BYRES, Benjamin “Ben”
Date of death: 5 Aug 1897 – Johnson County, Indiana
The Franklin Democrat, Friday, August 20, 1897,
Volume XXXVIII Number 6, page 2 column 4
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OBITUARY.
Uncle Ben Byres was born in Henry county, Kentucky, March 15, 1821, and died Aug. 5, 1897.
His father settled in Johnson county in 1825, on the Van Byres farm near Mt. Pleasant. The original forefathers came from Germany. Mr. Byres had six brothers and four sisters, who were raised on the old homestead.
At the age of nineteen years, he was married to Miss Nancy Kelley in 1840. To them were born, viz: Cynthia, Matilda, John H., Robert S. and Isaac N. All are living except Cynthia. After his marriage he entered 80 acres of what is now known as the Wm. Jeffries farm, near Samaria. He cleared off the heavy timber, built the log cabin, and there by frugality, he prospered and accumulated rapidly.
A man of sterling worth and influence during a long life in Hensley of nearly three quarters of a century. His children are leading citizens of our township—influential and noted for their worth in our midst. His wife died two years ago, and ever since he has lived with his children on the old home.
As a farmer, he was a model; as a neighbor, he was of great worth; as a Christian his influence was weighty, and as a father and husband, he never made mistakes, but raised the family to be of great usefulness in our midst. He joined the Missionary Baptist Church at Mt. Pleasant in 1846, and has ever since been a true, devotional member. He was never known to have trouble or difficulty with his brothers and sisters. In his long and useful life, he was without an enemy.
Some forty years ago Samaria, then known by the name of Newburgh, was a place of bad repute. Uncle Ben with others began the reformation, and we all know the result. That rough citizenship was superceded by two strong churches. So Uncle Ben died renowned as a reformer. He will be missed. His gain is the community’s loss. He was followed to his last resting place by a large concourse of people.
Politically, he was a republican, true to his party, but always dealing honorably with those who saw fit to oppose him. A friend to all, no difference whether they were members of his church or not, he treated all alike.
B. F. Kennedy.
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Link to Benjamin “Ben” Byres’ grave
Submitted by Mark McCrady and Cathea Curry