Enoch F. Byng, one of the most aggressive buisness men of the city of Paducah, was born in Worcestershire, England, on March 14, 1839. He came to the United States, with his parents, John and Elizabeth (Bird) Byng, in 1850. His father, who is still living and an honored citizen of Paducah, has spent the major part of his life in the lumber trade. He first located in Clinton County, Iowa, where with the lumber business, he combined farming until about 1867. Enoch F. received a practical business education, and in 1862 championed the cause of the Union, entering the Twenty-sixth, Iowa Volunteer
Infantry, the fortunes of which he shared until December 1864, when in consequence of a wound received at the battle of Atlantic, Ga., he was granted a discharge. He then returned to Clinton, Iowa, and embarked in the lumber business, which he continued until 1874, when he removed to Butler
County, Mo., from whence he came to Paducah, Ky.,three years later. In November, 1879, he found a partnership with J.W. McKnight, and their business was incorporated in the name of the Paducah Lumber Company. In 1881, Mr. McKnight sold his interest in the business to John Byng, who surrendered the entire management to his son, Enoch F. In their extensive business, including their saw and planing-mills they give employment to 100 men. Mr. Byng was married in Iowa, in 1861, to Miss Emma Walls, daughter of Joseph and Charlotte Walls, all of whom are of English birth. Their marriage is blessed with five children; Alice, (wife of C.Arnout), Helen, Louisa Ann, Benny, and John Byng.