Racine on the whole has been favored in the class of men who have occupied her public offices, and among the worthy city officials is numbered Charles A. Ryba, who since April, 1913, has occupied the position of city clerk. He was born in Racine, July 21, 1889, a son of Albert and Anna (Novak) Ryba, the former a native of Bohemia, while the latter was born in Caledonia Township, Racine County. Albert Ryba came to the United States in 1882 and made his way to Racine, where he has since resided, occupying the position of shipping clerk or doing general clerical work for the M. M. Secor Trunk Company. He married Anna Novak, a daughter of John Novak, who came to Racine in 1853, and established his home upon a farm.
Charles A. Ryba acquired a public and high school education in Racine and also attended the Wisconsin Business College. He became deputy city clerk under William Armstrong and occupied that position for six years, at the end or which time he was elected city clerk in April. 1913, since which time he has occupied the office. for which he was well qualified through his previous experience as deputy. His duties are discharged with promptness and fidelity and system and orderliness characterize all that he does.
On the 6th of February, 1915, Mr. Ryba was married to Miss Ora Duchmann, of Racine, a daughter of Fred and Margaret Duchmann. Fraternally Mr. Ryba is associated with the Eagles and the Knights of Pythias and he enjoys social life through his membership in the Deutscher Club. He is also identified with the Commercial Club and is in hearty sympathy with its purposes to advance Racine’s best interests in a material way and uphold its civic welfare. In politics he is independent, voting a non-partisan ticket. He has a wide acquaintance in the city of his nativity, where his entire life has been passed, and his salient traits of character are such as have established him firmly in public regard.