Denison TX Herald
Thursday, August 16, 1928

Roderick Beirne, Pioneer Settler of Denison, Dies—Will Be Brought Back from Excelsior Springs, Mo.

Roderick Dermott Beirne, early Denison business man, real estate owner, philanthropist and extensive traveler, died at Excelsior Springs, Mo., Wednesday afternoon at 12:15 o'clock, according to word received here. Mr. Beirne had maintained his residence in Denison for the last 47 years, but since retiring from active business twenty years ago, had spent much of his time in traveling, especially in spending the winters in California for his health.
He was born in Roscommon, Ireland, some 76 years ago and came to America at the age of 18 years. His earlier years in America were spent in New Orleans. Mr. Beirne first entered business in Arkansas in a partnership firm known as Beirne and Stenson. In 1882 the firm came to Denison, where it opened a dry goods store which was operated for some time. The store was first located in the 200 block West Main Street. Mr. Beirne later bought Stenson's interest and continued to operate the store under the name of R. D. Beirne until his retirement twenty years ago.

Widely Traveled.

In addition to visiting all parts of the United States, he had made two trips to Alaska, five to Mexico and two to Norway and Sweden. In 1912 Mr. Beirne made a trip around the world, visiting countries adjacent to the equator. He also visited South America, and circled Cape Horn. He visited Panama at the time of the opening of the canal. He took great delight in his travels. In January 1919, Mr. Beirne suffered a light stroke of paralysis and since that time has spent his winters in California in an effort to benefit his failing health.
Mr. Beirne was a charter member of the Elks Club in Denison and served a term as its exalted ruler in 1899. He held a life membership in this lodge in which he took an active interest. 

Ready to Help Needy.

As a true philanthropist, he was always ready to assist with his time and funds in any worthy or needy situation. He spent his money freely in helping with charity and civic affairs. While, during later years, he was out of the city much of the time, Mr. Beirne retained his memberships in the Chamber of Commerce and Red Cross and was continuously in touch with and assisting other movements.
The huge clock in the High School building tower is a gift from Mr. Beirne. He gave his extensive library to the XXI Club last winter. He was a great lover of books and a strong believer in extensive libraries.
Mr. Beirne was without any immediate relatives, the closest being two nieces, Mrs. Delia Cummins of Waco and Mrs. Teresa Stenson of Dallas, and a nephew, Kealy Beirne of Philadelphia.Immediately after word was received of his death Wednesday, arrangements were begun [and] Leo Murphy of the State National Bank, a personal friend of the deceased, left for Excelsior to accompany the body back to Denison. It was not known this morning what time the body would arrive. Interment will be made in Denison with Short-Murray funeral directors in charge of arrangements.