RYAN, MICHAEL, a retired farmer of Riverton, Ill., has been living on his present place since 1875, and is well known and highly esteemed in the neighborhood. He was born in Ireland, in 1844, son of Michael and Johanna (Burke) Ryan, both also natives of Ireland. The father was a farmer and both he and his wife spent their entire lives in Ireland, he dying as the result of an accident caused by the running away of a team of horses. Michael Ryan Jr., was thus early left fatherless. He was educated in the public schools of his native country and helped his father on the farm during his boyhood, being always fond of outdoor life.

At the age of seventeen years Mr. Ryan came to America, landing at Boston, where he remained two years, then spent five years in New York, after which he came to Illinois, spending one year at farm work near Jacksonville. Later he moved to Decatur, and after spending a few months there, moved to Riverton and for three years was engaged in mining. At the end of this time Mr. Ryan resumed mining in Clear Lake Township, and three years later came to Riverton and purchased the home he has since occupied. He has lately retired from active life, and is enjoying a well-earned rest. He has been a hard-working and industrious farmer and miner and success has attended his efforts. He owns a pleasant home and ten acres in Riverton, where he lives.

Mr. Ryan was married in Springfield, in 1873, to Maggie Ryan, born in Syracuse, N.Y. Her parents came from Ireland to Syracuse, N.Y., and thence later to Springfield, where they lived to the time of their deaths. Twelve children were born to Mr. Ryan and his wife, of whom seven sons and one daughter survive: Michael, living near Pittsburg, Pa.; William, living in Athens; Timothy, Thomas, John, Edward and James, at home; Maggie. Living with her brother in Pennsylvania. Mr. Ryan is a faithful member of St. James Roman Catholic Church and is active in its work. In political views he is a Democrat and is interested in the progress and welfare of his community. He is well known in Riverton and vicinity, where he has many friends.