Harry F. Byrd

Date of Birth: June 10, 1887

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: October 20, 1966

Biography

Harry Flood Byrd Sr. was a prominent American politician who served as a U.S. Senator from Virginia from 1933 until 1965. Born into a family with a strong political lineage, Byrd initially built a successful career in business before transitioning into politics. He was a member of the Democratic Party and a staunch advocate of fiscal conservatism, best known for his “pay-as-you-go” approach to government budgeting. Byrd was also a leading voice in the Southern opposition to desegregation, playing a significant role in the Massive Resistance movement against the Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education. Despite his controversial stance on civil rights, he left a lasting impact on Virginia’s political landscape and the nation.

5 Interesting Facts about Harry F. Byrd

1. Harry F. Byrd was the founder of the Byrd Organization, a powerful political machine that dominated Virginia politics for much of the 20th century.

2. Before entering politics, Byrd was a successful apple orchardist and newspaper publisher.

3. He served as the Governor of Virginia from 1926 to 1930, where he implemented significant road-building programs without incurring state debt.

4. Byrd was a vocal opponent of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal policies, which he believed led to excessive federal spending.

5. His son, Harry F. Byrd Jr., also served as a U.S. Senator from Virginia, continuing the family’s political legacy.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Harry F. Byrd

1. “We have one interest, and that is to keep Virginia in the hands of the people who understand Virginia and who love Virginia.”

2. “The surest way to guarantee government insolvency is to create new programs and expand existing ones without providing for their financial support.”

3. “The one thing that this nation cannot afford is to have the federal government run out of money.”

4. “I am a Democrat, but first I am an American.”

5. “Discipline in government begins with fiscal responsibility.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Harry F. Byrd’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million, a substantial amount for his time.

Children

Harry F. Byrd Sr. had four children: Harry F. Byrd Jr., who followed in his father’s political footsteps to become a U.S. Senator; and three daughters, Westwood Byrd, Beverley Byrd, and Richard Evelyn Byrd (named after her uncle, the famous aviator).