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"He was born near Nenagh, County Tipperary, Ireland, February 14, 1845. Coming to this country he entered St. Michael's Seminary where he pursued his philosophical and theological course, and where he was on June 7, 1873, ordained, to the priesthood by Rt. Rev. Bishop Domenec.
"Immediately thereafter he was assigned as assistant to the late Rev. James Treacy, pastor of St. Bridget's Church, Pittsburg. In May, 1876, he was appointed pastor of St. Peter's church, Brownsville, and the outlying missions at Uniontown, Fayette county, and at Waynesburg, Greene County. In October of the same year he was transferred to St. Paul's Cathedral, Pittsburg, where he remained until his appointment in November, 1887, to the pastorate of St. Stephen's Church, Hazlewood, in the 23rd ward of the city. In July, 1879, he was transferred to the pastorate of St. Augustine, Cambria County, where he remained for nearly eleven years, during which period he erected the new church at Chest Springs, and formed the congregations at Ashville and Frugality.
"When in April, 1890, Very Rev. E. A. Bush, the present Vicar General of the Diocese of Pittsburg, was appointed Rector of St. John's Church, Altoona, Father Ryan succeeded to the pastorate of St. Michael's, Loretto.
"In March, 1891, he was appointed pastor of St. Patrick's Church, Gallitzin, in succession to Very Rev. J. Boyle, V. F., transferred to Johnstown. Here in Gallitzin he has since remained, and on 7th of June, last year, he happily celebrated his Silver Jubilee-the 25th anniversary of his ordination."
M's'g'r Ryan, while at St. Augustine must also have built the church of St. Thomas, Ashville, as the writer visited that place in April, 1890, and was in the church and rectory, nearby. Father Thomas Rosensteel was then pastor of that parish.
The Diocese of Altoona having been formed in 1901, Father Ryan must have been transferred to Pittsburg before that time, else Bishop Garvey would not have allowed a priest of such vast experience and marked success to leave his diocese.
A few years ago, in recognition of his distinguished services in the cause of religion he was appointed a Domestic Prelate with the title of Rt. Rev. Monsignor. He is at present rector of St. Brigid's, Pittsburg, and in recognition
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