BOYER, LEE R. AND ERMA (ELLIOTT)

by Erma Boyer

Entry F41 from the History of Hooker County Nebraska
with permission of the Hooker County Historical Society

Lee Boyer Family, Christmas 1982, L-R: Betty Leona Ruiz, Velma Louise Marie,
Lee Robert and Larry Lee Boyer.

Erma and Lee Boyer and son Lee Dewayne, January 1936.

Lee and Erma (Elliott) Boyer, 1934.

Taken at Boyer's West Turkey Ranch.

Lee R. Boyer, second of Charles N. and
Cora A. Boyer's five children was born in
south Cherry County Nebraska May 30, 1908.

He received his education in a rural school
nearest their home, at John Fletcher Acad-
emy in Oskaloosa, Iowa, and at Nebraska
Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Nebraska.

May 21, 1934 he was married to Erma L.
Elliott, daughter of Leo L. and Lillie E.
Elliott.

Erma received her education in Mullen
graduating from Hooker County High School
in May of 1933. She was a rural teacher at the
Hatch school 26 1/2 miles southwest of Mullen
in Hooker County for one year.

Beginning in September following their
marriage Lee served 3 years as a "Supply
Pastor" for the Methodist Episcopal Church
in Mullen. During this time he was instru-
mental in creating an awareness of the need
for a new church building. After establishing
a pay as we go policy for this project,
enthusiastic cooperation and support came
from the entire community. The first brick
church structure in Mullen became a reality.

Lee and Erma were blessed with the birth
of a son Lee Dwayne on April 27, 1935, but
were smitten with sorrow when as a result of
a serious illness he passed away March 21,
1936. A second child, Velma Louise was born
February 1, 1937.

The Boyers moved the following Septem-
ber to serve in the Methodist Church at
Pleasant Dale, Nebraska. About six months
later when confronted with health problems,
Lee was compelled to take the advice of his
doctors and change to a different type of
work.

After some consideration he decided to try
out his ability as a "Turkey Grower". March
1938 the family purchased an moved to the
former Fred Hardy place 5 miles east of
Mullen, where they began to work in this
venture. Much manual labor was involved in
preparing buildings and equipment to ac-
commodate turkeys. Walter Lange, his sons
Aynor and Bill Lange, Jess Furrow, and
Windsor Boyer supervised the building pro-
jects as brooder houses and laying houses
were constructed. All the painting work was
done by Hugh Boyer. Lee's Dad, his brothers,
several neighbors and friends helped with the
construction work from time to time.

The entire operation became quite a
learning experience for these Boyers. Begin-
ning with 500 poults in May of that year the
production was increased until it reached a
capacity of 11,000 turkeys per year. In
addition to raising baby turkeys to the proper
age to be killed, dressed and packaged for
consumer use, the Boyers also kept 1000
turkey hens each year to produce eggs for a
hatchery in O'Neill, Nebraska.

While developing the turkey business Lee
milked cows and sold cream, bought calves
and sold yearlings. He was also mail carrier
for the northwest route out of Mullen for
sometime, as well as being a substitute carrier
for the northeast route and both south routes.

A son Larry Lee was born 1943.
The family was growing along with the
turkeys.

In 1947 business was expanded by the
purchase of a turkey ranch started by John
Lowe about 5 1/2 miles southwest of Mullen on
the old Hatch place.

1948 a daughter, Betty Leona was
born. As Betty was about to reach school age,
Lee and Erma realized that they would have
one child in kindergarten, one in grade school
and one in high school. Since there were no
school buses, Erma would be responsible for
transporting the children to and from school.
At times she could easily find herself making
5 or 6 trips to town in one day to accommo-
date the various schedules and activities of
the 3 different age groups. Needless to say
there would be little time left for her work at
home. It was decided that building a home in
town might help solve the problem. This was
done and they moved in August 1952.

As opportunities came forth additional
adjoining land was purchased from the
Harding Cattle Company. Then a little later
a pasture northwest of Seneca in Hooker
County was acquired from J.C. and Jean
Warden. Turkey operations were continued
at both the east and west ranches until the
close of 1962. After a total of 25 years as
turkey growers the Boyers changed over to
raising cattle the following year, 1963.

When the children became older and the
duties at home grew less Erma worked at the
"Hooker County Tribune" office owned by
J.C. and Muriel Crosland for a few months
prior to accepting a job as clerk at "Dutton's
Grocery" store in 1964. She appreciated
working for the Duttons and their partner
Leonard Ridenour, and enjoyed her contacts
with the numerous customers.

Phlete and Ona Warden purchased the
Boyer place east of Mullen in 1965 where they
established their home and are still living
there.

After a period of 10 years Erma stopped
working at the store in 1974 in order to spend
more time with her husband and his work.
They are still involved with cattle after
having pursued this course for the last 25
years.