John C. Ryan
Ryan Place Founder
John C. Ryan is described as having "the keen foresight which is a dominant feature of the character" who realized the future of Fort Worth was assured as he embarked in the real estate business. He devoted his energy and aggressiveness completely using the abilities that came naturally to him to attain his goals that were proven by the phenomenal success in his undertakings.
Mr. Ryan was the pioneer in Fort Worth to purchase land, dividing it into sub-divisions by the hundreds of acres of choice land which added to Fort Worth’s corporate limits and comprised some of the most desirable residence districts. In 1913 he was the largest owner of suburban property in the city while still owning the first piece of property he bought located on East Belknap Street.
Mr. Ryan stood for "Progress and Town Building" and always contributed his part in advancing the material welfare of Fort Worth, believing thoroughly in the "City Beautiful." In The Book of Fort Worth, published in 1913, it was written about Mr. Ryan "he has planned and is building 'Ryan Place,' the most beautiful and exclusive "Park Place" to be found anywhere which will stand for all time as a monument to his enterprise.
John C. Ryan married his wife, Elizabeth Willing on January 2, 1890. Mrs. Willing was the daughter of Judge Robert P. Willing. The couple often traveled to the eastern United States where they took careful note of architectural styles and landscaping trends they would later employ on Elizabeth Boulevard.
Ryan selected the style and chose his architectural firm with the same consideration that he had given to the Ryan Place development. Field and Clarkson designed the home, one of the largest on Elizabeth Boulevard. It features a sweeping porch and glazed, green tile roof. C. M. Butcher was the contractor.
In 1917, John and Elizabeth Ryan sold their residence to Bert K. Smith and moved to 2530 Ryan Place where they lived until their deaths. Among the many Ryan legacies to the city were their four sons: John C., Jr., Willing W., Thomas M., and Robert W.
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