James D. Ryan

James Ryan was born in Kedra, County Tipperary, Ireland in 1846. During the 1860s, Ryan came to Carbonear, Newfoundland and was employed with the firm of Donnelly in Harbor Grace. After a brief period he came to St. John's and in 1880 he opened a successful wholesale and retail grocery and provisions store on Water Street. Ryan also sold wine, spirits, ales and stout. The business was located at 281 Water Street but later moved to 323 Duckworth Street. Ryan retired in 1925 and died in November of that same year, at the age of 81 (Ryan was also appointed to the Legislative Council in 1914).

Photo 1: Stoneware jug impressed with the words “J D RYAN / ST. JOHNS.” Honey top, beige body. Approximately 1890s.

Photo 2: Stoneware jug impressed with the words “J. D. Ryan / ST. JOHNS NF.” Honey brown in colour. Approximately 1880-1900.