William Ryan (March 8, 1840 –February 18, 1925) was an American banker and businessman who served one term as a U.S. Representative from New York from 1893 1895.

Biography

Born in County Tipperary in Ireland (then a part of the U.K.) on March 8, 1840, Ryan immigrated to the United States with his parents, who settled in Stanwich (now Greenwich, Connecticut) in 1844. He attended the local schools, worked on farms near Greenwich and taught school. In the spring of 1859, he went to the Rocky Mountains and engaged in prospecting and mining until 1861, when he settled in Port Chester, New York. Ryan was a successful farmer, merchant and banker.

Political career

A Democrat, he served in local office including school board member. He was Town Supervisor of Rye from 1883 to 1885. In 1886, he was appointed Undersheriff of Westchester County and he served until 1889. He was a member of the New York State Assembly (Westchester Co., 2nd D.) in 1891 and 1892. Ryan was elected to the 53rd Congress, serving from March 4, 1893, to March 3, 1895.

Later career

Ryan resumed his business interests after leaving Congress, including serving as President of the Port Chester Savings Bank and operating a Florida ranch that produced oranges. He also served as President of the Village of Port Chester.

Death and burial

Ryan died in Crescent City, Florida on February 18, 1925. He was interred in St. Mary's Cemetery in Greenwich.