The Byrne's Mill was located between High Ridge and House Springs at the end of Byrne's Mill Road (Lake Montowese). The mill, which operated for 77 years, burned down on January 22, 1935.
      Patrick Byrne (not to be confused with Patrick P. Byrne of Byrnesville) came to America in 1849. He was born in Drumcoura, County Meath, Ireland in 1820, the son of James and Bridget Byrne. Patrick had four sisters. His mother had died before the family left Ireland for the long voyage to America.
      Patrick had received a fair education in Ireland, so upon arriving in Jefferson County, he taught school for a few years. In 1857 he and his cousin, Patrick Dunnigan, became partners in a general store near the Big River. Five years later they purchased the mill, which they later rebuilt. It was a very successful business. Mr Dunnigan died in 1872 and Mr. Byrne became full owner of the business. Shortly after, Mr. Byrne became interested in politics, so his son James took over management of the mill. He served as District Assessor and then as Associate Judge of the County Court. He had, also, been the Justice of the Peace for Meramec Township for several years. He was at least partially responsible for bringing about improved roads in the county.
      Mr. Byrne managed to acquire more than 800 acres of land before his death. Much of this land still remains in the fourth generation of the Byrne family. Patrck and his wife, Rosa, had eleven children. Three of the children died before reaching maturity. The surviving children were: James, Patrick, John, Christopher, Mary J., Rosan and Margaret. John, Chris, and Dorothy (Stratil), the grandchildren of Patrick II, still live in the area.
      The two Byrne families (see cited work for information about the other Byrne family . . . ed.), both well known for establishing mills in northern Jefferson County were not related. Though they had the same name and both came from Ireland, they were from different sections of Ireland.