John Ruan (politician)

John Ruan (1813 – May 14, 1892) was an Irish-American pioneer and politician who served as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1855 and 1860.

Early life
Ruan was born in County Mayo, Ireland in 1813.

Career
Along with his wife, Catherine Clark, he emigrated to the United States in 1834, landing in New York City. After living there for two years, he moved to Illinois in 1836. There, he worked as a foreman, helping to build the Illinois and Michigan Canal.

Ruan visited Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1839, staying with the family of Matthew Keenan. His visit to the city persuaded him to purchase 160 acre of land in Milwaukee County in May 1841. Once in the county, he became involved in civic life. Ruan served in the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1855 and 1860; served one year as a supervisor of Oak Creek, Wisconsin in the 1870s.

Ruan’s son James was elected as County Superintendent of Schools for Milwaukee County in 1880.

John Ruan is buried at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Milwaukee, WI.

Personal life
Ruan was a Democrat and a practicing Roman Catholic.