Jacob Whistler Byers (an older brother of A. L. Byers) was born March 26, 1859, in Whiteside County, Illinois. He was converted among the Methodists in 1876 but later drifted from his faith. His father had been preaching among a group known as the River Brethren when, in the early 1880’s, he subscribed to The Gospel Trumpet paper. In the meantime, Jacob had recommitted his life to Christ, married Jennie M. Shirk, and had also begun preaching in the River Brethren church. In 1884 Jacob claimed the experience of sanctification. In 1888, the Byers family met D. S. Warner and his company of singers, which forever changed their lives.They did not hesitate to take their stand with the reformation movement and the truths D. S. Warner was preaching. Although J. W. Byers wrote few songs, he did much writing for The Gospel Trumpet and authored a few books. One of the chief burdens of his ministry was the good news that Jesus still heals! He wrote the words of Evening Light Songs #407, “He Is Just the Same Today,” which were set to music by his younger brother, Andrew. In 1896, Jacob and his wife, Jennie, moved to Oakland, California, where they opened a healing home mission and published a magazine called Tidings of Healing. J. W. Byers also did some excellent writings on the subject of “sanctification” and authored the words of Evening Light Songs #297, “Come Over Into Canaan,” which were also set to music by Andrew, his brother. J. W. Byers departed this life October 16, 1944, at the age of 85. His burial was in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California. On his tombstone are written the words, “I have fought a good fight.”
Jennie M. (Shirk) Byers was born June 13, 1861 in Carrol County, Illinois. She departed this life on January 24, 1950, at the age of 88. She is buried beside her husband in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California. On her tombstone are inscribed the words, “The Lord Is My Shepherd.”
