People of the Pines

Charles S. Boyer, 67, well known historian and retired Camden business man, died yesterday at his home, 205 East Central avenue, Moorestown. He had been ill but a short time. As president and one of the leaders of the Camden County Historical Society for many years, he was considered an authority on early New Jersey history and was the author of several books and pamphlets. One of the most widely read of these is “Old Forges and Furnaces.” He was a former president of the Sons of the American Revolution of New Jersey, a former president of the Camden Club, a charter member of the New Jersey Harbor Commission, and a member of Trimble Lodge, F. & A. M. Born in Bethlehem, Pa., he was the son of the late Benjamin F. and Alabama Shimer Boyer. He received his early education at Friends' Central School, Fifteenth and Royden streets, Philadelphia, and was graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1891. Mr. Boyer married Anna Wilson DeRousse in 1904, who survives. They live at 525 Cooper srteet(sic), Camden, for many years, moving to Moorestown, 11 years ago. Besides his wife and brother, Mr. Boyer is survived by a sister, Mrs. Jane B. Mecray, wife of Dr. Paul M. Mecray. Funeral services will be held at 2 P. M. Saturday at his late home in Moorestown. Burial will be private.

Willis J. Buzby, 67, well-known resident of the pines, died suddenly at his home in Chatsworth late Wednesday night from a heart attack. Discovery of his death was made by his wife, Elsie M., when she went to his bedroom on Thursday morning to learn why he did not appear as usual. His passing came as a distinct shock to residents of Woodland township and the entire county. He had a large circle of warm friends. Mr. Buzby was the owner of a general store in Chatsworth since he was about 20 years of age, and was one of the best informed men in the community in reference to the history of the pines. He could relate incidents about the old towns that have disappeared--Mary Ann Forge, Harrisia, Glass House, Little Pine Hill, Martha, etc., the ruins of old furnaces, lumber, glass and charcoal industries. Mr. Buzby was a charter member of Mount Holly Lodge of Elks; Pemberton Lodge No. 99, F. and A. M.; Crescent Temple, Trenton; Excelsior Consistory, Collingswood; Tabernacle Jr. O. U. A. M., Chatsworth P. O. S. of A., and Mount Holly Tall Cedars. The Elks conducted burial services at his late residence on Saturday night and the Masonic Lodge on Sunday. Funeral services were conducted on Sunday afternoon by Rev. J. N. Messler, of Trenton, Mr. Buzby's brother-in-law; Rev. Clarence Woodmansie, of Barnegat, and Rev. Robert Howe, of Chatsworth. Pallbearers were Joseph Holloway, Garfield Holloway, Fred Dunfee, Jr., and Albert Stevenson, representing the Masonic Lodge at Pemberton, and Dr. Joseph E. Eden and Albert B. LeDuc, representing Mount Holly Lodge of Elks. Mr. Buzby is survived by his widow, a son, John, of Chatsworth, and a married daughter who lives in Oregon.

Posted in the New Jersey Mirror, January 11, 1939