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From Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Rock, Green, Grant, Iowa and Lafayette, Wisconsin, publ. 1901 - page 159-160
EDWARD BYRNE, deceased. Among the prominent citizens of Smelser township, Grant county, who have passed out of life, leaving an honorable history behind, was Edward BYRNE, the subject of this sketch.
Mr. BYRNE was born in County Wicklow, Ireland, in 1811, a son of Christopher and Catherine (MURPHY) BYRNE; grew to manhood and married, and was a widower, with five sons and two daughters, when he decided to make a new home and find better opportunities for his children in America. Arriving in the United States in 1847, he was attracted to the town of Hazel Green, Wis., on account of the proximity of the mines. The children mentioned were: Edward, the eldest, Mary A., who married Charles BREEN, died in Hazel Green, leaving two children, Thomas and Ellen; the former married Delia RYAN, and the latter became the wife of Samuel HAWKINS. Thomas died in 1873. Katie married Patrick ROGAN before coming to America, where they first settled at Hazel Green and later at Ironwood, Mich.; there her husband died, leaving two children, James and Maggie. Richard resides in Cuba City. Henry died on his way home from California. John is a resident of Cuba City. Thus, the name has been scattered over a wide territory.
In 1848 Mr. BYRNE married Miss Esther DEEVY, of Grant county, who was born in Ireland Aug. 2, 1822, the capable daughter of Edward and Anna (MURRY) DEEVY, both of whom lived in Ireland. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. DEEVY; Esther, Mrs. BYRNE; and John, who is supposed to have died in Ireland. Mrs. BYRNE was educated in her native country, and was the only member of her family to find a home in America. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. BYRNE lived at Hazel Green, where he continued to mine until 1854, in that year purchasing the home in Smelser township where he resided until his death, in July, 1888. During his life Mr. BYRNE took a great interest in his farm, and improved and beautified it with comfortable and appropriate buildings, also placing the land under the best state of cultivation. At the time of his death he was possessed of 160 acres of fine land, where his family enjoy all the comforts of life. The daily existence of this good man was directed by the teachings of the Catholic Church, of which he and all his family have ever been consistent members. A family of nine children was born to Mr. and Mrs. BYRNE: Christopher, born in Benton, Lafayette county, in December, 1848, married Ellen KILLBRIDE, who was a daughter of Michael and Ellen KILLBRIDE, one of Grant county's pioneer families; they have seven children. Katie, born in 1851, married Ambrose BROWN and died soon afterward in Iowa. Henry, born in Hazel Green in 1853, died in 1896, a young man of good parts, who was regretted by all. Mary A., born Aug. 6, 1856, is a student at the home schools, and she and her sister Esther care for their aged mother. Edward, born in 1858, manages the home farm. Thomas, born in 1860, resides at home. Esther, born in 1861, a very estimable lady, manages the household in connection with her sister Mary. Julia, born in 1863, died in childhood. John, born in 1865, lives at home.
In politics Mr. BYRNE was a Democrat, and his sons have followed in his footsteps. This is one of the fine old families of Grant county, one that has helped place her in the van in the State of Wisconsin.
This biography generously submitted by Carol Holmbeck