Byrnes, James, 1806 – 1886

James Byrnes (1806-1886), manufacturer and parliamentarian, was born at County Longford, Ireland, son of James and Frances Byrnes. James Byrnes, the elder, arrived at Sydney with his family in 1808 and was attached to the NSW Corps. James Byrnes, the younger, was apprenticed as a carpenter and later became a successful builder. With his brother William (1809-1891) he became involved in steam ferries on the Parramatta River, flour-milling, cloth-milling, and general commerce.

James Byrnes was an elected member of the old Legislative Council (1850-1851), an elected member of the NSW Legislative Assembly in the seats of Cumberland (1856-1857) and Parramatta (1858-1861, 1864-1970, 1871-1872). He was nominated for the NSW Legislative Council in 1861 but did not take his seat. James Byrnes was Secretary for Public Works (1866-1868, 1870-1872).

James Byrnes brother, William Byrnes, was a member of the NSW Legislative Council (1858-1891).