Representative William M. Byerly View All Years

WILLIAM M. BYERLY

William M. Byerly, a member of the Thirty-third and Thirty-fourth General Assemblies, was born on a farm in Jones County, Iowa, March 31st, 1864 and in nationality represents both the German and Scotch-Irish·strains of blood. His early education was obtained in the rural schools, supplemented by a course at Lenox College in Hopkinton, Iowa.

For the first twelve years of his active life, he alternated between teaching in the winters with farming during the growing season. He was always actively interested in all that pertained to the welfare of his community and prepared himself for a wider participation in public affairs by serving his township for twelve years as their assessor, thus familiarizing himself somewhat with civil government of the county. He also brought his ripened judgment to his local school district, serving it for eighteen years as a director and here it early became apparent that he was bringing to this school district a thoughtful consideration of its needs, far beyond the average of country school directors. Later on, he was called to the more responsible position of a member of the Board of Supervisors and once again demonstrated that in this position is found a real opportunity for service to his neighbors.

In 1908, though a Democrat in a normally Republican county, he was elected as a state representative and re-elected in 1910. During this time it once more became evident that for a man who really wished to be of service to his state, there is always a place for genuine service. He brought to his own affairs the same methods, energy and conscientious thought which he demonstrated as a public official and by the time he had reached middle life, had achieved a competence which made him a real factor in financial affairs. He had been a stockholder in the Niles & Waters Savings Bank since its first organization. During the World War when the call came out for those who were too old to serve in the field to give their time and energy in prosecuting the war movements at home, William M. Byerly was among the first to respond to that call and he never wearied in doing what he thought was his full share. He early became interested and participated in the Red Cross movement during the war and about 1920 was elected president of that organization. This office be held at the time of his death, which occurred on July 30th, 1924.

His activity in partisan politics in a Republican county always made itself felt and while the majority of that county disagreed with him, it is not too much to say that he passed to the wider experience of a future life, carrying with him the absolute respect of Jones county. The state of Iowa lost a discerning and conscientious citizen. Jones County has lost an even more valuable asset, a kindly neighbor and a lifelong friend.

E. A. GRIMWOOD,

R. C. PRICHARD,

W. S. KENNEDY,

Committee.

Unanimously adopted March 30, 1925.