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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