(Q19081082)
Statements
O'BYRNE, WILLIAM RICHARD (1823–1896), author of the 'Naval Biographical Dictionary' (1849, 8vo), born in 1823, was elder son of Robert O'Byrne and his wife Martha Trougher, daughter of Joseph Clark. He was scarcely out of his teens when he conceived the idea of compiling and publishing a record of the service of every living naval officer of the executive branch. For six years he worked at this, publishing the first parts in 1845, and completing the volume of fourteen hundred closely printed royal 8vo pages in 1849. (English)
0 references
During his later years O'Byrne's health broke down, and he was mainly dependent on the work of his daughter, whose exertions at this very trying time are spoken of as beyond all praise. In the summer of 1896 he was granted 125l. from the royal bounty, but too late to be of personal advantage. He died in South Kensington on 7 July 1896. His wife, by whom he had one daughter, predeceased him. (English)
0 references