James Moses Byers (1845-1939)

BYERS, ALLEN, TUMMEL, BUCK, BACON

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 12/13/2014 at 11:52:02

From unknown newspaper February 1939

J. M. Byers Died Monday at Colo

J. M. Byers, a pioneer of Iowa passed away at the home of his son Geo. Byers, at Elkhart at 7:15 Monday evening, January 2, 1939. He was 93 years, 1 month and 24 days. While his health had been declining, he was confined to his bed, but for only one week. His daughters, Mrs. Tummel of Colo and Mrs Buck of Ames had been helping care for him for the past several weeks. He was buried in the Colo cemetery Wed. beside his wife who passed away seventeen years ago.

James Moses Byers, son of Abraham and Lucretia Jane Byers was born in Elkhart, Indiana, Nov. 9, 1845. When but 2 years of age he came with his parents and a number of his maternal relatives, "The Corys" and founded the settlement which has since been known as Cory Grove located in the center of Iowa. He was born of hardy pioneer spirit his parents having faced many hardships of that early day, his father was known over the state for his untiring horticultural efforts and far sighted work for the upholding and development for the benefit of the new country. In February 1865 be married Sarah Matilda Allen of Quaker parentage. To them was born 6 children all of whom are living except a son Charles who died in infancy.

The children are John S. Byers and Mrs. Mary Tummel of Colo; Mrs. Gay Buck of Ames, Geo. Gyers of Elkhart and Mrs. Jessamine Bacon of Hazelton, Iowa. He leaves 17 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Mr. Byers and family resided in Cory Grove for 15 years and in 1880 moved to the farm in Story county in New Albany Township. In the year 1893 they retired from the farm and moved to State Center and in 1901 Mr. and Mrs. Byers moved to Colo where they lived until the passing of Mrs. Byers in July 1921. For these years, Mr. Byers made his home with his son John and since that time has resided back in the old locality with his sons George in Elkhart, Iowa. Mr. Byers was always very devout having been a member of the United Brethren church during early days and later was member of the Methodist church and continued active for many years until advanced years. He kept a faithful trust in God until the last.