History of Iowa From the Earliest Times to the Beginning of the Twentieth Century/4/David Ryan
DAVID RYAN is a native of Hebron, New York, where he was born on March 15, 1840. His parents removed to Jasper County, Iowa, in 1857, and there the son received his education. In 1859 he entered Central University which he left to enlist in the Eighth Iowa Infantry. He was commissioned first lieutenant and served with his command in every engagement until 1865. His regiment participated in the desperate conflict at the “Hornet's Nest” in the Battle of Shiloh, where Lieutenant Ryan was taken prisoner. He experienced the horrors of Libby prison as well as Montgomery and Macon. After being exchanged he was promoted to captain of Company E, and participated in the siege and battles of Vicksburg. In 1864 he was appointed colonel of the Second Regiment of Enrolled Militia of Tennessee. In 1865 Colonel Ryan was elected Representative of the House of the Eleventh General Assembly. He had graduated at the Iowa Law School after leaving the army, and entered upon the practice of his profession. In 1886 he was elected judge of the Sixth Judicial District, serving in that position for three terms.