Savannah courier. (Savannah, Tenn.) 1885-1979, 1898-01-07
FIRST WOMAN CITIZEN.
Her Sturdy Lads and Clever Lasses
Become Prominent Citizens.
Known MS the "WidOw Ryan"-Waa a
Clever business WOman-short
Sketch of Her Life and What
Some of Her Children Ac-
cOmplished.
From the News, Indianapolis, Ind j..


Hundreds of thousands of men of foreign
birth have taken out papers declaring their
citizenship in Indiana since that State was
admitted into the Union in 1916 without
creating remark or comment. 1t was DIT
ferent matter, however, when along IN the
fortics the first woman OF foreign birth APP
piled for and received papers OF citizenship
after declaring in set form that she re-
nounced all allegiance to every prince or
potentate on earth.
This first woman citizen was an Irish
widow who settled in southern Indiana with
her progeny of sturdy lads and clever lasses
upon a farm which she had bought. She
had taken out naturalization papers in order
to manage her property to better advantage,
and for the further purpose of starting her
family as true Americans with full under
standing of the advantages and responsible
ties of American citizenship.
"The Widow Ryan" as she was known
in Daviess County, Indiana, was great
woman with clever business head and lett
behind her those who grew to be worthy
men and worthy women, and who have lett
their impress upon the State.
One of these sons James b. Ryan became
treasurer of the State of Indiana, and son.
inlaw, NJ. l.. Brett, also held that high and
honorable position. Another son was the
late Lieut.. Col. Richard j. Ryan who was
probably the most brilliant and gifted orator
that Indiana ever produced, and who during
the war for the Union served his country in
the Thirty.ffth Indiana Volunteer Infantry,
better known as "the Irish Regiment
Another son is Thomas +. Ryan who is
now 50 years old, and with few intervals OF
absence has been resident of indianapolis
for forty-two years. Mr., Ryan has been an
active business man all his life and has seen
more than one fortune come and go in the
vicissitudes of trade and sudden panic.
In the early fifties smitten by the gold
fever he went by way of the Isthmus OF
Panama to California, and he has always re-
tanned the free-hearted, open and trusting
confidence that distinguished the. gallant
pioneers Of the golden State. He has been
all over the far west engaged in mining and
trade operations in Oregon, Arizona and
Montana. From May, 1885 until August,
1887 he was the government agent at the
Seal Islands off the Alaska coast, highly
responsible position.
''For ten years or MORE" said Mr.. Ryan
in conversation with a group of gentlemen
at the indianapolis Board of Trade, II have
been extremely sensitive in my lower limbs,
to weather changes. If my legs had been
filled with quick silver | do not think they
could have responded more quickly or more
disagreeably to climatic conditions.
During the past two years this infirmity
became much worse, and | began to he
alarmed, fearing paralysis. My legs were
cold and recently from my knees down were
without sensation. | could walk only short
distances and would even then experience
great WEAKNESS. | became more and more
alarmed. naturally thought OF paralysis
or locomotor ataxia. The prospect was not
pleasing one.
IL happened to meet my old friend Capt
G. f. Shepard, of this city. He was chant
ing the praises of DR.. Williams Pink Pills
for Pale "eope and gave me his experience,
telling go. that he had been brought by
using them from a bed where he lay help
less, his physician having declared him a
hopeless victim of locomotor ataxia, and was
now as active as any man of his age, not
even requiring the use of cane. Upon his
recommendation | began the use OF Dr.
Williams Pink Pills.
II found positive relief, after taking few
doses The numbness in my limbs dlsap
peared as if by magic and ] can walk as fal
rs | like at good rapid gait and without
WEAKNESS. This you may understand is
great boon to n man who has been OF an
active habit of life and who still likes to
depend to great extent upon his legs TO ge'
around in the world
"The pills also drove the rheumatism ou'
of my hip for have not been bothered witt
it since began their use. think shall
have to join Captain Shepard in his praises
of DR.. Williams Pink Pills for Pale
People"
DR.. Williams Pink Pills for Pale People
contain, in a condensed form, all the ele
ncnts necessary to give new life and rich
ness to the blood and restore shattered
nerves. They are also specific for troubles
peculiar to females, such as suppressions, ir
rcgarities and all forms OF weakness. The,
build up the blood, and restore the glow o.
thew effect radical cure in all cases arising
from mental worry, overwork or excesses o.
whatever nature These pills are sold II
boxes (never in loose bulk at 80 cents lo,'
or six boxes for 50 so, and may be had OF 81
druggists. or direct by mail from Dr. WI
lams' Medicine Company, Schenectady
NY.