Timothy Ryan 1839-1909

This is the story of Timothy Ryan, our great great grandfather--the Ryan who emigrated from Ireland and started the whole story in this country. I don't know enough about him yet but I recently obtained his newspaper death notice which told me he was "well known to the older school of fishermen". I love that phrase!

Gloucester records indicate Timothy arrived in Boston in 1847 at the age of 20. He stated he was born in Tipperary. He made his way to Newfoundland and married Mary Ann Squires. It must have been the call of the sea because he was apparently a fisherman most of his adult life. About 5 years after his arrival in Boston, his first child Michael was born in Newfoundland closely followed by sister Elizabeth. Two years or so later, they were in Gloucester welcoming another baby Catherine.

Eight Ryan children were born to this family:  Michael, Elizabeth, Catherine, Mary F. (who died at 2 years old), William, James, another Mary and Richard. William, our ancestor, was child number 5, born a few short months after his 2 1/2 year old sister Mary died.

By 1900 when he was probably in his early 70s he and his wife were living with their son James in Gloucester. They apparently moved to Portsmouth around this time perhaps with James' family. That has me curious--what was in New Hampshire for them?

Just a short time later, in 1903, Ann died and was brought "home" to Gloucester for burial. Timothy died suddenly while visiting his long time hometown of Gloucester in 1909.

The Gloucester Daily Times states: "He was a most industrious man, of great integrity, honorable in his dealings with all men, and gained the confidence and respect of those with whom he had business dealings."

Surviving daughters include Mrs. John Tivnan (Elizabeth); Mrs. John Dow (Catherine); Mrs. John J. Brotherton (Mary).  This newspaper notice from the Gloucester Daily Times April 7 1909 leads me to conclude that son Michael predeceased him.