Welcome to the Association of American Boyers official website!
Founded in 1904, the Association of American Boyers, Inc. is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization. The mission of the Association, as noted in its constitution, is to educate, hold reunions, and to foster, encourage, and develop the family spirit of the Boyer people. We support this mission by cultivating family ties at reunions, and educating the Boyer family through the publication of our histories and genealogical records.
The first Boyer family gathering was held on August 20, 1905, in a grove near Christ (Mertz) Church at Dryville, Berks County, PA. The reunion was organized by the family of the late Daniel W. Boyer (3-AZ38) in honor of his widow, Mrs. Judith Youse Boyer. From this beginning, the gathering became an annual event, and quickly enlarged to include all Boyer/Beyer families, other name variations (35+) and their descendants.
The intent of our website is to help you begin your journey or assist you with your research by providing you some directions along the road to your family’s origins.
Within this site you can find information on:
- History of the Boyers (from the 1st edition of American Boyers, 1915)
- Name derivations that we recognize and research
- Our publications (Books, Newsletters, Memorial Lists), both past and present
- Galleries (Variety of Images with video and audio planned)
- Reunions, past and future
- Get Involved – How you can help with a number of projects that are in the works.
and More!
The bottom line is that the Association exists for your interest and through your help. Please use the contact form HERE and let us know if we can provide assistance in your family journey.
Sad Announcement of the Passing of Two of our Officers in the past year
Donald A. Boyer 1936 – 2026
It is with great sadness to inform everyone that our Historian of the Association of American Boyer of over 65 years, Donald A. Boyer, passed away on April 9, 2026. Here is the entry from the 7th Edition of American Boyers for Donald:
10-BA132532151 Donald Arthur Boyer born May 19, 1936 in York, PA. He was a 1958 graduate of Gettysburg College. He was a Chaplain’s Assist for the U.S. Army stationed at Fort Monmouth, NJ from 1959 to 1961. He was a General Accounting Manager for Scrivner of Pennsylvania, formerly P.A. & S. Small Co. of York, PA. He was a Sunday School and Orchestra pianist, Assistant Organist, and Organist since 1980 at Fourth United Methodist Church, York, PA.
Donald was Assistant Historian 1954-1961 and Historian for 65 years, since 1961 for The Association of American Boyers, Inc. He was the compiler of the Seventh edition of American Boyers books. He was also the Historian for the Ness Association of America since its founding in 1952.
His obituary can be found at: https://www.etzweilerfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Donald-Arthur-Boyer?obId=48118190
Donald was still working on the 8th and final volume of the 7th edition at the time of his death. The Association still plans to posthumously complete this project in the near future. More information will be forthcoming.
Melvin Richard “Rick” Boyer 1944-2025
It is also with great sadness to let everyone know of Rick Boyer’s passing. Many had known him for almost 40 years during his time with the Association. He was in declining health the past few years. He always had a smile on his face and was outgoing to everyone he met. Stories and laughter were a big part of his personality and he was well liked. He always got the crowd excited at the Boyer Reunions and did a lot to make the gatherings a positive event.
His obituary can be found at: https://www.zrgfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Melvin-Richard-Boyer?obId=42035639
Both with be greatly missed and were a big part of what has made the Boyer Association a family organization that it is today.
Any inquiries on research and other items that would go to the historian should be sent to the email at the bottom of the home page.
2026 Boyer Reunion is Cancelled for this year
Looking to our Future, while providing a path to our Past
Website Updates
Look here for web site updates
Volume 8 Update
Latest news on the publication of Volume 8 of the 7th edition and more.
American Boyer Indices Project
We can use your help!
Past Reunions & Memorabilia Project
Old Photos? Papers? Stuff? We may need it!
I do beseech you -
Chiefly that I might set it in my prayers -
What is your name?