A penciled notation listed the following facts: Blair Cemetery, B 29, L 1, Sp 2; born, 4/23/1826, died, 5/14/1898

B. W. Ryan died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Anna Stough, in Ponca, Neb., of heart failure last Friday, aged 72 years and 20 days. Mr. Ryan was a pioneer of Washington county. He was born April 24, 1836 in Straudsburg, Pa. His father died when he was seven years of age, leaving his mother and three children, he being the oldest. At the age of ten he moved with his mother to Ohio where they remained until 1850, during which time he learned and followed the tanner’s trade. In 1850 he married Malinda J. Palmer and removed to St. Joe county, Indiana, where he remained until 1879, then moving to Washington county where he resided until about three years ago, when he went to Ponca. In Blair he followed the boot and shoe business, and at Ponca he was engaged in the lumber business. Nine children were born to thenm, seven boys and two girls. Five of the boys are still living, A. J. Ryan, formerly in the drug business with Dr. Palmer at this place, but now residing at York, Neb.; Charles, Ben and William at Sheridan, Wyo.; and Morris at Omaha. Of the girls, one survives, Mrs. Anna Stough, of Ponca. The remains were brought to Blair Saturday evening and the funeral was held Monday afternoon at 2:30 from the home of Dr. W. H. Palmer, Rev. Dr. Williams presiding. The remains were followed to the grave by a large cortege of sorrowing friends and relatives where they were laid to rest after short services conducted by the Masonic lodge, of which order the deceased was an honored member. The COURIER together with many friends extend their heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family and relatives.

(typed as printed in the newspaper. Some dates in the article are in conflict: born in 1836; wed in 1850; then he would have been 14 years of age at his wedding.)

(date taken from his gravestone: born in 1826.)