Matthew Ryan (Atlanta)

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Matthew Ryan (1849 – July 18, 1887) was Atlanta's first paid fire chief.

He was born in Tipperary, Ireland and came to Atlanta to work in his uncle John Ryan's dry goods shop.

He was a volunteer firefighter and opened his own store later which failed around the time the Atlanta City Council began paying the fire department in 1882, giving Chief Ryan a monthly amount of $100.

He died a widower and was buried in an unmarked grave at Oakland Cemetery.

Preceded by None

Fire Chief of Atlanta July 1, 1882 – July 1, 1885

Succeeded by W.R. Joyner