For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 327
JOHN BYRNE. John Byrne, a well known farmer of Seventy-six township, who passed away May 2, 1901, was recognized as one of the energetic and progressive men of his township. He was a good farmer, a patriotic and intelligent citizen, and as the head of a large and promising family, set an example of industry and perseverance well worthy of emulation. He was born in Ireland, May 11, 1835, and was a son of John and Margaret Byrne, both of whom were natives of the Emerald isle. The family started for America in 1847 and the mother and daughter both died during the voyage, the former being buried at sea and the latter in New Orleans. The father was a man of stout heart and noble character and notwithstanding his great loss he did not yield to discouragement. He came on to Muscatine, Iowa, with the remainder of his family, arriving in October, 1847, and at once located upon land in Seventy-six township, where he spent the remainder of his life. He was the father of twelve children, only one of whom, a daughter, is now living. She makes her home in St. Louis, Missouri.John Bryne was twelve years of age when he came to this country. He grew up upon the home farm and was educated in the district school, continuing at home until he was forty-three years of age, when he was married and moved to a farm in Seventy-six township, where he applied himself with great diligence and became the owner of a well improved place. He was sixty-six years of age at the time of his death and the general expression of regret which greeted the announcement of his demise attested the respect in which he was held by all who knew him. His remains were interred in Arden cemetery.
In 1878 Mr. Byrne was united in marriage to Miss Anna Bryne, who though of the same name was not a relative. She was born in Ireland, November 27, 1855, and is a daughter of Hugh and Bridget Byrne. Her father died in Ireland, December 9, 1899, and her mother is still living there at the venerable age of eighty-four years. There were eight children in their family. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Byrne ten children were born: Joseph E., of Chicago; John H., of Nebraska; Margaret M., now Mrs. Michael Healy, of Seventy-six township; Bridget A., the wife of R. W. Dean, of Deer Lodge, Montana; Marie J., at home; Thomas A., of Montana; Anna E., the wife of L. A. Summers, of Arden, Iowa; one who died in infancy; Julia T., at home; and Clement A., also deceased.
Mr. Byrne was a supporter of the democratic party and was a member of the Catholic church, to which Mrs. Byrne and her children also belong. Mrs. Byrne disposed of the farm and is now the owner of a hotel in Arden. She was a true helpmate to her husband and to her children she has been a loving mother who has ever been willing to make any sacrifice to advance their interests or happiness. She has many friends in Muscatine county whom she has attracted by her worthy qualities of mind and heart.
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