Ryan, Ned c1838 - 1898

RYAN

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/19/2024 at 21:00:45

Source: Decorah Republican July 21, 1898 P 3 C 1

Waukon Whiskey Responsible for Death of a Winneshiek County Resident.
Lansing Mirror:—Whiskey has another death to answer for in Waukon, and the fair name of our county seat is tarnished by the terrible happening of last Monday night. As we learn the particulars from a gentleman who was in Waukon Monday and Tuesday, they are substantlialy{sic} as follows: On Monday Ned and Peter Ryan, brothers, living over the line in Winneshiek county, came to Waukon and during the afternoon indulged freely in liquor at the several saloons in the place. Night watch Williams observed the men were indulging pretty freely and ordered them to desist and start for home. This it seems they would not do. Some time toward evening Peter Ryan started to enter a saloon and waved his arms at Williams, who was across the street, at which the officer started for him. Ryan is a very powerful man, and it seems Williams had to call for assistance. Our informant says Ryan was knocked down and pounded with a club in a brutal manner, his head and face being a ghastly sight when the three men had finished subduing him.
About 10 o’clock that night a team was found running loose about town and packages were picked up known to belong to the Ryans. In the evening Ned Ryan was on the streets with his team, when it was noticed that the lines were hanging loose between the horses. He was then sober enough to recover the lines and to drive the team, but at 9 o’clock he again visited the saloons, and the next seen of him was early Tuesday morning when he was found face downward lying at the entrance to the stock yards, stone dead! It is supposed he lost control of his horses and was thrown out and injured, but crawled to the spot where found.
Ned Ryan was 60 years old. Peter Ryan was released from jail Tuesday morning, and it is said he felt badly enough when he gazed upon the features of his dead brother. The body of the dead man was removed to his home Tuesday.