LAUDERDALE COUNTY ENTERPRISE
RIPLEY,TENNESSEE
FRIDAY MAY 8,1931
~~DEATH~~ Lauderdale County, as well as Haywood County, sustained a great loss in the passing away of J. W. BYRN, which sad event occurred at his home in Brownsville at an early hour last Saturday morning.

He followed his usual avocation the previous day, returning to his home at the usual evening hour. After supper, he suffered slightly with indigestion, but upon retiring, had seemingly recovered from the attack, and later was found sleeping peacefully. When the daughter went to his bedside to call him to breakfast, it was discovered that his gentle spirit had taken its flight, possibly several hours earlier. There was no evidence that he had undergone the least pain or struggle, but like a tired child, had fallen asleep. His posture was so typical of his life, at peace with his Maker and all mankind, and no person who knew him, could doubt the final resting place of a life as pure and noble.

Though he had been a resident of Brownsville for 30 years, he was born in Lauderdale County and resided here until his removal to that city.

During his early life, he was a teacher in our county schools. After moving to Brownsville, he became connected with a lumber company, and later, secretary of the Sturdivant Packing Co., where he was actively engaged at the time of his death. He was also a member of the Byrn-Sturdivant Drug Co., was a director in the Brownsville Bank, and a steward in the Methodist Church.

He was married to Miss Birdie HOBSON, of Lewisburg, about 35 years ago, and besides his wife, is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Arthur ROSE, of Brownsville; three brothers, R. L .BYRN & Walter BYRN, both of Mercedes, Texas and Green BYRN, of Ripley; two sisters, Mrs. Fannie STEWART & Mrs. H. D. CALDWELL, both of Ripley. Deceased would have been 69 years of age in June.
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Tennessee death certificate shows he was 68 years old, cause of death unknown. He was a merchant. His parents were George Byrn and Hannah Lunsford. It was stated he was married but name of wife not mentioned. Informant on death certificate was Arthur Rose, his son-in-law, also of Brownsville. John W. Byrn was buried at Oakwood Cemetery on May 3, 1931 by J. M. Cox & Son, Brownsville.

According to the 1930 census of Brownsville, Haywood County, John W. Byrn, age 66, was living on North Washington Street, with his house valued at $10,000. He was employed as a secretary-treasurer for a packing house. He had married at age 32. His wife was Birdie H., age 54, married at age 20. Also in the household was their 30 year old daughter, Will Allen Rose, and 40 year old son-in-law, Arthur Rose.

Unknown if this grave is marked.