John F. Ryan d. 1904

RYAN, JOHNSON

Posted By: Cathy Joynt Labath
Date: 10/29/2006 at 17:46:54

Emmetsburg Democrat; Emmetsburg, Palo Alto, Iowa; Wednesday, May 11, 1904

John F. Ryan is Dead.

John F. Ryan, who was for several years station agent o the B., C.R. & N.company in this city, died at his home at Cedar Falls Sunday morning after an illness of some duration, though few in this city has learned of his sickness. The funeral will probably take place at Iowa City today, where several of the members of the family and other relatives of the deceased rest. The survivors are Mrs. Ryan, three sons- Edward, Robert and John and three daughters- Misses Mayme, Genevieve and Agnes. Two grown sons and one grown daughter died since Mr. and Mrs. Ryan left this city.

Mr. Benda, who knew the family intimately, says that Mr. Ryan was born in the neighborhood of Iowa City and was perhaps 55 or 56 years of age. He married Miss Josie Johnson of Marble Rock, Iowa, who is a sister of Mrs. C.J. Smith, formerly of Emmetsburg. Mr. Ryan engaged in railroading at an early age and was steadily promoted as a reward for his competency and faithfulness to duty. He was agent at Tipton for sometime and came to Emmetsburg in 1886, remaining until about 1890 when he was transferred to Sioux Falls. A few years later he was sent to Cedar Falls. Of late years he was offered other and better paying stations, but several members of his family had grown up and secured good positions in that vicinity so he preferred to remain there where he could aid and encourage them. Some months ago he was given charge of the Owatonna office, hoping that the northern air would help him, but he had not fully decided to move there. Six weeks ago he returned to Cedar Falls, fully realizing that his career was fast drawing to a close. The end came quickly but peacefully.

Mr. Ryan was a model husband, father and citizen. He was a gentleman in the strictest sense of the word. He was a competent, attentive, courteous, conscientious business man Personally, he was most agreeable. His habits were, in every way, above criticism. He was a man of lofty ideals. There was nothing selfish or small in his nature. He gave the closest attention to his growing up family and provided for his sons and daughters the best educational and social opportunities that his means could afford. He was a man of deeds rather that of profession. The estimate that all who knew him placed on his motives and his deds will ever be a source of comfort and pride to those who mourn his loss.