John Ryan, a Pottawattamie County pioneer dropped dead while milking at his farm home three miles north and east of Honey Creek Monday morning. Death came from heart failure. He was found by his son, Malachy, with whom he had made his home during recent years, and who went to search for him when he failed to return to the house when expected. Ryan was almost 80 years old, but despite his advanced age was quite active. During the winter he had suffered from an attack of grip, but in recent weeks had felt much better.

The aged pioneer was one of the first white settlers to locate in Pottawattamie County, and had often said that when he came to this section he had opportunities to homestead on what is now the choicest business section of Douglas Street in Omaha.

After the Civil War he spent several years in the west, assisting in the building of the Union Pacific through Wyoming and Utah. He was with General Dodge when the golden spike was driven at Promontory, Utah, marking the completion of the road. Soon after that event he returned to Iowa, purchasing the farm near Honey Creek where he died. The house on the farm had been used for some years as a tavern on the Council Bluffs Sioux City Stage line.