As I finish the process of visiting (and revisiting, in some cases) Missouri Ozarks’ water mills for my forthcoming book, I have found that not all mills lie intact. Sometimes, I’ll see bits and pieces of what once was part of a mill, such as a weir or a dam or even, a buhrstone lying in a stream or, in the oddest case, an old overshot wheel standing upright down from where it once worked steadily. A visit to the Byrnes Mill, located in Jefferson County, afforded me the opportunity to envision this grand mill on the Big River – based on its bones.
These findings have convinced me to include a special chapter in the book, relating to bits and pieces of mills. After all, if you’re familiar with water mills, you can still imagine what one looked like while standing streamside. The settings remain beautiful, too. I have reached out to the Jefferson County Historical Society regarding more information on the function of this mill. Stay tuned.
Byrnes Mill History
This mill was named after Patrick C. Byrne, born in County Meath Ireland, in 1820. He and his father, James, emigrated to America in 1849, where they spent a year in Delaware before moving to St. Louis. In 1850, James bought a small farm in Jefferson County. Patrick taught one term as a schoolteacher in Meramec Township. He and his second wife, Rose, had 11 children.
In 1859, Patrick and his cousin opened a store on the Big River, and six years later, he bought a grist mill on the same river. By this time, he had purchased at least 800 acres in this area. After his death, his family opened a fishing resort near the mill area.
According to Brynes Mill, Missouri’s city website, Patrick served as the city assessor, justice of the peace and also won election for associate judge of the county court (1882-1884). When he died, he left an estate worth more than $100,000.
Byrnes Mill, the city, is named after Patrick, whose family owned the mill site and surrounding acreage until 2008. It is now an 18-acre city park. The site allows fishing, has a hiking trail along the Big River, a pavilion to rent and the historic Hagemeister House, which is a cabin from 1871 that has been relocated to this site.
The park also touts a large metal pig named Byrnie, standing inside a wooden rail pen, near a playground and restrooms.
Byrnes Mill Park is located at 141 Osage Executive Circle in Byrnes Mill, Missouri. To rent the pavilion or find out more about the Byrnes Mill Park, check its website.
