Family background
Isidore Edwin Ryan was born at Bombala. He lived at 47 Lord Street, Newtown.
Occupation & interests
Ryan ran a fruit shop on King Street, and was later employed in the shipping branch of the Sydney Harbour Trust. An athlete in his youth, he originally came to Sydney in 1899 to run in the Botany Handicaps and stayed. He played rugby union with Balmain and cricket.
Community activity
Ryan was Grand Master of the Order of Royal Foresters, President of the United Friendly Dispensary, President of the Newtown District Friendly Societies Association, Friendly of the Employees Sick and accident society in Newtown. Returning Officer at Enmore. In arguing for the St Stephens Cemetery to be converted into a park for local children against opposition from the cemetery trustees, he said ‘A very wise king called Solomon once said that a living dog is better than a dead lion, and on the same principle a living child is more important than a dead grandparent’ (Barrier Miner, 22 August 1934 p 4 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article49516808)
Local government service
Isidore Edwin Ryan was an alderman on Newtown Council in 1917-28 and 1932-41, representing Camden Ward. He was mayor in 1926, 1934, 1937 and 1941.
References
‘Cheap Newtown’, Evening News, 2 July 1913, p. 12 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article113363697
‘An Old Southerner’, The Southern Record and Advertiser, 9 January 1926, p. 2 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article125738167
Barrier Miner, 22 August 1934 p 4 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article49516808