The Federal Valley Railroad Company & its ancestors, 1845-1954

David E. Byers was born and raised in Southeastern Ohio in the area of the Federal Valley Railroad. As a boy, he spent many carefree days walking the tracks, trestles, and tunnel of the line affectionately known to the locals as the "Punkin Vine." Unfortunately, his obligations as a young adult caused him to be away from the area in the final years of operation and the demolition of the Federal Valley line. While he maintained an avid interest in railroading during his working career, it was only after his retirement that he was able to devote the time to research the history of the Federal Valley Railroad and its predecessors.