Career
He represented Gloucester County in the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick from 1876 to 1895 as a Liberal. He was born in Bathurst, New Brunswick, the son of Irish immigrants, and educated there. Ryan served on the council for Caraquet and was also warden for Gloucester and a justice of the peace.
He served on the province"s Executive Council as Chief Commissioner of the Board of Works.
He was first elected in an 1876 by-election held after Théotime Blanchard resigned his seat to become inspector of weights and measures.