Andrew Beirne

Beirne immigrated to the United States in 1793 and settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, investing his $150 savings in a business that failed.

He then became a peddler, and about 1795 opened a store in Greenbrier County, Virginia on the farm of Edward Keenan, a fellow immigrant from Ireland, whose daughter he soon married (as discussed above).

At about this time, two of his brothers emigrated to the United States and the three Beirnes formed a mercantile partnership, transporting merchandise from Philadelphia to Virginia, and accepting payment in ginseng, pelts, cattle or other goods.

He also established a 2,200 acre plantation, which he named "Walnut Grove" on the best land in Monroe County, somewhat north of Union.

Beirne at first aligned with the Jeffersonian Republican political party, and Monroe County voters elected him as their (part-time) representative in the Virginia House of Delegates in 1806 and re-elected him.