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Judge Patrick Byrne, who is numbered among the leading farmers and 
stock raisers of Meramec Township, was born in County Meath, Ireland,
February 1, 1820 and is the son of James and Bridget Byrne.  James
Byrne was fairly educated, and was a farmer by occupation.  He came 
to the United States in 1849, and spent the summer in Wilmington, 
Del., after which he removed west to St. Louis, and in 1850 to Jefferson

County, where he purchased a small tract of land, which is still a part

of the Byrne tract. On this he passed the remainder of his days. The 

mother died in Ireland. Patrick received a fair education in attendance

at the common schools, and after coming to Jefferson County with his 

father, taught one term of school in Meramec Township. He was first 

married to Miss Catherine Campbell, of St. Louis, who lived only a year

afterward.  His second marriage was to Rosa Byrne, February 3, 1855. 

She was a native of County Louth, Ireland, but came to the United States

in 1855.  Eleven children were born to this union, eight of whom are now 

living: James, Thomas, Patrick, John, of St. Louis, engaged in the 

commission business; Christopher, who is preparing for the priesthood; 

Mary, J., Rosan and Margaret E.  Mr. Byrne has 800 acres of land in 

different tracts on Big River, and all this fine property was obtained 

by his own unaided efforts.  In 1859 he, in company with his cousin, 

Patrick Dunigan, established a store on Big River, which they ran for 

five years very successfully.  In 1865 Mr. Byrne purchased a mill low 

down on the river, which he has since rebuilt and run for many years, 

but is now owned by his son James. He is a Democrat in politics, and his 

first presidential vote was cast for James Buchanan. He was for several 
years justice of the peace, of Meramec Township, and he, in company
with others, built the first mile of macadamized road ever built in the 

county, and received the first bonds ever issued by Jefferson County for 

that purpose.  In 1884 he was elected associate judge of the Jefferson 

County Court from the First District, and served with credit for one term.

He was also at one time district assessor.