Transcribed by Larry Fearneyhough
Page 141
The pastor of St. Mark's Catholic church at Winchester, Rev. Dennis J. Ryan, was born at Alton, Illinois, August 5, 1876. His preliminary education was received at Alton and his early life was spent there. At the age of fifteen he entered St. Joseph's college, Teutopolis, Illinois, and during the five years spent there took the classical and literary course. Graduating there he then took the five years theological course at Niagara University, Niagara Falls, New York, and was ordained a clergyman, June 9, 1901.
Father Ryan is the fourth child, in the family of eight, born to David and Margaret (Kiely) Ryan. His father was born in County Limerick, Ireland, in 1838, and came to the United States, stopping at Hartford, Connecticut, in 1866. He remaind there a short time only, and then came to Alton, Illinois. His mother, Margaret Kiely, is also a native of County Limerick, Ireland, and was born in 1842. She came to Alton in 1868 and in 1869 was married to David Ryan.
After his ordination Father Ryan was sent as a curate to St. Joseph's church, Springfield Illinois, and remained there for one year. He was then stationed, as pastor, at Shipman, Macoupin county, Illinois, and supplied that church three months, and October, 1902, came to St. Mark's church, Winchester, and is its present pastor. Father Ryan is a christian, a thorough gentleman and a scholar, fitted by long training to perform splendid service for his Master and his church, and will be helpful to many, very many in their journey through life.