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Below is a family biography included in Portrait and Biographical Record of Seneca and Schuyler Counties, New York published by Chapman Publishing Co., in 1895.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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JOHN L. RYNO is a member of the firm of Ryno & Longstreet, established in the village of Farmer. This firm carries on a foundry and machine-shop, and is also engaged in the manufacture of fruit baskets. The business was established in 1866 by Almy & Ryno, and for four years they confined their energies to the scope of a machine-shop, and then organized the present firm. Six years ago the firm added to its already extensive work the making of fruit baskets, for which the horticultural development of this county had created a steady demand.

Mr. Ryno, our subject, was born September 21, 1835, and is the son of Smith and Rachel (Rappleye) Ryno, his father coming from New Jersey, while the mother is a native of this county. Joel Ryno, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was of French extraction, and settled on a farm in the town of Hector, then in Tompkins, but now in Schuyler, County, where he died. His son Smith, the father of our subject, was a young man when he came to Seneca County, and here he lived until his marriage with Miss Rachel, a daughter of William Rappleye. After his marriage, Mr. Ryno settled in the town of Covert and occupied his energies with blacksmithing, bricklaying and mason work. In 1845 he removed to Genesee County, Mich., and located on a farm near Flint, and there he died when he had reached sixty-five years of age. He was a successful man of the business world, bore an honored name in the community, and at his death was the owner of a valuable property of two hundred and fifty acres near Flint. In the Baptist Church, of which he was a faithful and helpful member, he served as Deacon.

In his political relations Mr. Ryno was first a member of the Democratic party. Later, however, his affiliations were found with the Whigs, and when the Republican party was organized he was enrolled in its ranks. His wife survived him some years, living until more than seventy years of age. She became the mother of a large family of children, all of whom lived to attain maturity. Hannibal was a farmer, and died near Flint, Mich., leaving no children. Eliza, who married John Brace, died in Michigan, and left one daughter. Mary, the wife of George Culver, also died in Michigan. John L. was the next in order of birth. Sarah, who married John Whitley, has passed from earth, and her grave is at Port Huron, Mich. Thaddeus was among those who died in Andersonville Prison, giving life itself for his beloved fatherland; he was a member of a Michigan regiment. Ansel, who died in Indiana, was a mill-owner. Angeline, who was unmarried, died in her father’s house in Michigan. Frances married, and died in Lapeer County, Mich., leaving two children. Julia is the wife of J. L. King, of Port Huron, and has two children.

Mr. Ryno, the subject of this sketch, went to Michigan with his father’s family, was reared a farmer, and was given the educational advantages of the district schools. In 1859, feeling that the opportunities of New York were more favorable than the farther West, he returned to Farmer. In 1862 his country called him, and he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth New York Volunteers, following the flag until the closing of the war, and participating in more than thirty engagements. He was attached to the Army of the Potomac, and his military experiences were varied and interesting. At one time he was taken prisoner at Harper’s Ferry, but was soon paroled. He was a musician, and was a member of a band of fifteen pieces, all from the village of Farmer. Of this number less than half lived to return from the war. It was known as the Third Brigade Band, and was the first to play the “Surrender of Lee” at Appomattox. It participated in the Grand Review at Washington, after which it was mustered out of the service under general orders.

Coming back to the pursuits of peaceful life, Mr. Ryno came to Farmer and established himself in the business of a machinist and manufacturer, and during these many years of peace he has done well. He has a good business, is known and honored by his fellow-townsmen, and is considered a valuable member of the Baptist Church, of which he is Trustee. He was married in 1862, just before going into the service. Miss Anne Eliza, the daughter of John P. Rappleye, gladly linking her fortunes with those of the brave soldier. They have one adopted daughter, Maggie I., and are very happily established in a beautiful home on forty acres of fine farming land belonging to Mr. Ryno.

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This family biography is one of the numerous biographies included in Portrait and Biographical Record of Seneca and Schuyler Counties, New York published in 1895. 

View additional Seneca County, New York family biographies here: Seneca County, New York Biographies

View a map of 1897 Seneca County, New York here: Seneca County, New York Map

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