Family background
Thomas Ryan was born about 1780, probably in Ireland. From 1836, he and his wife Eliza had 11 children, some of whom died as infants. He died in Princes Street, Millers Point, on 19 October 1866, aged 76, and was buried at Devonshire Street, later transferred to Bunnerong Cemetery. He was a Catholic.
Occupation & interests
Thomas Ryan arrived on the Pilot from London and Cork on 28 July 1817, together with contingents of the 46th or 48th regiments. He became a clerk in the Colonial Secretary’s Office and by 1822 had several convict tradesmen assigned to him. In 1824 he received an increase in salary as assistant clerk in the office of Frederick Augustus Hely. In 1835 he was Chief Clerk in the Principal Superintendent of Convicts at Hyde Park Barracks and was living in Princes Street at Millers Point. On at least two occasions, he was charged with assault in the course of his duty. He lost his job when convict transportation ceased and continued to live at his Princes Street property.
Local government service
Thomas Ryan was Alderman for Gipps Ward, 9 October 1843 until 31 December 1853 when the Council was replaced by City Commissioners. In December 1844, Council held a special meeting to consider his conduct toward Alderman William Moir at a civic dinner. He was re-elected for the same Ward on 11 April and served the Council until 30 November 1857.
References
City of Sydney Archives. Aldermen’s Files; NSCA CRS 51/275, Demolition books, 1900-1949
Society of Australian Genealogists: AGCI index