Byrd - Levi
Rev. Levi BYRD
Source: Rossville Press Rossville, IL. __ Sept 1924
Rev. Levi Byrd, son of Mrs. and Mrs. Reuben Byrd was born in Montgomery County, Ind. Oct. 29, 1845 and died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Nellie Hickman near Woodland, Ill. Sept. 8, 1924, after months of suffering which he bore with patience, at the age of 78 years 10 months and 10 days. He was united in marriage to Prudence Surface, Mar. 16, 1875. To this union eight children were born, four sons and four daughters, two sons dying in infancy, two daughters, Mrs. Mary A. Rothenberger, Mrs. Emily E. Phelps and his dear companion having preceded him in death. Brother Byrd began teaching school at the age of 23, and taught successfully for a period of five years, in Montgomery and Warren Counties, Indiana. He was converted at the age of 17, and united with the M. E. Church. Later he with his wife joined the United Brethren Church. Feeling his call to the ministry and after due preparation he received annual conference license to preach the Gospel by the upper Wabash conference, held at Veedersburg, Indiana in 1883, Bishop J. Weaver presiding. Three years later he was ordained to elder orders by Bishop E. B. Kephart at an annual conference held at Mt. Zion Church, Montgomery County, Indiana, and continued for a period of 28 years. He was a safe and sane preacher of the word and God used him graciously as an instrument in His hands in leading many souls to Christ, and into the Church. On Sept. 23, 1908 he with him family located in Rossville, Ill. and was a member of the United Brethren Church of this city at the time of his death. He leaves to mourn, Lydia E. Allman, of Clio, Michigan, Nellie A. Hickman, of Woodland, Illinois, Chas. R. of Detroit, Michigan, Leslie of Cleveland, Ohio, one sister, Mrs. Jane Remeley of Darlington, Ill, ten grand children four great grand children, and a host of friends. The funeral services was conducted by Rev. J. L. Pellum. assisted by D. C. Ade, Wednesday forenoon. Interment was made in the local cemetery. The pall bearers were M. E. Scarlett Perry Buckner, N. J. Smith, George Ray Bert Redman and D. C. Ade.