Dan Ryan, Jr.

Daniel B. Ryan Jr. (1894 – April 8, 1961) was an American businessman, lawyer, and politician who served as a member of the Cook County Board of Commissioners from 1923 to 1926 and again from 1930 until his death in 1961. He was a Democrat. The Dan Ryan Expressway is named in his honor.

Early life and education He was born in 1894. His father, Daniel Ryan Sr., was a Chicago politician who eventually rose to become president of the Cook County Board of Commissioners. The Daniel Ryan Woods, a forest preserve on the South Side, is named after the elder Ryan.

Ryan attended the De La Salle Institute and earned a law degree from Kent College of Law. Ryan also served in the United States Navy during World War I.

Career

Dan Ryan Sr. died in 1923 and the board elected Ryan Jr. to fill the remainder of his father's term. From 1926 to 1930, he operated an insurance business before running for the commission in 1930. After his election, Ryan served on the Roads and Bridges Committee and later the Finance Committee. It was during his chairmanship of the Roads and Bridges Committee that he proposed building a superhighway across the city. He aspired to run for Mayor of Chicago as well as Governor of Illinois; however, neither post materialized in his career.

Personal life He was married to Ruby H. O'Connor Ryan (1902–1998) and had one son, Daniel Ryan III. She succeeded him on the commission as board member and served until 1981. On April 8, 1961, Ryan died from a heart attack.