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William James
Ryan was for a number of years a farmer in Delaware township
but for four years preceding his death was engaged in the lumber
business in Fayette, Iowa. He was born in Delaware county, near
Manchester, on a farm in Delaware township, October 8, 1864, a
son of William and Phoebe (Smith) Ryan, natives of New York and
Ireland respectively. They were married in Illinois and after
living there for a time came in 1856 to this county, where they
have since made their home. The father during his active years
was a farmer and stock raiser. To their union were born five
children, namely: Huldah, now Mrs. E. R. Leamon, of Manchester;
Charles, who died at the age of two; Ernest; William James; and
Harry L.
William J. Ryan attended the country schools in
the neighborhood of the home farm and also the common schools of
Fayette. When he had attained his majority he started out for
himself and became a farmer, having from boyhood been familiar
with practical methods of agriculture, and as he was a tireless
worker and also a man of sound judgment he prospered, his
resources increasing from year to year. His farm of one hundred
and twenty acres, which was situated on section 12, Delaware
township, two and one half miles southwest of Oneida, was one of
the well improved properties of his locality. In 1908, on account
of failing health he left the farm and moved to Fayette, entering
the lumber business, in which he was engaged for four years. On
the 20th of February, 1913, his determined fight for life was
ended and he passed to his reward. He was laid to rest in the
cemetery at Manchester.
Mr. Ryan was united in marriage on the 25th of
February, 1890, to Miss Cora May Hatch, a daughter of Phineas and
Eliza (Rowe) Hatch, natives of New York state and Illinois
respectively. Her parents came to this county about forty four
years ago and located on a farm in Delaware township, where they
resided for many years. The father passed away in December, 1907,
but the mother still resides upon the home farm, which is
situated two miles west of Oneida. To their union were born three
children: Cora May, Adrian John and Royal. Mr. and Mrs. Ryan
became the parents of a son, Harry Julius, whose birth occurred
November 15, 1891. After attending the rural schools he completed
his education at Manchester and Fayette and is now in the
implement business at Greeley, in which connection he is proving
successful.
Mr. Ryan of this review was a republican in his
political belief and served as school director for a number of
years besides taking a keen interest in all public affairs. His
farm is still in possession of his family and is kept in
excellent condition. He was a lover of all kinds of domestic
animals and found great pleasure in raising graded stock for his
own use. His many friends remember with mingled sorrow and
gladness his life, grieving that he is gone but gratefully
recalling the many years that they were privileged to know him
intimately. He was a man of innate kindness of heart and in an
unostentatious way went to the assistance of many who were in
need of help. His word was never questioned and his name stood
invariably for honor and strict integrity. |
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