Reedsburg Free Press 
Thursday, May 20, 1926 
page 1 
 
Pioneer Resident of Ironton Passes Away 
 
ANNA BYRNE
 
Mrs. Anna Byrne, widow of Francis Byrne, prominent pioneers of this section, passed out of life, Wenesday evening, May 12, after two years of failing health. 
 
Anna Slaven was born in Madison, Wis., September 24, 1846 on teh farm afteward known to thousands as the Monona Assembly grounds. The lure of cheap lands in Sauk County dew her parents Mr. and Mrs. James Slaven to settle in Dellona when she was a child of 4 years. 
 
The nearest Catholic church wa at Sauk City and her earliest recollection was that of being carried in her father's arms on the long tolsome journey to atttend divine service. Later their home became the community center of the neighborhood and its wide hospitality and Christian influence wa an important factor in the upbuilding of the district. 
 
In September, 1868 she married Francis Byrne, young outside manager of the John F. Smith Foundry Co. at that time the most important industrial plant in the county. Busy happy prosperous years followed during which 4 sons and one daughter were born to them. They purchased the historic Tower property which as hence forth to be her home and to which she was intensely devoted and from which her life interestes radiated. She longed to share everything she had with others and it was a joy to her to have the big house and long table filled. The death of the younger son Joseph in 1907 and of her husband in 1918, were griefs that time failed to heal. 
 
Her end was peaceful, on the eve of Ascension Day, surrounded by her dear ones excepting her surviving sister, Mrs. Catharine Galbraith of Colorad Springs who was unable to be with her, she breathed her last. In the little church in which she had worshipped for over half a century, requiem mass was read by Reb. M.F. Wishar with the song service by Miss Julia Weishar and Mrs. William Moyes.  
 
She was the last of her line, the line of fine old families who centered about the "furnace" and whose descendants have since mostly scattered widely. She will be long missed in the little village she loved so well. A sweet woman has gone to her reward.

Contributed by Vicki Pierce