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John 1:1-3, 14:
It was a common word that had a wide range of meanings. However, John used it in a technical and philosophical sense. That's why ESV translated it with a capital W.
Thayer's Greek Lexicon:
① a communication whereby the mind finds expression, word
② computation, reckoning
③ the independent personified expression of God, the Logos. Our lit. shows traces of a way of thinking that was widespread in contemporary syncretism, as well as in Jewish wisdom lit. and Philo, the most prominent feature of which is the concept of the Logos, the independent, personified ‘Word’ (of God)
Is there evidence that "the Word" in John 1 would have been expected to be a personal being?
Yes, at least in the personified sense.
Proverbs 8:22-30 personified wisdom:
Philo:
Strong's Greek: 3056. λόγος (logos) — 331 Occurrences
It was a common word that had a wide range of meanings. However, John used it in a technical and philosophical sense. That's why ESV translated it with a capital W.
Thayer's Greek Lexicon:
BDAG:
① a communication whereby the mind finds expression, word
② computation, reckoning
③ the independent personified expression of God, the Logos. Our lit. shows traces of a way of thinking that was widespread in contemporary syncretism, as well as in Jewish wisdom lit. and Philo, the most prominent feature of which is the concept of the Logos, the independent, personified ‘Word’ (of God)
Is there evidence that "the Word" in John 1 would have been expected to be a personal being?
Yes, at least in the personified sense.
Proverbs 8:22-30 personified wisdom:
BDAG③ lists plenty of extra biblical writings about it include Philo.
Philo:
Wiki:
The English word "logic" is derived from the Greek word "logos."