John Ruan

Who was John Ruan?

John Ruan was an American pioneer and politician.

Ruan was born in County Mayo, Ireland in 1813. Along with his wife, Catherine Clar, he emigrated to the United States in 1834, landing in New York City. After living there for two years, he moved in 1836 to Illinois. In that state 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 acres 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 the town of Oak Creek in the 1870s; and was elected as County Superintendent of Schools for Milwaukee County in 1880.

Ruan was a Democrat and a practicing Roman Catholic.