Legrand Ryland

As printed in 1910

LEGRAND RYLAND.

Among the representative farmers of Lafayette county is Legrand Ryland, who is the owner of an excellent farm in the vicinity of Corder, and is carrying on the various departments of his enterprise with that discretion and energy which are sure to find their natural sequel in definite success, having always been a hard worker, a good manager and a man of economical habits. Being fortunately situated in a thriving farming community, it is no wonder he stands today in the front rank of agriculturists of this favored locality.

Mr. Ryland was born in Lexington, Missouri, May 25, 1868, and is the son of S. B. and Maggie (Buford) Ryland. both natives of Lafayette county, His paternal grandparents were John E. and Gabrielia (Buford) Ryland, and the maternal grandparents were Legrand and Esibilia (Mallory) Buford. He was a very extensive land and slave owner in Dover township, this county, and a part of his old place is now owned by Legrand Ryland, of this review.

S. B. Ryland was reared and educated in Lexington, and at the commencement of the Civil war he enlisted in the Confederate army, and he served with much credit until the term of his enlistment expired. In his early life he was a farmer, later entered the railroad service, and still later was employed in the livestock business in Kansas City. Politically he was a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church. He and his wife were the parents of two children.

Legrand Ryland was educated in the Lexington schools and when fourteen years of age he went to Kansas City. He became messenger boy for the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company; he later spent three years in the stock yards as driver and speculator; then for one year was in the freight house of the Santa Fe railroad. In 1888 he entered the passenger service and remained there until the spring of 1908, very faithfully discharging his duties and giving his employers entire satisfaction. He entered the service of the Santa Fe road as coach cleaner, and by faithfully performing his duties he gradually rose until he had charge of all passenger equipment, a very responsible position, but he performed his labors with much credit to himself. While in the stock yards in 1885 and 1886 he also dealt in real estate. Desiring the quieter life in the country, Mr. Ryland purchased, some time ago, his brother's interest in the home place. He has cleared considerable land here and put out a splendid apple orchard, also made many other substantial improvements. He has a well kept farm and a very desirable place from every viewpoint.

Mr. Ryland was married, in May, 1889, to Mary Herr, of Kansas City, a lady of culture and education and the daughter of a fine old family. To this union two children have been born, Ada M. and Frank Legrand.

Mr. Ryland is a member of the Baptist church, while his wife holds membership with the Lutherans. Politically, he is a Democrat. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and the Carmen's Union. He is a man of genial address and makes and retains friends easily.

As printed in Young's history of Lafayette County, Missouri (1910). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.