BIO:  Christian BYERS, Highland Township, Adams County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Kathy Francis

Copyright 2005.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/adams/
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History of Cumberland and Adams Counties, Pennsylvania
Chicago:  Warner, Beers & Co., 1886
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Part III, History of Adams County, Page 453

CHRISTIAN BYERS, farmer, P. O. Gettysburg, was born in Hamilton Township, (now 
Highland Township), Adams Co., Penn., in the house where he now lives, December 
18, 1840.  His parents were Christian and Elizabeth (Reinecker) Byers, both 
natives of this county.  His great-grandfather, Adam Byers, came from Lancaster 
County, and entered the farm where Christian now lives, his deed being recorded 
September 27, 1769; one-half penny per acre was the price he paid for the land.  
David Byers was the next owner of the farm, and lived on it until his death.  It 
then came into possession of our subject’s father, who lived on it until 1866, 
when he moved to the upper end of the farm, where he lived until his death in 
April, 1871, and the property passed into the possession of our subject.  It 
consists of 120 acres, and has been in the Byers’ name for 116 years.  It is one 
of the oldest farms in Highland Township, and the house built by the grandfather 
116 years ago is still standing.  Christian remained with his parents until 
1863, when he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Regiment, and 
served under Capt. McCreery.  A short time after enlisting he was seized with 
rheumatism and left at the Relay House, Maryland, where he remained six months.  
He was detailed as cook, which office he filled one year.  He participated in 
many skirmishes and served until the close of the war, and has since been 
engaged in farming.  In August, 1864, he married Tillie A. Hummer, who bore him 
seven children:  William H., Minnie L., Alberta P., Maggie G., Mervin C., Nellie 
K. and Fannie G.  Mrs. Byers died May 22, 1882.  Mr. Byers has held the offices 
of collector and election inspector, and is a prominent man in his county.  He 
is a member of the Brethren Church.  Mr. Byers has in his possession a wardrobe 
made by his great-grandfather 116 years ago.