Thomas Ryan
Norfolk Island penal colony administrator
About Thomas Ryan
Lived 1790 – 1846 (aged 55–56).
Major Thomas Ryan (born ; death unknown) was a soldier and penal administrator. He was acting commandant of the second convict settlement at Norfolk Island, from July 1839 until the arrival of Alexander Maconochie in March 1840.
Although he regarded the convicts as having been sent to the island for punishment, he tried to give them hope of release at some future time. Rations were increased, meals inspected, and well behaved and willing convicts were allowed to maintain gardens.
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Important facts
People in Thomas Ryan's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Thomas Ryan's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Thomas Ryan?
Norfolk Island penal colony administrator (1790–1846)
When was Thomas Ryan born?
Thomas Ryan was born on 26 August 1790.
When did Thomas Ryan die?
Thomas Ryan died in 1846.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: Thomas Ryan (Commandant)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Thomas Ryan. https://biography.guide/thomas-ryan-1790/
MLA: "Thomas Ryan." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/thomas-ryan-1790/.
Chicago: "Thomas Ryan." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/thomas-ryan-1790/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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