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Mr. Andrew Byerly
October 22, 1820–July 10, 1905 |
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| Andrew Byerly was born in Fairfield, county, Ohio, Oct. 22d, 1820, and died July 10, 1905, aged 84 years, 8 months and 18 days.
In 1845 he came to Iowa, returning to Ohio again the same year; but the following year he and the rest of the Byerly family came to Iowa and were among the first families to settle in Jones county. He was of a family of nine children; all of whom married and settled in this vicinity. Of this family only two are alive, Mrs. George Pfeiffer, of Anamosa, and Mr. Adam Byerly, of Ardock, North Dakota.
On Oct. 25, 1855, Andrew Byerly and Barbara Ann Beam. were united in the bonds of holy matrimony. Of this union were born, six sons, three of whom died in infancy. Benjamin F. died when he was 20 years old, Geo. W. lives in Anamosa, Iowa, and Stephen A. Douglas Byerly lives in Los Angeles, Cal. Mr. Byerly was a farmer during his long residence in Jackson township, but on account of his wife's health he move to Anamosa where he thought he could take more leisure and his wife's condition might be improved.
On October 10th, 1884, his wife died and for awhile he lived, with his son George W. In March, 1893, he was married to Miss Agnes Chase. They lived together happily for four years, when he was again left companionless. Since the death of his second wife he has made his home with his son George, who has watched over him and cared for him tenderly to his last affliction.
He was a man who was generally blessed with the best of health, but within the last few weeks he was suddenly stricken with paralysis, and since then his suffering was great until death gave him a more peaceful life. The deceased was a man of good morals, thoroughly honest, and was respected by all who know him. While a resident of Jackson township he was a member of the Christian church at Antioch and contributed to the building of said church. At his death he was still a believer in Christ. He was a kind neighbor, a dutiful husband and a loving parent.
During his last illness and when he was called to judgement he did not flinch, he did not quail, he had made his peace with God. Thus passeth one of our noblest citizens. Let us emulate his character. May he rest in peace. W.M.B.
The funeral was held at Antioch church Wednesday, July 12th, at 12 N. The funeral discourse was delivered by the Rev. Deschamps, pastor of the Baptist church, Anamosa, assisted by Rev. Nathan Potter, of Olin, Iowa.
The choir was composed of Mrs. B. E. Rhinebart, Mrs. J. A. Moe, Mrs. H. D. Chadwick and Miss Jean Atkinson, with Miss Nellie Hackett as organist. The pall bearers were D. M. Hakes, F. M. Bagley, S. D. Alspaugh, J. L. Hay, Lemuel Streeter, Thos. McGuire. E. J. Wood had charge of general arrangements.
Card of Thanks
To all dear friends and neighbors who so kindly and willingly proffered their services and assistance during the illness and death of our dear father, we extend our most sincere and heartfelt thanks. And when the silent messenger of death enters your home as it must come to all, may you also receive the same kind hospitality and dear sympathy.
Geo. W. Byerly and family.
We may add to the above that Mr. Byerly taught the first school in Jackson township in the winter of 1848-9. Of course there was no school house, and so the kitchen of Mr. Adam Overacker's house was utilized for that purpose. Mr. Byerly was 28 years old and single. As was universal in those days and for years afterwards, parents were obliged to pay tuition fees for their children, there being no school fund to meet this expense for instruction. As almost all the early pioneers were limited in means and there was very little money in circulation, many children suffered much deprivation in even the limited privileges of the times, and the teachers likewise fared very poorly. Mr. Byerly's compensation, we have no doubt, was exceedingly meager, a mere pittance, probably, but he was willing to do what he could with almost no facilities whatever, in
order that the children of the widely scattered families might have some chance to fit themselves for the duties of life. His experience was the experience of many others in those days when neighbors were often miles apart, and wolves, deer and Indians were far more numerous than white settlers. This writer always has entertained the highest personal regard for this old pioneer and it is a pleasure for us to know he has lived a clean, upright, worthy life in our midst.
Submitted by: Margaret Byerly Filbin |
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