In a message dated 1/16/07 9:58:00 PM, gwenbj@seanet.com writes: > >>I don't see how a Joseph Boyers who moved to KY could be the father > of Conrad since he stayed in Mecklenburg and Shepherdstown, VA.  Or are you > saying this is a > connection for your John Byers?  But you also have him staying in West > Virginia in Shepherdstown. > Gwen- The Joseph I am referring to would have been born about 1735 probably in a Germanic state. He would be a brother to John (1732) and an uncle to Conrad?? Please take what I have (now) as opinion. Old opinion , as I gave up on research on Byers to go after easier targets. I will send below what I have handy and perhaps you can find hope. John Boyers born ca 1732 ! Very little is known about our immigrant ancestor John Byers. Within the family it has been written (by his great granddaughter) that "he and three brothers came to America in the early 1700s and settled in Virginia and Pennsylvania". It is further speculated that these brothers were named Conrad, Joseph and Lawrence. Family information further claims that John was a "Captain in the Revolutionary War and that he had only one son". According to Danske Danridge in "Historic Shepherdstown", "Captain John Byers was a man of athletic proportions and he was as brave as he was physicaly powerful". Danridge goes on to say that Captain John 'had died in York Co. Pennsylvania and that he had only one son." "Pennsylvania Archives" Series V, Vol. 1, page 128 and 183 mentions a John Byers who was commissioned a Captain on 27 Apr., 1758 in the 2nd Battalion of Pennsylvania. A reference in the "Virginia Magazine of History and Genealogy" Vol. 23, page 432 mentions a Captain John Byers was to "deliver a letter from Tennessee". (Neither of these may concern our John.) Several people named "John Byers" are found in York Co. Pennsylvania: One of these "John Byers" served as a Private in the Militia of Chester Co.; one left a will dated 1777 (D-21); one left a will dated 1799 (K-031) and there is an estate of a John Beyer which was administered on 7 April, 1784 (but his son John is too old to be the line of interest ); last and of interest is a York Co. record dated 25 September, 1804 mentioning an estate left by Joseph Byers of Lexington KY, uncle of John Byers, Jr. who is over 14 years old and sister Mary age 11 record (OC/I 70). John Jr.'s father John was named guardian. This latter reference deserves further research. (Some descendants think John was in the 8th Regiment, 2nd Brigade of the Pennsylvania line but there is no record to support this claim. John Boyers/Byers born 1779 son of John 1732 Several references have been found regarding John. One of the most important comes from within the family- a letter written by his granddaughter Sarah Ellen (Byers) Curry in 1914 to a niece Lucille Granger, in which dates, names etc., are mentioned. He is also mentioned several times in " Historic Shepherdstown" by Danridge and "Upon This Rock" by Hartzell. ! A leaded glass window is in the St. Peters Luthern Church in Shepherdstown dedicated in his honor (contributed by his son John). ! John and Elizabeth had four sons, one of whom died early. ! The cottage Bible records birth and death dates for John and Elizabeth. John Byers born 1810 son of John 1779 and Elizabeth John was the second son of his parents. ! John was a school teacher. After his marriage he lived first in Martinsburg, Jefferson Co., VA then in Charlestown, Jefferson Co. VA and they next moved to Hagerstown MD in 1841. ! Washington Co. MD land records mention of borrowing $756.75 from his father John and $236.41 from his uncle Joseph Byers to buy a lot, a house, furniture, dishes, tools and three dogs. This debt was to be paid back by 1853. (This John's wife Ann Margaret Weis was a cousin of Helen Keller) John Byers son of John and Ann Margaret ========================================================================== ! He was a "printer's devil" at age ten. When 13 years old he wrote and published a sheet called "Genius of the Age and the "Nutshell". As a result he was employed by Tice & Hammond Co. until age 20 at which time he headed west to Kansas City. ! John moved to Kansas City, MO and after the Civil War he became a very successful business man. See "History of Kansas City". ! John may have been born in Martinsburg, Berkeley Co. VA. ! Byers, John W., was born November 2, 1833 in Jefferson County, VA, the eldest of a family numbering 6 sons and 1 daughter, subsequently removing to Martinsburg, in Berkeley County, VA., where his education began as a pupil in a school opened by his father, who several years later changed residence, removing to Hagerstown, MD., and continued there for many years a successful teacher. !At about ten years of age he became a printer boy, and being exempted from the primary duties usually allotted to the "printer’s devil" passed immediately to the work of a compositor, and within one year attained such experience in deciphering the bad manuscript of the editor, as well as in making up forms, and correction of proofs, as to earn the soubriquet of "Big Type A." This occupation proving unfavorable to health, was exchanged, at thirteen years of age, for employment in the hardware store of Tice & Hammond, then the oldest firm in the State of Maryland. It may be worth mentioning as evidence of juvenile energy, that as a pastime for the long winter evenings of his printer’s career, he indulged in first editing and publishing, on his own account, a diminutive sheet called the "Genius of the Age", followed the ensuring winter by the "Nutshell", double the size of its predecessor, in which spicy local squibs, and points about the neighborhood, in weekly collations, attracted sufficient patronage to supply "pocket money". This precociousness attracted the attention of the firm above referred to, with whom he remained until twenty years of age, when a favorable opportunity occurred, inducing his obedience to the popular injunction - "Go West, young man." !Among the incidents of this first journey, removing him so far from the old home roof, a serious railroad wreck occurred, from which he escaped unhurt, by an exchange of coaches on the train about thirty minutes before. During 33 years since, making many journeys, he has been preserved from participating in any similar disaster. The old stage coach was then yet a necessary link between the temporary terminals of uncompleted railway, but in due time both were substituted by the luxury of a Missouri River steamer - the F.X. Aubrey - at St. Louis, MO., and several more days of comfortable travel completed this first long journey, at Wellington, La Fayette County, MO., in August 1854. !First impressions of the new country fortunately proved favorable and agreeable. Entering immediately upon duties in the counting room of a house dealing in general merchandise, with hemp and tobacco as the leading products of the region's tributary, he found no time for home-sickness, and being favored in social surroundings, readily adapted himself to a new home in the "far West," as it then was. !Several years passed, and during this period he met and courted Miss Lucy C. Holloway, the eldest daughter of James M. Holloway, a merchant formerly of Lexington, KY. Taking a trip farther west in the meantime, visiting St. Joseph, Leavenworth and Kansas City, he made a business engagement at the latter point in 1857, and locating at Westport, prepared a home for the lady of his choice, to whom he was married April 14, 1858, enjoying the good old style of a large wedding party given the happy couple at the home of parents in La Fayette County, MO. !The larger portion of the succeeding ten years he was connected with others in the transportation of freights, by mule and cattle trains, from the Missouri River to various points in the farther west, including Salt Lake City, Utah, with Santa Fe, NM and many intermediate trading and military posts. From 1861 to 1865 this business increased to very important magnitude caused by the large demand for supplies at military posts, and in commercial adventures. For two or tree years of this period, the company with which he was associated had in its service from 25,000 to 50,000 head of oxen and mules, using about 1,200 wagons, and employing nearly 15,000 men, involving a business approximating $2,000,000 annually. Mr. Byers originated a plan of records for the business, and so accurately systematized the auditing depart, that in every case of difference occurring for adjustment with government officers and private individuals, his figures were found correct, and ultimately produced satisfactory settlements between all parties. !In 1870, entering the service of the Mechanics’ Bank of Kansas City, he finally became its cashier, and so remained until all the branches of that institution were finally closed and merged into the parent bank at St. Louis, where it still continues. !During several years following he engaged in the wholesale hardware trade, as successor in a long established house, from which has since grown the Hall & Willis Hardware Company. !Since 1880, finding out-door activity and freedom from the counting-room and office more congenial and healthful, he has engaged in real estate enterprises and building. As a pioneer in its development, he began in 1878 the first five-story building, which was occupied for 6 years by the largest dry goods firm in the city, and at present is occupied by the largest wholesale clothing firm in Kansas City. !He was one of the stockholders and directors in the original organization from which has grown the present National Bank of Kansas City, of which he continues to be a director. He was a member of the original Board of Trade, and continues to hold membership in the present re-organization. !Not only in the record of fair success in business life, but also as a citizen, Christian and friend, he has steadily, though unostentatiously devoted a large share of his time, and beyond the average of his means, to the relief of individual embarrassment and misfortune, as well as to public enterprise. Among the latter, the Young Men’s Christian Association enlisted his active and continuous effort and support during at least seven years of its earlier history in Kansas City, and when most in need of firm and constant friends. The present increased strength of its position, and more general appreciation of its practical usefulness, has gathered to it many new friends with whom he shares the harvest joy, as the fruition of earlier years of patient labor, and the seeding time through with it has passed. !Among educational institutions, Park College, located a few miles from Kansas City, has for twelve years, since its organization, received his active support, and as treasurer of its board of trustees, the financial difficulties usually experienced in such enterprises have made large demands upon his time and attention. This institution has grown from an original seventeen to a present catalouge of over four hundred students. !With an utter distaste for political prominence, he never consented to follow such methods as would most likely have secured him positions of that kind, being frequently urged to enter the arena, but steadily declining, with several minor exceptions, to do so. !The church maintains high claim, and has his constant care for its welfare and several support. A member and office bearer of the Presbyterian Church, he has been honored as a chosen representative in the presbytery, synod and general assembly. In its local work for twenty years, he has set aside business demands and personal convenience, when called upon by duty, either as member or officer. !From the period when the line of Third street formed the southern boundary of its business territory, as a resident of Kansas City, with brief intermission for thirty years, John W. Byers has maintained an unblemished record in all relations, and in the average limit of a generation has filled the !measure of a useful life, retaining yet activity and energy which promise well for future years. His only child, Lulu Lee, is now the wife of James M. Love, a merchant of Kansas City, and with two grandsons, these make up a happy home circle. !History of Kansas City Missouri with Illustrations, 1888 Press of D. Mason & Co., 63 West Water St., Syracuse, N.Y. ========================================================================== Somewhere-- I have a lot of paper on the family. After a couple of hurricanes and a crashed computer (and a new roof) I lost interest for awhile. I am 80 years old and work from memory is not always correct. Bob Hopkins in FL Visit our home page http://bobhopkins0.tripod.com/ Hopkins File http://worldconnect.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?db=bobhopkins0 Byers File http://worldconnect.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?db=bobhopkins1 Major family names- Abel, Adams, Anders, Bellisfield, Brock, Byers, Davis, Dement, Field, Guffey, Hancock, Hockaday, Hopkins, Irvine, McClanahan, Scarbrough, Shipley, Strother, Stonestreet, Wade, Wampler, Westlake

Thanks so much Bob. This is so nice of you to share all of this information. I hope that we will be able to identify your John Byers and Conrad Byers in the DNA tests. We just need to get a lot of families to join us. The Germans are just so difficult to trace back to Germany. See our website at: http://www.familytreedna.com/public/Boyer/ I have all of my Boyer family from Chapter 30 of the American Boyers up on WorldConnect at: http://worldconnect.genealogy.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?db=gwebjork Marsha Boyer Weaver is still offering to help pay for a DNA test for anyone descended from Chapter 9 or Chapter 11 of the American Boyers books. v. 2 AI Chap 9 [Johann Andreas Beyer] v. 2 AK Chap 11 [Johann Nikolaus Beyer] Gwen Boyer Bjorkman gwenbj@seanet.com -----Original Message----- From: byers-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:byers-bounces@rootsweb.com]On Behalf Of BOBHOP@aol.com Sent: Wednesday, January 17, 2007 6:21 AM To: byers@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [BYERS] Byers > Gwen- The Joseph I am referring to would have been born about 1735 probably in a Germanic state. He would be a brother to John (1732) and an uncle to Conrad?? Please take what I have (now) as opinion. Old opinion , as I gave up on research on Byers to go after easier targets. I will send below what I have handy and perhaps you can find hope. John Boyers born ca 1732 ! Very little is known about our immigrant ancestor John Byers. Within the family it has been written (by his great granddaughter) that "he and three brothers came to America in the early 1700s and settled in Virginia and Pennsylvania". It is further speculated that these brothers were named Conrad, Joseph and Lawrence. Family information further claims that John was a "Captain in the Revolutionary War and that he had only one son". According to Danske Danridge in "Historic Shepherdstown", "Captain John Byers was a man of athletic proportions and he was as brave as he was physicaly powerful". Danridge goes on to say that Captain John 'had died in York Co. Pennsylvania and that he had only one son." "Pennsylvania Archives" Series V, Vol. 1, page 128 and 183 mentions a John Byers who was commissioned a Captain on 27 Apr., 1758 in the 2nd Battalion of Pennsylvania. A reference in the "Virginia Magazine of History and Genealogy" Vol. 23, page 432 mentions a Captain John Byers was to "deliver a letter from Tennessee". (Neither of these may concern our John.) Several people named "John Byers" are found in York Co. Pennsylvania: One of these "John Byers" served as a Private in the Militia of Chester Co.; one left a will dated 1777 (D-21); one left a will dated 1799 (K-031) and there is an estate of a John Beyer which was administered on 7 April, 1784 (but his son John is too old to be the line of interest ); last and of interest is a York Co. record dated 25 September, 1804 mentioning an estate left by Joseph Byers of Lexington KY, uncle of John Byers, Jr. who is over 14 years old and sister Mary age 11 record (OC/I 70). John Jr.'s father John was named guardian. This latter reference deserves further research. (Some descendants think John was in the 8th Regiment, 2nd Brigade of the Pennsylvania line but there is no record to support this claim. John Boyers/Byers born 1779 son of John 1732 Several references have been found regarding John. One of the most important comes from within the family- a letter written by his granddaughter Sarah Ellen (Byers) Curry in 1914 to a niece Lucille Granger, in which dates, names etc., are mentioned. He is also mentioned several times in " Historic Shepherdstown" by Danridge and "Upon This Rock" by Hartzell. ! A leaded glass window is in the St. Peters Luthern Church in Shepherdstown dedicated in his honor (contributed by his son John). ! John and Elizabeth had four sons, one of whom died early. ! The cottage Bible records birth and death dates for John and Elizabeth. John Byers born 1810 son of John 1779 and Elizabeth John was the second son of his parents. ! John was a school teacher. After his marriage he lived first in Martinsburg, Jefferson Co., VA then in Charlestown, Jefferson Co. VA and they next moved to Hagerstown MD in 1841. ! Washington Co. MD land records mention of borrowing $756.75 from his father John and $236.41 from his uncle Joseph Byers to buy a lot, a house, furniture, dishes, tools and three dogs. This debt was to be paid back by 1853. (This John's wife Ann Margaret Weis was a cousin of Helen Keller) John Byers son of John and Ann Margaret ========================================================================== ! He was a "printer's devil" at age ten. When 13 years old he wrote and published a sheet called "Genius of the Age and the "Nutshell". As a result he was employed by Tice & Hammond Co. until age 20 at which time he headed west to Kansas City. ! John moved to Kansas City, MO and after the Civil War he became a very successful business man. See "History of Kansas City". ! John may have been born in Martinsburg, Berkeley Co. VA. ! Byers, John W., was born November 2, 1833 in Jefferson County, VA, the eldest of a family numbering 6 sons and 1 daughter, subsequently removing to Martinsburg, in Berkeley County, VA., where his education began as a pupil in a school opened by his father, who several years later changed residence, removing to Hagerstown, MD., and continued there for many years a successful teacher. !At about ten years of age he became a printer boy, and being exempted from the primary duties usually allotted to the "printer’s devil" passed immediately to the work of a compositor, and within one year attained such experience in deciphering the bad manuscript of the editor, as well as in making up forms, and correction of proofs, as to earn the soubriquet of "Big Type A." This occupation proving unfavorable to health, was exchanged, at thirteen years of age, for employment in the hardware store of Tice & Hammond, then the oldest firm in the State of Maryland. It may be worth mentioning as evidence of juvenile energy, that as a pastime for the long winter evenings of his printer’s career, he indulged in first editing and publishing, on his own account, a diminutive sheet called the "Genius of the Age", followed the ensuring winter by the "Nutshell", double the size of its predecessor, in which spicy local squibs, and points about the neighborhood, in weekly collations, attracted sufficient patronage to supply "pocket money". This precociousness attracted the attention of the firm above referred to, with whom he remained until twenty years of age, when a favorable opportunity occurred, inducing his obedience to the popular injunction - "Go West, young man." !Among the incidents of this first journey, removing him so far from the old home roof, a serious railroad wreck occurred, from which he escaped unhurt, by an exchange of coaches on the train about thirty minutes before. During 33 years since, making many journeys, he has been preserved from participating in any similar disaster. The old stage coach was then yet a necessary link between the temporary terminals of uncompleted railway, but in due time both were substituted by the luxury of a Missouri River steamer - the F.X. Aubrey - at St. Louis, MO., and several more days of comfortable travel completed this first long journey, at Wellington, La Fayette County, MO., in August 1854. !First impressions of the new country fortunately proved favorable and agreeable. Entering immediately upon duties in the counting room of a house dealing in general merchandise, with hemp and tobacco as the leading products of the region's tributary, he found no time for home-sickness, and being favored in social surroundings, readily adapted himself to a new home in the "far West," as it then was. !Several years passed, and during this period he met and courted Miss Lucy C. Holloway, the eldest daughter of James M. Holloway, a merchant formerly of Lexington, KY. Taking a trip farther west in the meantime, visiting St. Joseph, Leavenworth and Kansas City, he made a business engagement at the latter point in 1857, and locating at Westport, prepared a home for the lady of his choice, to whom he was married April 14, 1858, enjoying the good old style of a large wedding party given the happy couple at the home of parents in La Fayette County, MO. !The larger portion of the succeeding ten years he was connected with others in the transportation of freights, by mule and cattle trains, from the Missouri River to various points in the farther west, including Salt Lake City, Utah, with Santa Fe, NM and many intermediate trading and military posts. From 1861 to 1865 this business increased to very important magnitude caused by the large demand for supplies at military posts, and in commercial adventures. For two or tree years of this period, the company with which he was associated had in its service from 25,000 to 50,000 head of oxen and mules, using about 1,200 wagons, and employing nearly 15,000 men, involving a business approximating $2,000,000 annually. Mr. Byers originated a plan of records for the business, and so accurately systematized the auditing depart, that in every case of difference occurring for adjustment with government officers and private individuals, his figures were found correct, and ultimately produced satisfactory settlements between all parties. !In 1870, entering the service of the Mechanics’ Bank of Kansas City, he finally became its cashier, and so remained until all the branches of that institution were finally closed and merged into the parent bank at St. Louis, where it still continues. !During several years following he engaged in the wholesale hardware trade, as successor in a long established house, from which has since grown the Hall & Willis Hardware Company. !Since 1880, finding out-door activity and freedom from the counting-room and office more congenial and healthful, he has engaged in real estate enterprises and building. As a pioneer in its development, he began in 1878 the first five-story building, which was occupied for 6 years by the largest dry goods firm in the city, and at present is occupied by the largest wholesale clothing firm in Kansas City. !He was one of the stockholders and directors in the original organization from which has grown the present National Bank of Kansas City, of which he continues to be a director. He was a member of the original Board of Trade, and continues to hold membership in the present re-organization. !Not only in the record of fair success in business life, but also as a citizen, Christian and friend, he has steadily, though unostentatiously devoted a large share of his time, and beyond the average of his means, to the relief of individual embarrassment and misfortune, as well as to public enterprise. Among the latter, the Young Men’s Christian Association enlisted his active and continuous effort and support during at least seven years of its earlier history in Kansas City, and when most in need of firm and constant friends. The present increased strength of its position, and more general appreciation of its practical usefulness, has gathered to it many new friends with whom he shares the harvest joy, as the fruition of earlier years of patient labor, and the seeding time through with it has passed. !Among educational institutions, Park College, located a few miles from Kansas City, has for twelve years, since its organization, received his active support, and as treasurer of its board of trustees, the financial difficulties usually experienced in such enterprises have made large demands upon his time and attention. This institution has grown from an original seventeen to a present catalouge of over four hundred students. !With an utter distaste for political prominence, he never consented to follow such methods as would most likely have secured him positions of that kind, being frequently urged to enter the arena, but steadily declining, with several minor exceptions, to do so. !The church maintains high claim, and has his constant care for its welfare and several support. A member and office bearer of the Presbyterian Church, he has been honored as a chosen representative in the presbytery, synod and general assembly. In its local work for twenty years, he has set aside business demands and personal convenience, when called upon by duty, either as member or officer. !From the period when the line of Third street formed the southern boundary of its business territory, as a resident of Kansas City, with brief intermission for thirty years, John W. Byers has maintained an unblemished record in all relations, and in the average limit of a generation has filled the !measure of a useful life, retaining yet activity and energy which promise well for future years. His only child, Lulu Lee, is now the wife of James M. Love, a merchant of Kansas City, and with two grandsons, these make up a happy home circle. !History of Kansas City Missouri with Illustrations, 1888 Press of D. Mason & Co., 63 West Water St., Syracuse, N.Y. ========================================================================== Somewhere-- I have a lot of paper on the family. After a couple of hurricanes and a crashed computer (and a new roof) I lost interest for awhile. I am 80 years old and work from memory is not always correct. Bob Hopkins in FL Visit our home page http://bobhopkins0.tripod.com/ Hopkins File http://worldconnect.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?db=bobhopkins0 Byers File http://worldconnect.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?db=bobhopkins1 Major family names- Abel, Adams, Anders, Bellisfield, Brock, Byers, Davis, Dement, Field, Guffey, Hancock, Hockaday, Hopkins, Irvine, McClanahan, Scarbrough, Shipley, Strother, Stonestreet, Wade, Wampler, Westlake