Commander-in-Chief William Allen Dyer was born April 7, 1865 in Fall River, Massachusetts. His father, David Hartwell Dyer, served as a Captain in Co. A, 7th Massachusetts Volunteers. He enlisted November 12, 1861 and served 3.5 years.

William belonged to Merriam Camp #52, Syracuse, New York and lived at 995 James St. He was very active in the city of Syracuse. He was once President of the Chamber of Commerce, President of the Sons of the American Revolution and was part owner of Chappell and Dyer Department Stores for about 10 years. He was New York Department Commander in 1932-4 and served as Commander-in-Chief from 1936-38. He died October 21, 1944 and was buried in Swan Point Cemetery, Providence, Rhode Island.

His wife, Clara and son William, Jr. survived. William, Jr. died a few years ago in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was President of the Indianapolis Newspapers.

Submitted December 1998 by:
Jerome Orton, PDC, Past National Historian
213 Dixon Dr.
Syracuse, NY 13219
ortonj@VAX.CS.HSCSYR.EDU