John Piper Byers, a pioneer resident of Cooperstown, and one of the best known citizens of Venango county, died Wednesday morning, after an illness of less than a day. He was born in Mercer County in a part that has since been merged into Lawrence county. He was the son of Mr. & Mrs. James Byers. In 1845 he went with his parents to Venango county and settled in french Creek Township. 

Forty-seven years ago he entered the mercantile business at Dempystown, but two years later he moved to Cooperstown, where he conducted a store for 45 years, retiring from active business several ago. Surviving are three children and the following brothers and sisters: J.W. Byers of Cooperstown; Mrs. J.W. McCutcheon, of Galva, Ill.; Mrs. R.T. Findley, of Mercer; Mrs. E. B. Hilands, of Fredonia, and Mrs Belle Orr, of Sandy Lake.

Mercer Dispatch Friday March 25, 1910

Submitted by Bob McKeon