Harry Ryan was born in West Hartlepool in 1889, to parents John and Annie Ryan (probably married in 1882), both from Ireland. The 1891 Census shows Harry living with his parents and an older sister and brother, Edith M. (aged 6) and John William (aged 4), at 35, Brunswick Street, West Hartlepool. Harry’s father, John, is listed as a Stevedore on the docks. Also living in the house at this time were two ‘Boarders’ and a ‘Lodger’.
The 1901 Census shows the family living at the same address, but now with the addition of another daughter, Mary, aged 7. John Ryan’s occupation is now given as Marine Engineer. Two Boarders are also recorded.
The 1911 Census records Annie Ryan as the Head of the household, listing John William and Harry Ryan as stepsons, together with a daughter, May, aged 18. Annie’s age is given to be 40 at this time, however, on the 1901 Census, her age is given as 38.
