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Carlow County - Ireland Genealogical Projects (IGP TM)


Michael Joseph RYAN


Michael Joseph RYAN,
b. 17th July 1865, "Crannagh" County Carlow IRELAND,
d. 10th July 1944 Brisbane QLD

History of the subject:

Like many before him, Michael J. Ryan took up the challenge to "Go West Young Man" in the dying years of the last century and in doing so made his substantial contribution to the growth of the pastoral industrial over an extraordinarily large are of the Central Western district of Queensland.

In a primary industry career that spanned almost 60 years, and which began as so many great enterprises do, in a humble way, Mick Ryan owned properties from Winton - "Vindex", to Longreach - "Dalmore", to Blackall - "Cootabynia", "Homebush" (his residence for five years), "Bride Creek" and "Forrest Hill" to Springsure - "Arcturus Downs" and Emerald - "Comet Downs". He was said to have developed "an instinct little short of genius" for land aquisition and it's release. At his death in 1944, Mick Ryan's pastoral empire, subsequently known as "Ryan Estates", comprised of ten grazing properties each, of which complemented the others. A generous and enthusiastic employer, he attracted managers of high calibre, most notably Mr Herbert T. (Bert) Williams, who died in 1973 and whose knowledge of sheep and the industry in general is still a matter of reverence in the Blackall district.

Mick Ryan's success in business occasioned his appointment in his middle years to the board of the Queensland National Bank, and the Green family holds dear the story of his insistance that bank buildings be painted green in honour of his native Ireland! He was also on the board of Queensland Trustees, Atlas Insurance Co. Ltd and the Intercolonial Boring Company, as well as on the advisory board to The Australian Estates Co. Ltd. He built Ascot Chambers, on the corner of Queen and Edward Streets, Brisbane. His attachment and generosity to the Catholic Church were rewarded in 1929 with a Papal Knighthood conferred by Pius 11. Mick's great love was horses and he was famous not only in the west but throughout the state for his race horses, both aquired and bred with great care on his property "Kialla Stud", Greenmount. His association with the legendary Blackall trainer J.J Kahl, brought them both considerable success in the bush and, later in the city. Mick was was elected president of the Springsure Racing Club in 1912, having moved to the district a year earlier, and in 1916 was made Patron of the Club, a position he held for some years.

Mick Ryan's western "home" was always Blackall and he gave generously of his time and money. He was a member of the founding commitee of the Blackall Woolscour which is such a worthy monument to those visionaries. He outlived three wives, two of whom were Blackall women. The family of his second wife, Mary Ann McKenzie, being among the earliest settlers in the district. Though circumstances dictated his residing in the capital for much of his later life, Michael J. Ryan's heart remained in the bush he loved. He was truly an "Unsung Hero of the Outback".

Subject and Association Description Parents:
John Ryan married Catherine Whelan Siblings: Patrick, Ellen, Margaret, Catherine, Lillian, John, Mary and Joseph Married: 1st Marriage: 24th June 1891, Blackall QLD 2nd Marriage: 29th April 1906, Blackall QLD 3rd Marriage: 29th November 1928, Coolangatta QLD Spouse: 1st Marriage: M Spillane 2nd Marriage: Mary Ann McKenzie 3rd Marriage: Mary Ellen Donovan Children: Catherine Maud, Margaret Theresa, Mary Doreen, Sheila Madeline, Dulcie Elizabeth, Michael James, Patrick Joseph, Marie Ellenor and Veronica Moirin Resided: 1884 - 1914: Blackall 1914 - 1915: Springsure 1915 - 1944: Brisbane

Source: https://ehive.com/collections/3492/objects/77825/michael-joseph-ryan-b-17th-july-1865-crannagh-county-carlow-ireland-d-10th-july-1944-brisbane-qld



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