Paul Andrew Byrnes (1912 - 1999)

Born 3 Sep 1912 in Sherburne, Chenango, New York

Ancestors

Husband of Ethel Eva Miller — married 15 Feb 1935 in St Malachys Catholic Church, Sherburne, New York, USA

Descendants

Died 17 Oct 1999 at age 87 in Rochester, NY

Problems/Questions Profile managers: Jennifer Byrnes [send private message] and Michael Emerson [send private message]

Paul was encouraged by Orrin Biglow, Pharmacist, to consider an education in pharmacy when working part-time as a clerk in the Sherburne Drugstore in the late 1920's. His other part-time employer, a local farmer, fired Paul with a statement of "If you are working for him - then you are NOT working for me." While enrolled in his college courses at the Albany College of Pharmacy, Paul worked 3 jobs (one of which was as a Page on the floor of the NYS Assembly) and found time to meet and court his future bride, Ethel E. Miller. While attending college and working his three jobs, Paul was able to send home enough money (during the depression) to pay for the installation of electricity in the family home.

The wedding tile story -- On their way to Sherburne from Albany the weather was difficult and Paul was driving a little faster than he should. He was pulled over by a law enforcement officer who wanted to know where he was going in such a hurry. Paul explained that he and his fiance were on there way to Sherburne to get married on Valentine's Day. The officer asked for his license and in his haste to comply Paul handed him a copy of their marriage license! Due to weather (and the delay from a traffic stop) the happy couple did not officially tie the knot until after mid-night on Feb. 15th.

Paul graduated from the Albany College of Pharmacy, Union University in 1934. He began "Byrnes Drugstore" on November 14th, 1935 in Nunda, NY. The family business was incorporated as the "Byrnes Pharmacy" in 1983 and the management was turned over to Thomas and James Byrnes, sons and fellow Pharmacists. The family business had a run of 70 plus years and was sold to Jeremiah and Susan Axtell in 1995. The physical location of the Nunda Pharmacy holds the documented record for the longest continually operating, privately owned, pharmacy in New York State.

Source: Family history stories per Jennifer M. Schultz (Grand Daughter) and James P. Byrnes (son.)

• 1915 New York State Census - Sherburne, Chenango County, New York. John J Byrnes 49; Mary A Byrnes 39; Paul A Byrnes 3; and Mable M Tehan 17
• 1920 US Federal Census - Sherburne, Chenango County, New York. John J Byrnes 54; Mary A Byrnes 43; Paul A Byrnes 7; and Mable M Tehan 21
• 1930 US Federal Census - Sherburne, Chenango County, New York. John J Byrnes 66; Mary A Byrnes 54; Paul A Byrnes 17; and Mable M Tehan 31
• 1940 US Federal Census - Nunda, Livingston County, New York. Paul A Byrnes 28; Ethel Byrnes 27; Thomas Byrnes 4; and John Byrnes 3
• Social Security Death Index: Name - Paul A. Byrnes; SSN - 064-28-6043; Last Residence - Nunda, 14517, Livingston, New York, USA; Born - 3 Sep 1912; Died - 17 Oct 1999; and State (Year) SSN issued - New York - 1951-1952.