Ryan Family Papers, 2011-141-0, includes papers from Thomas F. Ryan and his family.  Included are theatrical and minstrel programs, sheet music, photographs, photograph album illustrating "Song of the Brook," papers related to Bantam, Connecticut,  Frienship Album, Litchfield High School graduation programs, Litchfield County University Club meeting programs, brochure for Miss Hickox's School for Girls, newspaper clippings, portfolio for "Portraits of Twentieth Century Americans of Negro Lineage" by Louise E. Jefferson. An accruel to this collection, 2013-50-0, includes a published booklet titled, "Thomas Francis Ryan: A Biographical Sketch" published in 1918 and a bill from St. Mary's Hospital to Thomas F. Ryan relating to surgery and care of his daughter Margaret Agatha in 1914 (date taken from the backing paper of the frame - item was unframed for storage). Thomas Ryan (1872-1933) was born in Ireland and moved to the United States as an infant with his mother. He took up acting and singing, but embarked on a law career, studying in Torrington, Conn., and graduating from Yale Law School in 1897.  In 1899, he pursued mining in Arizona, California, and Mexico. After his fortunes failed, he returned to the stage. In 1904, he came back to Torrington and again took up law, finally settling in Litchfield in 1905. He served one term as a probate judge in the 1910s. In 1895 he married Mary Kelley of Torrington. They had four children, Mary Gertrude, Catherine Edna, Margaret Agatha, and Frances Mary. He died in 1933. Agatha, as she was commonly known, and Gertrude attended college. Agatha worked in her father's law office, the probate court, an insurance office, and served as secretary to the superintendent of schools in Litchfield. Frances worked as the school nurse.