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John T. Byrd, a native of Plattin Township (Survey 1245), Jefferson
Co., Mo., and a successful farmer and stock raiser of the same, was
born in 1827, and is the fourth of twelve children born to Benjamin 
B. and Mary Ann (Johnston) Byrd.  Benjamin B. Byrd was born at 

Salisbury, Md., in 1796 and received a good English education. He came
with his father to Jefferson County in 1818, and one year later married

and settled on the tract of land where John T. now resides. He was one 

of the enterprising, industrious citizens of the county, and spared no

pains to give his children a good education. He served many years as 

justice of the peace, and did a great deal toward the advancement of 

the country.  He died in July, 1860 and was one of the few who paid 

any attention to education. His father, John Byrd, was born in Maryland,

and at the age of twenty had served five years apprenticeship at the 

carpenter's trade.  After he had accumulated some means he purchased 

a $4,000 farm and a negro.  He married a widow with some means, and 

continued to accumulate wealth. In 1818 he boarded a keel boat at 

Wheeling, Va., came to St. Louis, but, not being satisfied with the 

society there, then a small French trading post of French Creoles and 

Indians, he dropped down to Herculaneum, bringing with him thirty negroes

and about $70,000 from Maryland.  He then purchased the survey already 

mentioned, where he lived about two years. He then went to Washington 

County, where he died, in 1840, at the age of eighty-six. His father 

was an English doctor, but came to America at an early day.  The mother 

of John T. was born near Louisville, Ky., in 1799 and when four years 

of age came with her parents to what is now Jefferson County, and there 

died in 1864.  Her father, Benjamin Johnston, settled on Sandy Creek, 

where he passed his last days. He was a man of education and of influence 

in Jefferson County. He was in public office for many years, and, perhaps, 

married more couples than any other man in Jefferson County in his day. 

His wife was a daughter of old Col. Thompson, so famous in early Tennessee 

days. The subject of this sketch was reared at home, and educated by a 

private tutor. In 1849 he crossed the plains to California, being seven 

months in making the trip.  After spending two years in successful mining 

he returned, and in 1852 married Miss Lou Catherine, daughter of Achilles 

and Patience Smith.  Mr. Smith was born in Virginia, and at the age of 

twelve went to Davidson County, Tenn., and served with Johnson in the War 

of 1812.  He soon after came to St. Louis County, Mo., where he married, 

and where he passed the remainder of his days. He died in Jefferson County, 

in 1886.  His wife was born in Jefferson County, and, when but a child, 

came with her parents to St. Louis Co., where Mrs. Byrd was born. Mrs. Smith 

was a sister of Gov. Marmaduke's mother. Of the six children born to Mr. Byrd

and wife, two are now living: Mary Ann, now Mrs. William A. Smith, who lives 

on the farm with our subject; and Prof. Thomas S., a teacher and merchant at 

Hematite, one of the foremost educators of Jefferson County. Mr. Byrd has 

always made his home on the farm where he was born, which consists of 321 
acres well cultivated and well improved.  After coming from California
he purchased 360 acres.  From 1864 to 1865 he spent eleven months on 
the Pacific Coast, California, Oregon, Idaho, Washington Territory, etc.  

He is one of the prominent and upright citizens of Jefferson Co., where he 

is universally esteemed.  His son spent three years at Caledonia High School 

and one year at Fayette.  Politically, Mr. Byrd was formerly a Whig but is 

rather conservative, acting with the Democratic party. His first vote was 

for Fillmore, in 1856.  He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and also a member 

of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, of which his wife was also a member. 

She died December, 1884.