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ROBERT C. BYERS is the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and ninety-seven acres situated on section 28, Rochester Township. His father, Jacob Byers, was a native of Jefferson County, Va., and throughout his entire life followed farming in pursuit of fortune. He married Catherine Ernst, also a native of Jefferson County, and in that State they spent their entire lives.

The subject of this sketch was born in Jefferson County, on the 19th of December, 1835, and in the State of his nativity was reared to manhood, performing such farm labor as was allotted to him and securing an education in the schools of the community. It was not until his marriage that he left the parental roof and started out in life for himself. On the 26th of February, 1861, he led to the hymeneal altar Miss Eliza J. Crider, daughter of John and Eliza (Sibert) Crider, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Maryland. Mr. Crider was a miller by occupation and followed that trade during the greater part of his life. He died in Jefferson County, Va., where the death of his wife also occurred.

Mrs. Byers was born in Washington County, Md., April 16, 1838. The young couple began their domestic life in Jefferson County and lived in the vicinity of their first home until 1876, when they determined to locate in the West, and made a settlement in Sangamon County, Ill. For a year they lived near Pawnee, and in the spring of 1877 removed to Woodside Township, where they remained for seven years, at the expiration of which time they settled on section 18, Rochester Township. Mr. Byers purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land and by subsequent purchases has increased the boundaries of his farm until it now comprises one hundred and ninety-seven acres. He is a practical, yet progressive man, who understand his business in all its details and has therefore been quite successful in his undertakings. Good improvements enhance the value of his property and stand as monuments of his thrift and enterprise. His life has been a useful one marked by many noble acts, deeds of charity, and works of love. At the age of seventeen years he was converted and joined the Methodist Church, of which he has since been a consistent member. His wife also holds membership in that church and like him delights in doing good. They have won the lasting regard and love of many by their upright lives and the esteem which is given them is justly deserved. They have a pleasant home in Rochester township where hospitality abounds and a warm welcome is extended to their friends. We invite the attention of our numerous readers to the portraits of Mr. Byers and wife which accompany this sketch.