James W. Ryan was a Kentville, N.S. merchant who operated a dry goods store known as 'White Hall.' He was born at Canard, Kings County, N.S. on 30 August 1846. He also served as a town councillor and later mayor of Kentville; 1894-1895 and 1913-1914. James was a lieutenant-colonel and commander of the Kings Canadian Hussars. He married Mary Josephine Rafuse and they had four sons, Walter, Robert, Garnet and Winfield and one daughter, Eva Josephine. James died on 21 December 1922 and Mary died on 4 July 1915.
Their son Robert Holden Ryan was also given the rank of lieutenant-colonel in the Canadian Militia. At the outbreak of the South African War he served as a non-commissioned officer with the Kings Canadian Hussars. He served overseas with the Canadian Mounted Rifles. During the Russo-Japanese War he served in Japan as a British attaché. During the First World War he commanded the 6th Canadian Mounted Rifles. Robert drowned near his home in Schenectady, N.Y. on 19 September 1934.
Eva Ryan married James Balch of Kentville.
Walter D'Arcy Ryan was born on 17 April 1870. He was educated at Kentville Academy, Progessor Currey's School, St. Mary's College, Memramcook College and the Royal School of Calvary. As a young man he was closely involved with the local militia. He became a commercial engineer and specialized in illumination and light distribution. His work was based at the Illuminating Engineering Laboratory, of which he was director, of the General Electric Company. He also lectured at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He married Katherine (Haskins) and their children were Robert, Virginia, Caroline and Marion. Walter died at Schenectady, N.Y. on 14 March 1934.