmer), 5 brothers (Jacob, Joseph, Samuel, Manuel, and Peter), 4 sisters (Mrs. Wm. Unzicker, Elsie, John Becky, and Mrs. Levi Birky), and a host of other relatives and friends. Two sisters preceded him in death. Funeral services were held at the East Bend Mennonite Church, in charge of Bro. J. A. Heiser, Text, John 11:25. Interment in the East Bend Mennonite Cemetery.
"All is over, hands are folded
On a calm and peaceful breast;
All is over, sufferings ended,
And dear John is now at rest."

Baptism:
East Bend Mennonite Church by Peter Zehr

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

John married Mary A. Springer on 6 Dec 1921. Mary (daughter of Valentine W. Springer and Emelia (Millie) Katherine Unzicker) was born on 16 Jun 1901 in Rantoul, Champaign Co., IL; died on 26 Dec 1992 in Eureka, Woodford Co., IL; was buried on 29 Dec 1992 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Weaver.- Mary A. Springer Oyer, 91, Eureka, Ill. Born: June 16, 1901, Rantoul, Ill., to Valentine and Amelia Unzicker Springer. Died: Dec. 26, 1992, Eureka, Ill. Survivors-sons: Wilmer Oyer, Clifford Weaver, stepchildren: Don Weaver, Marjorie Morton, Phyllis Jantz, Joan Deltz; brothers and sisters: Elmer, Victor, and Ervin Springer, Clara Nafziger, Dora Oyer; 20 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren. Predeceased by: Lester Weaver (second husband), John R. Oyer (first husband), two infant sons and two infant daughters. Funeral: Dec. 29, Metamora Mennonite Church, by Robert Harnish. Burial: Waldo Cemetery.

Buried:
Waldo Cemetery

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer
• Religion: Amish Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald
Oyer. - Christian Oyer, son of Christian and Anna (Smith) Oyer, was born in Washington, Ill., May 23, 1852; died suddenly of cancer and heart trouble at the home of his daughter, Mrs. William Unzicker, Fisher, Ill., May 20, 1929; aged 76 y. 11 m. 28 d. When a young man he accepted Christ as his Savior and united with the Mennonite Church, remaining a faithful member until death. On Aug. 26, 1876, he was united in marriage to Katherine Zehr. To this union were born 6 sons and 6 daughters. His wife and two daughters preceded him in death. He is survived by the following children: Jacob, Mackinaw, Ill.; Joseph, Manuel, Samuel and John, Foosland, Ill.; Mrs. J. E. Birkey, Manson, Iowa; Mrs. Levi Birkey, Clarksville, Mich.; Mrs. William Unzicker, Elsie Oyer, Fisher, Ill. He is also survived by 53 grandchildren and 2 brothers (Peter, Eureka, Ill.; John, St. John, Mich.). One half-brother and sister preceded him in death. He with his family made his home near Roanoke, Ill., until 1902, when they moved to a farm five miles north of Fisher, Ill. Here they lived until the death of his wife eight years ago. Although in failing health for three years, his death came as a shock to his family and friends. He bore his suffering with great patience and faith in his Lord, often expressing a desire to be taken where all sufferings are ended. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Funeral services were held at the East Bend Mennonite church by Bro. J. A. Heiser. Text, I Pet. 1:3, 4. Interment in East Bend cemetery.

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Christian married Katherine Zehr on 27 Aug 1876 in Woodford Co., IL. Katherine (daughter of Bishop Jacob Zehr and Elizabeth Ehresman) was born on 2 Apr 1858 in Slabtown, Woodford Co., IL; died on 14 Apr 1921 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit:
Oyer. - Kathrine (Zehr) Oyer was born in Woodford Co., Ill., Apr. 2, 1858; died at her home near Fisher, Ill., Apr. 14, 1921; aged 63 y. 12 d. Sister Oyer suffered a number of years from a complication of diseases. At the age of 16 she confessed her Christ, united with the Amish Mennonite Church, and remained a faithful member to the end. On Aug. 27, 1876, she was united in marriage to Christian Oyer. To this union 12 children were born. She leaves 43 grandchildren, 2 brothers, 2 sisters, and many other relatives and friends. Funeral services conducted in [German] by Bro. Daniel Grieser (Text, II Cor. 5:1), in English by Bro. J. A. Heiser (Text, I Thes. 4:13).


“Jacob and Elizabeth had a daughter, Katherine Zehr Oyer (1858-1921) who "lived a full and active life.” She served as a practical nurse, delivering babies and caring for the sick. Often when her children would arise in the morning, mother would be gone having been called to the home of some sick neighbor. She was also the one who helped 'lay out the dead.' This was before undertakers as we know them today. She practiced in both the Mackinaw Valley and East Bend communities.

“Katherine was good at figures and helped with keeping the family records. she also did a great deal of quilting and was a good seamstress. She was a quiet and patient person and loved by all her family. Her last five years she was ill much of the time which she bore patiently.”

Died:
At her home

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Notes:

Obit:
Springer, Valentine, son of Mr. and Mrs. Valentine Springer, was born in Alsace Lorraine, France, March 15, 1869; died at Fisher, Ill., Dec. 3, 1961; aged 92 y. 8 m. 18 d. On Oct. 3, 1895, he was married to Emillia K. Unzicker, who survives. Also surviving are 10 children (George, Theodore, Mary--Mrs. Lester Weaver, Mrs. Clara Naffziger, Dora--Mrs. Elmer Oyer, Elmer, Victor, Raymond, Clarence, and Ervin), 33 grandchildren, and 36 great- grandchildren. One son preceded him in death. He was a member of the East Bend Church, where funeral services were held Dec. 6, in charge of J. Alton Horst and Ivan Birkey.

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Valentine married Emelia (Millie) Katherine Unzicker on 3 Oct 1895 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. Emelia (daughter of August K. Unzicker and Elizabeth Birky) was born on 21 Jul 1874 in Morton, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 19 May 1964 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Springer, Emelia K., daughter of August and Elizabeth (Birkey) Unzicker, was born at Morton, Ill., July 21, 1874; died at Fisher, Ill., May 19, 1964; aged 89 y. 9 m. 28 d. On Oct. 3, 1895, she was married to Valentine Springer, who died Dec. 3, 1961. Surviving are 10 children (Theodore, George, Elmer, Victor, Ervin, Clarence, Raymond, Mary - Mrs. Lester Weaver, Mrs. Clara Naffziger, and Dora - Mrs. Elmer Oyer), 2 sisters (Mrs. Andy UIlrich and Mrs. Lena Heppard), one brother (Julius), 32 grandchildren, and 42 great-grandchildren. She was a member of the East Bend Church, where funeral services were held May 22, in charge of J. Alton Horst and Ivan Birkey.

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Notes:

Married:
By Bishop Peter Zehr

Notes:

Joseph is found on the 1850 census of Tazewell County, living in the household of his brother John. Their home was in Farmdale, a railroad junction that once held a post office and store.

Joseph, married Anna Peterschmidt on 7 Sep 1851 in Pekin, Tazewell Co., IL. Anna (daughter of Jacob Peterschmidt and Barbara Lauber) was born on 25 Jun 1814 in Ruederbach, Haut-Rhin, FR; died on 11 Jan 1892 in Farmdale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: Herald of Truth, February 1892:
"On the 11th of January 1892, in Woodford Co., Ill., of the infirmities of old age, widow Anna Oyer, aged 77 years, 6 months and 14 days. She was the youngest daughter of Jacob Petter Schmitt, and was born in Canton Pfird [Fr. Ferrette], Upper Alsace, Germany. In 1832 she came with her mother, 3 brothers and 3 sisters to America. They settled in Lancaster Co., Pa., at Samuel Lantz's. From the church at this place this poor family received many favors. Three years afterwards the family moved to Butler Co., Ohio, where the deceased was married to Joseph Roth, who died 39 years ago. After his death she was united in matrimony to Joseph Oyer in Illinois, who also preceded her about 25 years ago. She leaves three sons and one daughter, a number of grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She was a faithful member of the A.M. church. Buried on the 14th. Funeral services in the Roanoke meeting house by Peter Sommer, of Metamora, Ill., from John 6:38-40 and by John Schmitt from Heb. 4:9. J.P.S."

To America in 1832 with three sisters and three brothers. first to Lancaster co., Pa. To Butler Co., Ohio in 1835 and there married Joseph Roth (1811-1850).

Birth:
Staker says born at Bendorf June 25 or 27.

Notes:

Married:
Farmdale?

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: In Europe, A Dienstknecht (Farm Hand), In US, A Minister/Farmer
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Residence: 1848, Slabtown, Woodford Co., IL
• Immigration: May 1848, Le Havre to New York
• Census: 1850, Woodford Co., IL
• Census: 1880, Montgomery Twp., Woodford Co., IL

Notes:

Obit: Herald of Truth - March 15, 1898 - page 93, 94.
PRE. JACOB ZEHR
Montgomery Township, Woodford County, Ill., lost one of its oldest and most respected citizens on Tuesday morning of Feb. 22nd, 1898 by the death of Pre. Jacob Zehr, at his home in Mackinaw valley, near Zimmerman's Ford. Deceased was born in Bavaria, Germany, Sept. 17, 1825 and emigrated to America in the spring of 1848. On April 21st, 1850, he was married to Elizabeth Ehresman and settled on the farm upon which he died. This farm he entered from the government and by hard labor succeeded in making it a comfortable home, leaving his family well provided for. His family consisted of four sons and five daughters of whom one son and two daughters preceded him to the grave; his wife, six children and eighteen grandchildren survive him. Bro. Zehr united with the Amish Mennonite Church in early youth and remained a faithful member to the time of his death. On the 12th of June 1859, he was chosen by the above named church as minister of the Gospel, and on May 17th, 1863 ordained as bishop. It was ever his highest aim to fill this charge according to God's ordinances as long as He gave him power and health to do so. He was a sufferer from nervousness or sick-headache more or less for nearly forty years, which wore on him so that for the last four or five years his health has been so poor that he was unable to preach. This seemed to be his greatest sorrow in his declining years; yet by his patience in his sufferings and his trust in his Master he was ever setting a good example to others who visited him, and to his family. About four months ago he was partly paralyzed and from that time was confined to his bed and as helpless as a child, patiently awaiting his Master's call to come up higher. His life on earth was an exemplary, upright, humble one, highly respected by all who knew him. While the sorrow of his death is general, yet it is mitigated by the knowledge that after a long and useful life a good man has gone to the home he so longed for.

What a blessed assurance that
"If we so live as to meet him,
In heaven his bright face we shall see."

The funeral services were held in the village of Deer Creek. Thursday at 1 o'clock P. M. Feb., 24th, a very large congregation of friends and relatives came to pay their last tribute of respect to their beloved friend whose kindness and generosity brightened the lives of many. Elder John Schmitt of Metamora spoke in German, and Val. Strubhar of Washington, in English. The remains were laid to rest in the Mt. Zion cemetery, two miles north of Deer Creek.

"Yonder in the graveyard gently
Rests the form we loved so well;
But we look to heaven and glory
Where there will be no farewell.
Farewell father, till we meet thee,
In thy heavenly home above;
There to sing God's praises with thee,
In the land of joy and love."


Settled near Slabtown near his brothers. After marriage he farmed near Mackinaw River's Zimmerman Ford at the southern edge of Woodford County's Montgomery Township.

“Jacob and Elizabeth’s two oldest children, a son and a daughter, died in infancy. These two children, we were told, were buried in a little plot under the apple tree in the southeast corner of their garden.”

He was ordained as a minister on June 12, 1859, and as an elder (bishop) on May 20, 1863, for the Mackinaw Meeting. After 1873 he primarily served the Goodfield congregation. He attended the May 16-19, 1875, Amish ministers conference held in the Sutter barn.

“For Jacob Zehr there was a “throne in the flesh” in the form of very painful headaches from which he suffered for 35 years. These finally wore him down so that the last few years of his life he was no longer able to minister to the people. Once he could no longer fulfill this service his desire was to be called out of this life to be with his Lord.

“The last four months of life he was partially parliized. On a Tuesday morning, Feb 22 1898, death came to release him form further suffering. His funeral was held in the Deer Creek Baptist church in order to accommodate the large crowd of people who came to the services. The services were in charge of Rev. Peter Zehr, Rev. John Smith, and Rev. John Strubhar. His body was laid to rest in the Mt. Zion cemetery north of Deer Creek, IL.”

“Jacob., Jr. is at the well; in the background are Phoebe (Zehr) Wolber and her daughter [given her apparent age, probably Mary Magdalena “Lena”, b. 1895] and Mrs. (Zehr) Warner. It was recorded that “Mrs. Wolber’s small son [Alvin] fled to the safety of the house” because he was camera-shy!” ,


According to Auswanderung, Jakob Zehr, a serving farmhand at Hanfeld, emigrated from Bavaria in 1848 bound for Illinois with 400 florins in hand.

Birth:
in the Hofmark at Hilgertshausen

Residence:
Purchased land in row Zimmerman Ford area of Mackinaw River.

Immigration:
On the ship Admiral. Assets of 400 fl.

Census:
Living next to older brother Christian: Jacob Sears, 25, Germany; and Eliza, 20, Germany.

Census:
Farmer Jacob Zehr, 42, Bavaria; R. Annie Zehr, 36, Ohio; with six children born in Illinois, and Magdalena Zehr, 75, Bavaria

Buried:
Mr. Zion Cemetery (see photo)

Jacob married Elizabeth Ehresman on 21 Apr 1850 in Woodford Co., IL. Elizabeth (daughter of Christian Ehresman (Eyresmann) and Magdalena Barnhardt) was born on 11 Sep 1830 in GR; died on 27 Nov 1902 in Deer Creek Twp., Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Deer Creek, Washington Twp., Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Immigration: 1835, OH
• Residence: 1844, IL

Notes:

Elizabeth died a highly respected lady who spent her married life fulfilling duties as mother, minister’s wife and Christian lady.

Buried:
Mt. Zion cemetery

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Fisher, Champaign Co., IL
• Residence: Metamora, Woodford Co., IL
• Immigration: 1891, Metamora, Woodford Co., IL

Notes:

Buried:
Stewart-Harmony Cemetery

Valentine married Marie Esch on 25 Aug 1861 in Saint-Médard, Moselle, FR. Marie (daughter of Jean Esch and Barbe Suisse) was born on 27 Jun 1843 in Bisping, Moselle, Lorraine, FR; died on 10 Jan 1934 in Metamora, Woodford Co., IL; was buried in Metamora, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Birth:
Obit says St. Medard is birthplace

Buried:
Stewart-Harmony Cemetery

Notes:

Parents John & Elizabeth Esch

wife of Valentine Springer
married 1861 France

8 children:
Peter
John
Joseph
Benjamin
Andrew
Valentine
son & daug. passed in France

immigrated 1891 with children & Marie's Mother Elizabeth

Marie Springer, daughter of John and Elizabeth Esch, was born June 27, 1843, in St. Medard, Alsace Lorraine, France; died Jan. 10, 1934; aged 90 y. 6 m. 13 d. Her father having passed away before her birth she and her mother lived at the home of her grandfather. In the year 1861 she was married to Valentine Springer of St. Medard, France. To this union were born 8 children. In 1891 she with her family came to America and settled in the vicinity of Metamora, Ill. They were engaged in farming here for a time and then moved to Fisher, Ill. When she and her husband retired they returned to Woodford County and resided in Metamora. In 1913 her husband passed away and 7 years later she made her home with her children. Her last years were spent in the home of her son, Peter Springer, near Metamora. She was preceded in death by her husband, a son, and a daughter who died in France, another son John and grandson Benjamin of Fisher, Ill. Those who remain are her 5 sons Andrew, Joseph, and Peter of Metamora; Valentine of Fisher; Benjamin of Washington, 24 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren. Sister Springer united with the Mennonite Church in her youth and remained a constant and faithful follower of her Savior throughout her entire life. She was of a lively personality and had a kind heart that won many friends for her. Children and grandchildren will ever remember her devotion and tenderness for her own.
"Mother's gone beyond this world of sorrow, pain and care,
Gone to be with Jesus; Oh, will we miss her there?"
Services were held at the home of her son Peter Springer on Friday, Jan. 12, in charge of A. A. Schrock and at the Metamora Mennonite Church in charge of H. R. Schertz. Text, Rev. 6. Burial Harmony Cemetery.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit:
Gospel Herald, Nov 1939
Unzicker.-August, son of Peter and Katherine Unzicker, was born near Morton, Ill., Sept. 25, 1849; died at the home of his son (S. E. Unzicker), Roanoke, Ill., Sept. 27, 1939, after an illness of seven weeks; aged 90 y. 2 d. On Dec. 20, 1870, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Birkey. To this union were born 7 sons and 6 daughters. He was preceded in death by his wife, 3 sons (Daniel, John, and August), also 2 daughters (Emma and Elizabeth). There remain 4 sons (Oscar and Peter of Low Point, Samuel E. of Roanoke, and Julius of Morocco, Ind.), also 4 daughters (Mrs. Val Springer of Foosland, Mrs. Frank Welts of Cazenovia, Mrs. Prosper Heppard of Roanoke, and Mrs. Andrew Ulrich of Shelbyville), 64 grandchildren, 116 great-grandchildren, 1 brother (Julius of Foosland), and a host of other relatives and friends. He received Christ in his youth and for the past eleven years held his membership in the East Bend Mennonite Church of Fisher, Ill. Funeral services were conducted at the Roanoke Mennonite Church with J. A. Heiser of Fisher, Ill., in charge. Text, Psalm 23. Burial in the Roanoke Cemetery.

Buried:
Roanoke Mennonite Cemetery

August married Elizabeth Birky on 10 Dec 1870 in Tazewell Co., IL. Elizabeth (daughter of Johannes Bircky (Birky) and Elisabeth Bircky (Birky)) was born on 25 Dec 1847; died on 13 Apr 1898; was buried in Roanoke Twp., Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Roanoke Mennonite Cemetery

Notes:

Obituary gives marriage date as 20th of Dec.

Married:
Tazewell Co. Records D/19. By Christian Nafziger