H. P. Ryan

RYAN, DELANEY, MILLER

Posted By: Anne Hermann (email)
Date: 12/30/2009 at 14:23:37

J. W. Ellis, History of Jackson County, Iowa, 1910

H. P. RYAN.

Washington has said that farming is the most useful as well as the most honorable occupation of man, and it was to this occupation that H. P. Ryan devoted his energies during the greater part of his business career. A native of Pennsylvania, he was born in Mercer county on the 2d of February, 1861, a son of Patrick and Mary (Delany) Ryan, both of whom were born in Ireland. Coming to the United States, they first located in Pennsylvania, where they remained until 1862, which year witnessed their arrival in Jackson county, Iowa, where their remaining days were spent.
Under the parental roof H. P. Ryan spent the period of his boyhood and youth, attending the common schools in the acquirement of a good education, and when not engaged with his text-books he assisted in the work of the fields. Amid the busy activities of rural life he learned lessons concerning the value of industry, energy and perseverance which served as a firm foundation upon which to build his future success. Reared to agricultural pursuits, his entire life was devoted to that line of activity with the exception of about five years, one year of which was spent in the butcher business in Maquoketa, while the other four years were devoted to the performance of his official duties as sheriff of Jackson county. He not only carried on general agriculture on a valuable farm of six hundred and seventy acres in Fairfield township but made a specialty of raising and feeding stock, enjoying a very substantial income from the fact that both branches of his business, the raising of grain and the raising of stock, proved most profitable. His sound business judgment, his close application and his untiring perseverance all proved salient characteristics in his life record, and the success which he enjoyed came as the legitimate and logical result of well directed effort and intelligently applied energy.
It was on the 10th of December, 1899, that Mr. Ryan was united in marriage to Miss La Maude Miller, who was born in Perry township, Jackson county, and was one of twelve children born unto David and Emma (Sisler) Miller. Her mother passed away on the 3Oth of March, 1906, while the father, who still survives, makes his home on a farm in this county. Since her husband's death her brother, Ora Miller, has assisted her in the management of the farm and to him is due in a large part the success met with in its operation. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ryan were born two children, namely: Roswell Morris, who was born December 9, 1902; and Ethel Bernice, born on the 28th of June, 1904.
In February, 1908, Mr. Ryan was called to his final rest, his remains being interred in the cemetery at Preston, Iowa, and with his passing Fairfield township lost one of its representative and valued citizens. He was ever deeply interested in all matters relating to the public welfare and cooperated in many measures which had for their object the upbuilding and growth of the community. A stanch democrat in his political belief, he did all in his power to further the influence of that organization in the district where he made his home, and his fellow citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, called him to office, serving in the capacity of sheriff of Jackson county for four years. He made an excellent official, performing his duties in a manner most satisfactory to all concerned, and Jackson county profited through his efforts in her behalf. Fraternally he held membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Maquoketa and also with the Knights of Pythias, of which organizations he proved a most worthy exemplar. He lived his life to good purpose and it was crowned not only by successful activities but by the unqualified esteem and regard of his fellowmen.
Mrs. Ryan continues to reside upon the old homestead and her excellent business ability is indicated by the capable manner in which she is conducting the interests left to her by her husband. The farm has been kept under a high state of cultivation and she is one of the largest stock feeders and raisers in Fairfield township, shipping on an average of ten to twelve carloads each year. She is a lady of good education, who began teaching school at the early age of sixteen years and was identified with educational interests in Jackson county for six years. She holds membership with the Rebekah lodge at Maquoketa and is a lady of many excellent traits of character who is not only popular with a large circle of warm friends but also holds a high place in the respect and esteem of all with whom she has come in contact.