Portrait and biographical record of Christian County, Illinois : containing biographical sketches of prominent and   representative citizens, together with biographies of all the Governors of the state, and of the Presidents of the United States.  Chicago, Ill. : Lake City Pub. Co., 1893.  Transcribed and annotated by Judy Rosella Edwards, 2007.

BYRON TRAVIS, a well-known hardware merchant of Assumption, is one of the reliable business men of the town, and has spent almost his entire life in this county. It is with pleasure that we place his name among the pioneers and representative men of Christian County, as he has taken so large a part in the upbuilding of this section. He is a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred near Pittsburgh, July 31, 1855. His parents are T. M. and Jane G. (Barrett) Travis. The former is also a native of the Keystone State, and on arriving at manhood was married there. His wife was a daughter of M. L. Barrett, who was one of the pioneers of Christian County, locating here in 1858, and is now one of the worthy citizens of Assumption, though about ninety years of age. Our subject's father was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and followed that business in Pennsylvania. In 1855, he came West to Illinois, locating in Shelby County, where he worked at his trade and also engaged in farming. He later removed to Assumption, where he now resides. Here he devotes some time to working at his trade, and is also engaged as an insurance agent. Byron Travis was brought by his parents to Illinois while in his infancy, and grew to manhood in Shelby County. He was given good commonschool advantages, and is an intelligent and well-informed gentleman. Coming to Assumption when a young man, he learned the tinner's trade, which occupation he followed for several years. In 1875 he went West to the Black Hills, Colorado, Dakota and Montana, and spent about two years very pleasantly in the picturesque West. In July, 1877, Mr. Travis returned to Illinois and started a tin shop in this village. The following year he put in a small stock of tin and hardware, and as business increased enlarged his stock from time to time. In 1892 he built a neat and substantial business house, in which he now has a large and complete line of shelf and heavy hardware, tinware and an assortment of fine cutlery, he has built up a reputation for reliable goods and honorable dealing, and therefore justly deserves the large patronage which he receives. His life plainly shows what may be done by an enterprising young man who possesses ability and the traits of industry and perseverance. Our subject was united in marriage November 19, 1879, with Miss Emma E., daughter of W. G. Henry, of this place. Mrs. Travis was born and grew to womanhood in Christian County, and is a granddaughter of the Rev. Mr. Clokey, a pioneer minister of the United Presbyterian denomination. He established the church at Spring Creek, and was well known to the pioneers of this part of the State. Two children graced the union of Mr. and Mrs. Travis: Edna, who died in July, 1889, aged five years; and Roy, a bright little lad. The mother is a member of the Presbyterian Church, which our subject also attends and to which he is a liberal contributor. Socially, Mr. Travis is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Lodge No. 451, A. F. & A. M., of Assumption, in which he has served as Master and as Representative to the Grand Lodge of Illinois on several occasions. He also belongs to Pana Chapter, R. A. M. The first Presidential ballot cast by him was for Rutherford B. Hayes, since which election he has voted for every nominee of the Republican party at the Presidential elections.

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