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Carl and Peggy Byerly 4-H FFA Scholarship Fund

Fund Number: 131

Fund Purpose
Provides support for educational scholarships for graduating seniors residing in Harrison County who are accepted into and attending a four-year college. Recipients must have been active members in 4-H or FFA for at least four years.

Fund Story
The Carl and Peggy Byerly 4-H/FFA Scholarship Fund was created in 2010 with the Harrison County Community Foundation.  This fund provides scholarship support to graduating seniors who reside in Harrison County, Indiana and have been an active member in 4-H or FFA programs for a minimum of four years.

Peggy was born on December 11, 1936, between Mauckport and New Amsterdam, and Carl was born on February 28, 1937, east of Mauckport.   Peggy’s family later moved to a farm near New Salisbury and Carl’s family eventually settled on a farm near Crandall.  They were in the same class for all 12 years of school and were the last class to graduate from the old New Salisbury High School in 1955.  They were married on December 28, 1960.

After graduation, Carl entered the US Air Force and was trained as a court reporter.  After being honorably discharged in 1959, he was employed by the L&N Railroad where he wrote deeds, easements, licenses, and other contracts.  Rather than relocate to Florida when the L&N moved its headquarters, Carl made a career change and later earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Indiana University and a Master of Business Administration from Webster University.  He was later employed as a teacher at Ivy Tech Community College and retired from there in 1996.

Peggy began her working career with the US Department of Agriculture in January 1956, and retired after a 36-year career.  This was more than a job to her; it was a calling as she has always admired farmers and agricultural people.  She has the respect and admiration of all those she served in her official capacity and all who know her on a personal basis.  Carl said, “Being in public with her is almost like being with a celebrity as everyone wants to talk to her.”

Carl and Peggy live near Crandall and attend Old Capitol United Methodist Church.  Their roots run deep in Harrison County.  They are both descendants of the very first settlers who migrated to this area before Corydon was established.  Their ancestry contains names such as Byerly, Shireman, Mauck, Snyder, Faith, Love, Deweese, Robey, and Mowrer.   They have both done extensive genealogy research and can trace their ancestry to medieval Europe, hers to Ireland and Germany and his to Germany.

They have been active in various organizations and were instrumental in helping to establish the Old Capitol Saddle Club in 1959.  They owned the first registered Quarter Horse in Harrison County.  Their quarter horses, and later Norwegian Fjords, were well known.   Carl has served as president of various equine organizations, both at the regional and state levels.  In addition, he is a past president of the Jaycees and a Past Master of the Corydon Pisgah Masonic Lodge.  Peggy has been a staunch supporter and has always assisted where she was needed.

The Byerlys have long been supporters of the 4-H as both are past members.  Carl was a member of the FFA during his four years of high school, held various FFA offices, and served on agricultural judging teams.

Carl and Peggy created this fund in hopes they can help young people associated with 4-H and FFA attain their educational goals.

Scholarship Recipients:
2013 - Douglas Castetter
2014 - Jordan Stewart
2015 - Hannah Elliott
2016 - Zachary Clifton, McKendra Fisher, Aspen Luther
2017 - Cody Johnson
2018 - Trinity Travis
2019 - Jacob Clifton
2020 - Hannah Lemmel
2021 - Tessa Travis
2022 - Natalie Crawford, Riley Davis