Biographical sketch extracted from:

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887. pp. 926-927.

JOHN BYALL, who is now deceased, was one of the old and honored pioneers of Jackson Township. He came to Wells County in the fall of 1846, and settled on the northeast quarter of section 28, Jackson Township, this land having been entered by his father in 1840. Mr. Byall was born in Wayne County, Ohio, June 23, 1817, a son of James and Mary (Halfpruner) Byall, the father a native of Baltimore County, Maryland, born in 1788, and the mother born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, in December, 1799. They afterward settled in Wayne County, where they lived until their death, the father dying July 4, 1855, and the mother January 4, 1887. They were the parents of eleven children, six sons and five daughters. The father was a farmer by occupation. He was of French descent, his forefathers having left France for England. They were French Protestants and were persecuted for their religion. They subsequently came to America in a very early day, and settled in the State of Maryland. James Byall, the father of our subject, was a soldier during the war of 1812, and was in Hull's surrender. The mother drew a pension of $8 a month for this service until her death. John Byall, whose name heads this sketch, grew to manhood in his native county, being reared to the avocation of a farmer, receiving his education in the common schools, and subsequently engaged in teaching school, which he followed both before and after coming to Wells County. He was married in Wayne County, Ohio, September 22, 1846, to Miss Magdalena Keagle, who was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, June 24, 1827. Nine children were born to this union— Alexander, Hamilton, Rosanna (deceased), Rachel (deceased), Oscar, Howard M., Henry S., Emma (deceased), and one who died in infancy unnamed. In his political views Mr. Byall was a Democrat. He served as justice of the peace several years, and also was township clerk and trustee, serving in all these official positions with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. When he came to Wells County, in 1846, the land was heavily covered with timber, and the surrounding country was in a state of nature. He lived in his pioneer log cabin arid cleared his land, and by industry and persevering energy he converted it into a well cultivated farm, erected a good residence and farm buildings, and by his honorable and upright dealings he gained the confidence and respect of the entire community. Mr. Byall died September 16, 1883, his wife preceding him two years, her death occurring January 25, 1881. The homestead is now occupied by his sons, Oscar and Henry S. Oscar Byall was united in marriage October 27, 1885, to Miss Martha E. McCoy, a native of Jackson Township, Wells County, born September 24, 1865, and to them have been born one child, William E. Mrs. Oscar Byall is a member of the Christian church.