Henry Hyer Jr.

Henry Hyer Jr.

Henry Hyer Jr, 1853-1924

• Father: Henry Hyer b. 1820, d. 15 June 1896
• Mother: Unknown (?) b. say 1820

• Henry Hyer Jr. was born in July 1853 in Chippawa, Ontario, Canada.
• Henry Hyer Jr. arrived circa 1856, according to the 1900 census.
• The following appeared on 30 January 1880 in the Lockport Daily Journal: Last evening, an unusually pleasing and interesting entertainment was given in the vestry of the Universalist church, by the E, F. G and H's, connected with the society. The attendance was very large, standing room being at a premium. The following well arranged programme was carried out in a manner which reflects great praise upon the participants. [:CR]      . . .
       The cornet solo, a medley, by Henry Hyer, Jr., was listened to with pleasure by the audience. In response to the enthusiastic encore accorded him, Mr. Hyer favored the audience with another solo, entitled "Way Down the Swanee River."
       . . .
       The last piece upon the programme was a cornet solo, which was given by Mr. Hyer in his most effective style. Mr. H. was the recipient of an enthusiastic encore which he acknowledged by favoring the audience with the "Sweet Bye and Bye." On the conclusion of the musical part of the entertainment, refreshments were served to all present, after which a few hours were spent in social intercourse.
• Henry Hyer and May (?) appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1880 in Lockport, Niagara County, New York, at Evans? Street. Other members of the household included Henry Hyer Jr., Emma H. Hyer.
• He was a cabinet maker, according to the 1880 census.
• Henry Hyer Jr. appeared in the 1890 Buffalo, New York, City Directory at 288 Broadway living at the same address as his father and sister Emma, working as a musician..
• Charles Henry Weiler and his uncle Henry Hyer Jr. posed for a photograph on 25 December 1896.
• He married Sophia Craig circa 1897.
• The following appeared on 29 September 1899 in The Steuben Courier: Mr. and Mrs. Harry Hyer, of Buffalo, are visiting Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Craig.
• Henry Hyer Jr. and Sophia Craig appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1900 in Buffalo, Erie County, New York, at 973 Washington. Other members of the household included Charles Henry Weiler and Pearl (?)
• He was a music teacher, according to the 1920 census.
• The following appeared on 28 December 1910 in The Advocate: Mr. and Mrs. Harry Hyer, of Buffalo, spent Christmas with Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Craig.
• The following appeared on 28 March 1913 in The Steuben Courier: Mrs. Harry Hyer, of Buffalo, is visiting her father, Mr. Thomas Craig.
• Henry Hyer Jr. and Sophia Craig appeared in the US federal census of 1 January 1920 in Buffalo, Erie County, New York, at 949 Washington.
• Henry Hyer Jr. died on 26 April 1924 at age 70 in Buffalo, Erie County, New York, at 124 Wakefield Avenue at his residence.
• According to an obituary, his remains were cremated at Forest Lawn, but the cemetery has no record of his burial there.
• The following appeared on 28 April 1924 in The Buffalo Morning Express: [Died] In this city, April 26, 1924, Henry Hyer, beloved husband of Sophia Hyer (nee Craig), father of Mrs. Walter Rohrbacher and grandfather of Ruth D. Rohrbacher. Funeral from the family residence, 124 Wakefield avenue, Tuesday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock. Friends are invited to attend. Deceased was a member of Erie Lodge, No. 161, F. & A. M; charter member of Musicians' union. Burial under the auspices of Erie Lodge. Members are requested to meet at the temple at 1:45 o'clock. Lockport (N. Y.) papers please copy.
• The following appeared on 28 April 1924 in the Buffalo Courier: Funeral services for Henry Hyer, seventy years old, well-known bandmaster, who died Saturday evening at his home, No. 124 Wakefield avenue, will be held tomorrow afternoon at 3 o'clock at the family residence. The funeral of Mr. Hyer will be held under the auspices of Erie Lodge No. 161, F. & A. M.
       Services will be conducted by the Rev. John Groth, pastor of the Parkside Lutheran church, at Forest Law crematory.
       Mr. Hyer was born in Chippawa, Ont. He studied music throughout his life, and was a member at various times of prominent bands. He traveled extensively thought the United States with minstrel troupes and bands, and twenty-five years ago organized Hyer's Marine band, which he directed until lately.
       He was for forty years a resident of Buffalo, and was a charter member of Buffalo Lodge No. 43 of the Musicians' union. He is survived by his widow, and by his daughter, mrs. Walter Rohrbacker, who live at No. 143 Wakefield avenue.
• The following appeared on 28 April 1924 in The Buffalo Morning Express: Henry Hyer, bandmaster and teacher of music, died at his home, No. 124 Wakefield avenue, on Saturday evening. Born in Chippawa, Ont., 71 years ago, he spent his younger years in Lockport and later directed the Light Guard Band of which his father, the late Henry Hyer, and his brother-in-law, the late Charles Weiler, Sr., were members. After several seasons with theatrical companies, he came to Buffalo and went into business. He was also a member of the old 74th Regiment band. He organized and directed Hyer's Marine band for many years. Of late years he devoted his time to teaching. He was a charter member of the local Musicians' union.
• The following appeared on 8 May 1924 in the Erie County Independent: (Angola) . . . Henry Hyer, bandmaster and instructor of Angola band for several years, died at his home in Buffalo, April 26th, aged 71 years.

• Last Edited: 20 Aug 2015