Byers - John - CW
Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal, August 20, 1906
John Byers died Sunday morning at 6:30 in the hospital of the Soldier's Home at Danville, Ill., to which place he was taken about a week ago. His body was brought to this city on the 1:05 train today. The Knights of Tabor, of which order the deceased was a prominent member, escorted the body from the train to the Byer's home in Thompson's Hillside addition. The funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon at 3 o'clock in the colored Baptist church. John Byers was born on a plantation near Frankfort, Kentucky, on December 26, 1829. In July, 1864, he enlisted in Company H. 116th United States Colored Volunteer Infantry and served honorably as a private until his discharge in January 1867. Shortly after his discharge he removed to this city, where he has lived ever since. About twenty years ago he was elected constable in which capacity he served until his death in such a manner as to win the respect of all who had dealings with him. The deceased leaves a daughter, Mrs. Helen Byers Phillips, of Chicago, an adopted daughter, Miss Willie May Gates and a sister Mrs. Reuben Jackson. Since 1890 he had received and old age pension from the government in consideration of is faithful service in the civil war. -thanks to Kim H