University of Virginia Library

CHARLES FRANCIS BYRNE

Charles Francis Byrne, the subject of this sketch, was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, on April 4th, 1866, being
the son of James Byrne and Joanna (Martin) Byrne,
both of Ireland.

He was educated in
the parochial schools of
Lynchburg, until he
reached the age of fifteen,
after which he entered
Georgetown University,
where he was a
student for four years.

On leaving college he
accepted a position with
the United States Department
of Internal
Revenue in Lynchburg,
under President
Cleveland's administration,
and after a short
service was promoted to
the position of Assistant
Cashier for the Sixth
Collection District of Virginia.

He acted in this capacity for the period of four years,
when he resigned and accepted a lucrative position
with one of the leading business houses in Roanoke,
coming to this city on July 1st, 1890.

On May 1st, 1893, Mr. Byrne embarked in business
on his own account, and since that time has been
actively engaged in commercial pursuits, being identified
with many important matters pertaining to the
city's material development.

He served as a member of the City Council from 1904
to 1908, acting as Chairman of the Finance Committee,
and was reölected to a second term, but resigned after
serving about two years on account of the demands of
important business interests.

He served with distinction while a member of the
City Council, and discharged with rare ability the duties
incumbent upon his position as Chairman of the Joint
Committee on Finance. During his occupancy of that
position, a large bond issue was voted for municipal
improvements, and the sale of these bonds, as well as
the disbursement of the funds for the various improvements
scheduled, became the duty of the committee
of which he was chairman.

These matters, in conjunction with the current work
devolving upon the Finance Committee, called for
business ability of a high character, and the policy
inaugurated by Mr. Byrne in basing appropriations
upon the previous year's income, instead of the current
year's receipts, proved of special benefit in conserving
the financial interest of the city.

He displayed marked ability in the performance of
his varied officia