Joseph W. “Jo” Byrns Sr.

Past Master of West Nashville Phoenix Lodge #131

Brother Jo Byrns served as Worshipful Master of Phoenix Lodge #131 in 1906 and 1907. A year later he was elected to Congress for a term beginning March 4, 1909. He served 14 terms, and in 1935 became the 41st Speaker of the House, under President Franklin Roosevelt. The above photo shows Brother Byrns escorting President Roosevelt around Nashville to promote the New Deal.

Sadly Brother Byrns died of a heart attack in 1936 while still in office.