Biographies
HON. FRANK D. RYAN
HON. FRANK D. RYAN.--The son of a pioneer and himself a native of Sacramento,
identified with the early history of the state and county, where he was
prominent during all the years of his active life, the late Hon. Frank D. Ryan
was born May 11, 1859, a son of John C. and Maria (Lyons) Ryan, both
parents natives of Ireland and now deceased, their life history being in
another part of this volume. After going through the public schools of
Sacramento, he taught school in the country districts for a time, and then
graduated from St. Mary's College in 1878.
On his graduation, Mr. Ryan studied law in
Sacramento and was admitted to the bar in 1880. In 1882, at the age of
twenty-three, he became a member of the state assembly, the youngest member of
that body; he served as chief clerk of the House from 1885 to 1887. A fine
orator, it was a foregone conclusion that he would make a success of the law,
and in 1891 he was elected district attorney of Sacramento County, serving two
terms, until 1899; in the meantime holding other important public offices, such
as trustee of the state library from 1898 until 1902; trustee of the state
normal school at Chico from 1898 to 1901; and
from 1901 to 1903 he was trustee of Fort Sutter. He served as commissioner of
public works of Sacramento from 1899 to 1907, when that office was abolished.
His private practice he carried on as a member of the law firm of Ryan
& Devine.
The almost phenomenal career of this
really brilliant attorney is unique in many respects; he had no influential
connections to use as stepping stones; what he did have was an outstanding
character and personality, making him a natural leader, and added to these a
sincere desire to help his fellowmen, to advance his city, county, and state,
and that his efforts brought him public prominence made his obligations even
greater and more arduous, and he fulfilled them in every respect. From1880 to
1894 he was a member of the National Guard, an inspector on the staff of
Brigadier-General Sheehan. He was one of the founders of the N. S. G. W.,
and past president of Sacramento Parlor No. 3, past president of the Grand
Lodge of the state, also. He was past exalted ruler of the Sacramento lodge of
Elks; a member of the Eagles, and of the Y. M. I., in which he took an active
interest.
The marriage of Hon. Frank D. Ryan, on
November 25, 1883, united him with Ella Boutwell,
also a native of Sacramento County, and four children blessed their union:
Frank D. Jr., Estella, Ruth, and Irene.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.
Source: Reed, G.
Walter, History of Sacramento County,
California With Biographical Sketches, Page 288. Historic Record Company,
© 2006 Sally Kaleta.