J. B. Ryan was born in Kentucky of Irish parents, in 1854, and moved to Fannin County, Texas, in 1866, a mere lad, brought nothing with him, stopped at the town of Honey Grove, and by honest toil, prompt action, and natural intelligence, got his start.
In 1877, with a small capital, he opened up a drug business in Honey Grove, which under his business eye and careful management, soon grew into a large, safe and paying business. Alive to the rapid strides of improvement all around him, M r. Ryan invested his surplus earnings in real estate, as fast as accumulated, and he now owns some of the most desirable property in Honey Grove. His business stand ” alone, which is a large double storied stone building, cost something over $20,000.00. His present gross annual business runs from $20,000.00 to $30,000.00. In Mr. Ryan, we have a splendid example of self-made men, from a business point of view. The west and southwest are full of them, yet more have failed, than have succeeded. His course and conduct in business might be profitably observed by the young men, who are continually pouring into this country, of push and business.
As soon as Mr. Ryan established himself in business, he began to look around for a partner-not for the purpose of a limited partnership, but for a lifetime business-. In the person of Miss Bell Drennan, he found one, with whom his domestic relations have been one continuous round of peace, plenty and contentment. Miss Drennan is a native of Texas, and it is possible that her clear sightedness and familiarly with tae ways and means of the native Texan, has help to steer Mr. Ryan off the shoals that have wrecked so many young immigrants to this state.