I have a transcription of an old letter written from A.P. BYAL to his former father-in-law, Abraham YOUNGKIN. Absolom P. BYAL, son of William BYAL and Catherine SHEPLEY, had married Sarah Annette YOUNGKIN in Hancock Co. on 22 September 1845 and they had children, Clara A., Sarah C. "Kate", William A., and Ida H. After Absolom's wife Sarah died he had married Sally MAVETY in 1867. The PORTERFIELD and VAN PELT mentioned in the letter were other sons-in-law of Abraham. Jerome mentioned at the end of the letter was Abraham's youngest son. The letter was addressed to Abraham YOUNGKIN in Cedar Rapids, IA. Abraham soon moved on to Texas where another daughter and another son had moved. The text of the letter is as follows:
(Envelope posted Jun 18, addressed to Mr A. Youngkin, Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

Findlay Hancock County
Ohio, June 4th 1877
Dear Father Youngkin,
We received yours of the 25th ult. was very glad indeed, to hear from you once more, and to learn that you are in the injoyment of sutch excellent health and Spirits. I will now give you the reason you have not heard from us - the last letter we received from you, you stated that you would Start for Texas in a short time. I was very busy at the time and my wife answered your letter hoping it would reach you before the time of your leaving. I wrote a letter to you afterwards but never could hear any more from you. I wrote to Mr Porterfield inquiring if he knew anything of you, but of course none of them would answer a letter just as if it made any difference to me so far as they are concerned. You did not say in your letter with whom you are making your home but I suppose with Mr John Van Pelt. I will now give you a history (end of 1st page) of the children. Clara as you are aware lives in the State of Kansas. her address is
"Mrs Clara E. Bahl
Fredonia Wilson Co. Kansas"
Kate is living in the State of Louisiana her Post office is - Bayou Goula
Iberville Parish
Louisiana"
Ida is married and lives in the State of Florida. her post office address is
"Mrs Ida H. Bradner,
Quincy
Gladsden Co
Florida
Will is married as you have no doubt heard. he first settled upon a farm but did not like farming and has taken up the study of medicine he is now attending medical lectures at Cincinnati the present term closes about the 20th of this month at which time Will, expects to graduate; The statute law of this state regulating who may practice medison and surgery within this state is quite strict it is different from what it was when you was here. (end of 2nd page)
While writing I received a letter from Ida saying that they would start on 2nd monday of June back north with a view of making their home north. they are tired of the south they will take a steamer for N. York She did not say whether they would come to Findlay or not. I met with an accident about one year ago. I was thrown from a wagon load of shingles had one ankle and foot badly injured from which I have never recovered. and am thereby incapacitated for farming I walk around the farm without a cain but cannot remain on my feet long at a time. I am selling off my stock with a view to quit farming. I have one child only at home a little boy George 4 years old and a bright little fellow he is. my wifes mother and old Lady has been making her home with us for over a year. Will's wife and little Boy has been with us since August last and also will a part of the time. I am never without a large family. I had some $500.00 to pay a few days ago by the way of helping a friend but I do not complain as I have escaped sutch (end of 3rd page)
calls very well through life.
I scarce know what to write you about Findlay matters and her citizens. A number of your acquaintances have died since you was here. And among others for Ford & Miles Vance. I received a letter from Bill Sutherlan a few days ago he is living in the State of Illinois
My wife and I are talking if nothing more of making Clara, a visit this summer. I would like to go by way of your City and see you and the friends. but if we do not my wife and I hope you may see your way clear to come to Findlay and spend some time with us we cordially invite you to do so. and we will endeaver to make it as pleasant for you as possible. I will see that you received a copy of the "Courier" Occasionally.
I remain very Respectfully your Son
A. P. Byal

Do not fail to write soon as we are always glad to hear from you. I do not know anything of Jerome. his Daughters visited us some two years ago. since that time I have not seen either of them.