John H. Ryan, 1238 South Oak avenue is celebrating his 97th birthday anniversary today with open house this afternoon and this evening. Mr. Ryan takes keen interest in life and is able to go about on "his own power." Although he is alone much of the day because his daughter, Miss Pearl Ryan, is a teacher in the public schools of Freeport, time never drags for him, as he is busy with reading and other interests. He made a number of his greeting cards for the holidays and last summer he did some work in his garden. Mr. Ryan was a clerk in the John Schwarz & Sons store for many years, retiring seventeen years. ago. ( Dec. 23, 1947 clipping )

'49er Reaches Century Mark
On Christmas eve, John H. Ryan, 1238 South Oak avenue, Freeport will celebrate his 100th birthday. Ryan is the oldest member of the SUnday school of Embury Methodist church, Freeport, and in his honor there will be a reception from 9 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday in the church parlors preceding the church's regular Christmas eve midnight service. On his 99th birthday in 1948 he was awarded a picture of Christ as the oldest Sunday school attendant in Illinois by a group of Chicagoans.

Merry Christmas, Happy Birthday
Celebrating his 100th birthday today, with the good wishes of the community pouring in, is John H Ryan, 1238 South Oak avenue, whose memory goes back to before Abraham Lincoln was elected president of the United States. When sitting down, Mr. Ryan looks not a day over 70. On his feet he shows the years more, because of his fragility. His eyesight is good - he has enjoyed reading the cards that have been cascading from the mailbox, though he wished more people now wrote the clear Spenserian hand taught in his day. His hearing has dulled, but he can carry on a conversation comfortable,with zest and humor on his part. He reads and comments on the day's editorials and local news in the newspaper. He is in church each Sunday morning for Sunday school and the regular service. This evening he will be honored by a reception at Embury Methodist church from 9 to 10:30. Because his strength is limited, this occasion will take the place of any formal reception at the home but callers will be welcomed as usual. Last year Mr. Ryan received national publicity through the Methodist church magazine, the Christian Advocate, as the oldest individual in Illinois known to be a regular Sunday school and church attendant. He has lived in Freeport the last 61 years of a life he looks back on happily, coming here from Adeline, in Ogle county, where he had lived since boyhood. He retired from work as a painter, and clerk with John Schwarz and Sons 20 years ago. On sunny days he has often been seen sitting by the fountain at the courthouse, greeting his friends, even in the past summer, his 100th. An account of Mr. Ryan's life will be found on page 6.

Contributed by Karen Fyock - Undated Scrapbook Clipping