Samuel Ryan, son of Samuel and Martha (Johnston) Ryan, is a native of Sackett's Harbor, New York, where he was born, March 13, 1824. His parents were natives of Ireland and his father, who was a soldier in the War of 1812, moved with his family to Green Bay in 1827. He was United States receiver at the land office in Menasha for several years, and died there, in April 1876.
Young Samuel received his education in an ordinary common school, and afterward turned his attention to printing. At seventeen he commenced in Green Bay, where he remained till 1847. Later, he worked three years in Fond du Lac; next engaged in Milwaukee, and there set up the first number of the "Sentinel." In January, 1853, he settled in Appleton, and on the 24th of the following February started the Appleton "Crescent," and its editor.
On the 4th of January 1862, Mr. Ryan was mustered into the service as a private in the 3rd Regiment Wisconsin Cavalry; soon became quartermaster sergeant, and remained in the field until January 1864. Returning to Appleton he resumed his editorial duties on the "Crescent." As a writer he is quick, pungent and forcible, and is widely known and highly respected among the journalists of Wisconsin.

Mr. Ryan has diversified talents; he has been clerk of the court two terms, county judge two terms, member of the general assembly one term (1865) and he has been justice of the peace. On the dissolution of the Whig party he became a democrat, and was a presidential elector on the democratic ticket in 1868 and 1876. Has been grand master of the State, and for four years represented the Odd Fellowship order in the Grand Lodge of the United States. He attends the services of the Congregational Church.

He has had three wives and two children, one by his first wife, who was Laura E. Knappen, of Plattsburg, New York, and one by his second wife, who was Calista M. Crane, of Appleton. His third wife, who is still living, was Martha S. Driggs, of Fond du Lac.
The US Biographical Dictionary and Portrait Gallery of Eminent and Self-Made Men, Wisconsin Volume (1877) transcribed by Vicki Bryan