J. W. Byers
J. W. Byers, of Boyd & Byers, stock-raisers and dealers, London, was born in Fairfield Township, this county, May 20, 1841. His grandfather, James Byers, was a native of Pennsylvania. and came to Ohio at early day. He first located in Ross County, and subsequently in Fairfield Township, this county. One son, John W. Byers, was also a native of Pennsylvania, and was twelve years of age when his father came to Ohio. He was a farmer through life, and died February 2, 1881. He married Matilda Hunter, a native of Franklin County, Ohio. Two children were born to this union, one now living. Mr. Byers' second wife was Sarah J. Painter, also a native of the Keystone State. Ten children were given to them, eight living. Mrs. Byers is still living, and resides in London. Our subject was one of a pair of twins, and resided in Fairfield Township until twenty-one years of age. He then engaged in the grocery trade in London, remaining in that business fifteen years. At the expiration of this time he engaged in the cattle business with Robert Boyd (in 1879) and the firm are one of the most extensive in their line of trade in the county. Mr. Byers is a member of the Masonic Lodge and Council and the Presbyterian Church. He is Republican in politics, and one year served as Assessor of Union Township. He was married, January 31, 1871, to Nannie E., daughter Robert Boyd. They have three living children -- R. Boyd, Alice L. and John W. Mrs. Byers is a member of the M. E. Church.
From HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY - W. H. Beers [Chicago, 1883]