John R. Byrum

JOHN R. BYRUM,* a prominent restdent of Howard township, Labette county, Kansas, located on his home farm, the north half of section 36, township 34, range 17, - in 1880. He was born near Crab Apple Orchard, Kentucky, In 1844, and is a son of William and Mary (Gowens) Byrum.

William Byrum was born in Kentucky, and followed the occupation of a farmer all his life. He married Mary Gowens, also a native of that state, and they reared eight children, four of whom are still living, as follows: John R.; Bendy; Leckie; and Harriet.

John R. Byrum, the subject of this sketch, was but a child when his parents moved to Indiana, and in the Hoosier State he lived until the war broke out. In 1862, he enlisted in Company A, 59th Reg., Ind. Vol. Inf., and served until the close of the war, being much of the time in Gen. W. T. Sherman's command. He returned to Indiana after securing his discharge and later went to Illinois, where he lived five years. In 1878, he located in Kansas, and two years later made his settlement in Howard township, Labette county. He has lived there since that time, and has had good success in his farming operations.

Mr. Byrum married Nellie Winters, who died in 1889. They were the parents of one child, - Alvin, who is a farmer in Labette county. Mr. Byrum married, secondly, Mary Kink, and they have one child, - Otha.

Mr. Byrum is a Democrat, in politics, and takes a deep interest in the affairs of that party. He served as trustee of Howard township one term, and has been a member of the school board for nine years. He belongs to the Anti-Horsethief Association; and is a member of the Masonic order, and the M. W. of A. Religiously, he and his family are members of the Christian church. Mr. Byrum is well known in Labette county, and is considered a very good farmer. He is highly respected throughout the community in which he resides.