It's great to see a BYERS discussion group formed. Maybe this will lead to a breakthrough for me. I have been stuck on my BYERS line with Isaac, my gg-grandfather, for some time. In the 1850 OHIO Athens Co. Census, he had a Mary Ann BYER living with him (b. 1781 PA). Of course, I want to conclude that she is his mother. According to Isaac's Civil War pension papers, he was born in Centre Co. PA on 23 Feb. 1819. I pick Isaac up in Ames Twp. Athens Co. (listed as I. Byans) with his first wife Margaret DICKEY. They married in Athens Co. on 15 Oct 1840. Another hint as to Isaac's origins comes on the death certificate of his son, Albert (completed by Albert's second wife). On that certificate, it says Isaac's birth place is Armstadt (most likely Darmstadt), Germany. Isaac's last name appears as BYER most of the time, but sometimes as BYERS. On his tombstone in Wells Cemetery, just over the Athens Co. border in Meigs Co., it says BYER. I've run a lot of clues down dead end streets over the last twenty years, any ideas or information that you have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.