Catherine Ryan

Catherine Ryan likely emigrated to the United States in the late 1860s-early 1870s. It is possible that she was born in County Mayo, indicated on her death record, however, that is the only record which states it.

She married Michael Gilbride at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on 2 Feb. 1875 in Scranton, Luzerne, Pennsylvania. On 20 February 1876, she gave birth to her only child John Joseph Gilbride, also in Scranton. In March 1877, she gave birth to a second stillborn child, and in April 1877, after being diagnosed with puerperal mania, she was committed to Danville Asylum in Montour County, Pennsylvania. She spent the next several years there, and on 17 January 1881, she died of pneumonia. She was brought back to Scranton and buried in an unmarked grave at Cathedral Cemetery (then Hyde Park Catholic Cemetery), on 28 January 1881 at age 26. Michael remarried to Mary Gallagher in 1885 and had 8 more children with her, who were half-siblings to John.

Catherine's son John lived with his father and grandparents, and after marrying in 1896 to Margaret McAndrew in Scranton, he moved his family of four sons to Cleveland, Ohio about 1920. Today, Catherine—through her son John—has nearly 100 descendants.

I have yet to discover the parents of Catherine Ryan or her birthplace. Any research help would be appreciated to add to my already extensive documentary and DNA research.