Alice Irene (Greenleaf) Byrne and her twin sister, Ione, were born on November 23, 1886, in Yuma, Yuma County, Arizona Territory, daughters of Clara Belle Parton and Melville George Greenleaf. The Arizona Sentinel dated November 27, 1886, gave the birth announcement as “Melville Greenleaf’s wife presented to her husband, a pair of charming baby girls on Tuesday morning, last. The Sentinel joins with the many friends of the proud parents, in wishing them joy and many happy returns of the day.”
Alice attended school in Yuma through eighth grade. Then her mother moved Alice and her two sisters and a brother to Tempe so the children could further their education, since there was no high school in Yuma at the time. Alice and Ione attended Tempe Normal School and graduated in 1905. They then returned to Yuma to teach.
On April 28, 1908, Alice married Peter Francis Byrne at her parents’ home on Orange Avenue in Yuma. The Arizona Republican newspaper of May 7, 1908, reported from a Yuma paper: “….Mr. Byrne who is secretary of the territorial prison, is one of our most prominent young men, in the lodge and social line, while Miss Greenleaf has been one of the most popular and efficient teachers in the city schools. No young people in the city were more highly esteemed or possessed of a larger circle of friends than they.” Peter was a veteran Rough Rider and secretary of the Yuma Territorial Prison until 1912 when he became the Yuma, Arizona, assistant postmaster. Peter and Alice had four children: Margaret Ione Graham Perry, born November 10, 1910; Alice Monica Books, born July 22, 1911; Francis Edna Keller, born August 17, 1912; and Peter C., born April 18, 1916.
Alice worked at Second Avenue School from 1905 until 1939—first as a teacher and later as a principal. She was honored after her death by having the Alice Byrne School named for her. In 1988, she was elected to the Education Foundation of Yuma County Hall of Fame.
In addition to continuing her teaching career, Alice was a member of the Episcopal Church and became a worthy matron in the Eastern Star in 1932. Alice and Peter were avid tennis players and taught the game to all their children. Alice's daughters all became educators, and her son, an attorney.
Alice worked at Second Avenue School from 1905 until 1939—first as a teacher and later as a principal. She was honored after her death by having the Alice Byrne School named for her. In 1988, she was elected to the Education Foundation of Yuma County Hall of Fame.
Alice died October 18, 1951, in San Diego, California and was buried in the Desert Lawn Memorial Park family plot at Yuma.
Donor: Patricia B. Proper, February 2000
Photo Located: RGC MS-39, Box B, F - Byrne, Alice
Updated: 5/6/2015; D. Sue Kissel
