Cicero Ryan

Cicero Pierce Ryan (June 12, 1845 – July 1, 1864) was a Union soldier from Scott County who died during the Civil War.

See Also: Scott Countians killed in war

Biography

Born June 12, 1845 in Whitley County, Ky., Cicero P. Ryan was the son of Joel H. Ryan (1822-1896) and Jane Creekmore (1825-1913). His siblings included Jacob L. Ryan (1847-1931), Horatio Gates Ryan (1848-1880), Louisa Baird (1850-1913), Mary “Polly” Baird (1852-1895), Eveline Inman (1858-1881), Milton M. Ryan (1860-1923) and Sterling Stanfield Ryan (1862-1942).

While the Ryan family was from the Williamsburg area, and returned to the Williamsburg area, they lived in Scott County when the 1860 and 1870 censuses were taken. The family returned to Williamsburg by 1880, and Joel served as postmaster at Tidal Wave beginning Dec. 16, 1881.

Civil War

Cicero Ryan enlisted in the Union army on Oct. 25, 1861 and was assigned to Co. G, 2nd Tennessee Infantry. He was captured by Confederate soldiers in Huntsville on Dec. 11, 1862 and was confined at Richmond, Va. However, he was paroled on Feb. 3, 1863 and returned to his regiment on June 14, 1863. On Nov. 6, 1863, the 2nd Tennessee was overrun by Confederate forces at the Battle of Rogersville in Hawkins County, Tenn., and all were captured. Many died in Confederate prison camps, including a large number of Scott County men. Cicero was originally confined at Belle Isle in Richmond, Va., then transferred to Andersonville, Ga. He was admitted to a hospital on June 19, 1864, and died on July 1, 1864 of dysentery and diarrhea. He was buried at Andersonville National Cemetery in Grave No. 2750.