William M. Byerly

As printed in 1910

HON. WILLIAM M. BYERLY.

Some men are personal popular enough to rise above party lines and ties and to carry all before them. They possess the characteristics needed in public men and these are recognized and appreciated by those in whose hands lies the voting privilege. The Hon. William M. Byerly of Jackson township, present member of the lower house of the general assembly from his district, is a man whose popularity is remarkable and whose public life is without a blemish. He was born in this township. March 31. 1854, and he belongs to one of the best known families of Jones county, being a son of the pioneers Michael and Elizabeth (Jefferies) Byerly.

Michael Byerly was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, July 10, 18 18. while his wife was born in Fauquier county, Virginia, May 6, 1815, but she was taken to Fairfield county by her parents and was there married November 1, 1840. Six years later they came to Jones county, Iowa, locating in Jackson township, which ever afterward was their home. The father died here July 10 1896. and the mother passed away December 22, 1900. Michael Byerly entered the land now owned by his son William M., fifty-six acres being in timber and forty in prairie. He also bought other claims until he owned one hundred and sixty-six acres. This land has never been out of the family or been incumbered in any way. In politics he was a strong democrat and held various township offices. He was also active in religious work and was one of the founders of the Antioch Christian church as well as one of its trustees. He and his wife had the following family: Alvin R., who lives at Fredonia, Kansas; Milton J. and John W. who live in Jackson township; Malinda, who married R. B. Johnson, of Jackson township; William M., of this review; Elizabeth, who died at the age of eighteen years; and three children who died in infancy. The eldest, Alvin R. enlisted in 1862 in Company K. Sixth Iowa Cavalry and served three years in rhe Civil war, or until

William M. Byerly has spent his life in Jones county with the exception of three years, from 1880 to 1883, when he was in Barton county, Kansas. He was educated in the common schools of Jackson township and at Lennox College, Hopkinton, Iowa. Following this he taught school twelve terms during the winter in

As printed in History of Jones County, Iowa, past and present (1910). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.