Lockport Ancient Order of Hibernians William J. Ryan Div IV

07/25/2026

Yesterday was a meaningful day for Lockport as we gathered to dedicate a new Pomeroy Foundation sign at Mt. Cavalry Cemetery, thanks to the hard work of Cookie Butcher and the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War. This predominately Irish Catholic burial ground for St. John’s Church has been restored after decades of neglect through the dedication of Cookie and the volunteers who care for it.

Alongside the Ladies AOH, we were honored to stand with a wide range of community participants including local veterans organizations, the Boy Scouts, local officials, church leaders and representatives from the Pomeroy Foundation and the Diocese. Together we celebrated the history, heritage and families who shaped our city, including the four known Civil War veterans buried there.

The Boy Scouts raising the flag alongside the Marine Corps League Lockport Devil Dog Detachment 232 Honor Guard from the Lockport Navy Marine Club made the ceremony especially meaningful, adding a powerful moment of respect and tradition. We also thank Joe Bashnagel for once again providing his bagpiping talents to the occasion.

The addition of the sign marker and the flagpole is a meaningful improvement that will serve the site well for many years to come.

Friendship Unity and Christian Charity

07/18/2026

The William J. Ryan Division IV of the Ancient Order of Hibernians has been asked to participate in a sign dedication for a historic Irish Catholic cemetery in Lockport and we invite the community to join us.

Mt. Cavalry Cemetery, also known as St. John’s Cemetery, is a Catholic burial ground dating back to the 1800s. It is the final resting place for many early Irish Catholic immigrants and their families around Lockport including several Civil War veterans.
After being abandoned and overgrown for decades, the cemetery was uncovered and restored. For the past ten years, it has been faithfully cared for by Cookie Butcher who has secured funding for a new sign from the Pomeroy Foundation and is coordinating a dedication ceremony.

To honor our heritage and to show appreciation for Ms. Butcher and the volunteers who maintain the grounds, the William J. Ryan Division IV is proud to sponsor local bagpiper Joe Bashnagel for the event.

The Boy Scouts will raise the flag and we will join a broad group of community participants including service organizations, veterans from several branches, county and city officials, church board members and representatives from the Pomeroy Foundation, the Diocese and area legislators.

The ceremony will be Friday, July 24, 2026 at 11 AM at St. John’s Cemetery, 221 Summit St., Lockport (across from the City of Lockport Water Treatment Plant).

Join us as we honor history, heritage and community.

For those interested in learning more, this site offers excellent information including photos and brief histories of many grave markers found in the cemetery.

https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/65322/mount-calvary-cemetery

Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity

Find 109 memorial records at the Mount Calvary Cemetery cemetery in Lockport, New York. Add a memorial, flowers or photo.

07/02/2026

Our Division carries a name rooted in dedication, service and family, a legacy that continues to thrive today. William J. Ryan left an enduring mark on Lockport and the Hibernians and that commitment lives on through the Ryan family. His grandson Tom Ryan, has put together this short biography and provided some great pictures of his Grandfather and family. Together with his son and cousin, keep the family’s connection to our Order alive. Their involvement honors the many relatives including Tom’s father Bill and others who proudly served before them and have since passed on. The Ryan family’s ongoing presence reminds us that our namesake is not just remembered; it embodies the heritage at the heart of our Division.

William J. Ryan: A Lifetime of Leadership and Service

"William J. Ryan was born in 1894 in Lockport, New York, to Dennis and Elizabeth Ryan. He was one of eight children—six boys and two girls—in a family deeply committed to public service. His father, Dennis Ryan, served as the Lockport Fire Chief and Lockport Firefighters before becoming Fire Commissioner, a position he held from 1910 through the 1930s.

In 1929, Bill married Margaret Connery of Niagara Falls at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Lockport. Together they raised two children, William J. Ryan Jr. and Catherine Ryan Loftus, in their home on Web Street. The Ryan family remained active parishioners of St. Patrick's Church throughout their lives.

Professionally, Bill devoted more than 40 years to the Niagara Textile Company in Lockport, where he advanced to the positions of production supervisor and executive. His dedication to the community extended beyond his career. He served as Lockport Health Commissioner from 1934 to 1939 and, during the 1950s, was appointed Sector Chief of the Niagara County Department of Civil Defense.

Bill's legacy is perhaps most closely associated with the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), an organization he joined in 1911. Over the decades, he held numerous leadership roles, including President of Lockport Division 4, Niagara County President, New York State Ancient Order of Hibernians President, and National Ancient Order of Hibernians in America Treasurer. His tireless commitment to the AOH and the Irish-American community earned him widespread respect and recognition.

His many contributions were honored with several prestigious awards, including the Buffalo Division 1 Award in 1979 and a U.S. Congressional Award in 1981. One of the greatest tributes came in 1979 when the Lockport AOH Division was renamed in his honor—a lasting testament to his extraordinary leadership, dedication, and lifelong service to both his community and the Ancient Order of Hibernians."

Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity

06/29/2026

This Saturday, our dedicated members, together with the Lockport Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, proudly took part in the Lock Tending Demonstration at the historic Flight of Five on the Erie Canal.

This living history demonstration features two meticulously recreated wooden locks built to original 19th century specifications, along with a Durham style boat that travels through the system. It’s an incredible opportunity to showcase the engineering that helped shape our region and the Irish laborers who played a major role in its operation.

We’re honored to work alongside an exceptional team of volunteers who devote countless hours to preserving this landmark. Including essential maintenance on the wooden locks and boat, keeps this piece of history functioning for all to enjoy.
Our members always look forward to rolling up our sleeves, demonstrating the lock tending process and connecting with the many curious visitors who stop by. Sharing this hands on history with the community is something we take great pride in.

Friendship, Unity & Christian Charity

06/25/2026

This Saturday (6/27) from 11 AM – 1 PM, the William J. Ryan Division IV of the AOH will join the LAOH for our annual Lock Tending Demonstration at the restored Flight of Five locks.

We’ll be locking through the Erie Traveler, a Durham‑style vessel and showcasing how these historic locks operated. This has become a tradition we look forward to every year.

Everyone is welcome to come watch the demonstrations, learn about the history of the Locks and the Erie Canal, and enjoy a great day in our community. If you are a practicing Catholic and of Irish decent you should consider joining either of our great organizations. If you are interested or have any questions joining or what we do come out Saturday and talk with any of our members.

06/13/2026

We could not have asked for better weather for our rescheduled golf outing today. We had a great group out on the course enjoying the camaraderie and a full day of golf. Thank you Br. Matt O’Bryne for once again chairing this great event and keeping the tradition strong.

Thanks to Vice President Dave Miller and his wife Ginny for hosting us at Gothic Hill Golf Course.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support us. All proceeds from the tournament are going to Kids Escaping Drugs.

06/07/2026

Reminder: The William J. Ryan Division IV Ancient Order of Hibernians Golf Tournament is coming up on June 13 at Gothic Hill Golf Course. Sh***un start is at 10 a.m. and the cost is $35 per golfer which includes golf, cart and lunch.

All are welcome to come out, enjoy a great day of golf and camaraderie with the Hibernians and Lady Hibernians and support a meaningful cause. This year we’re proud to donate all proceeds to Kids Escaping Drugs.

06/07/2026

Our Division held its annual “Travel” meeting this week, the traditional final gathering before we break for the summer. This year we made the trip to the Olcott Yacht Club and the weather could not have been better. It was a beautiful day on the lake and a great time was had by all.

After the group photo we carried on one of our long‑standing customs with an impromptu singing of the Irish national anthem, Soldiers Song. We won’t subject you to a recording of that but the spirit and camaraderie were strong as always.

While this is our last formal meeting until September, we have a full slate of events throughout the summer. Our annual golf outing is June 13th, our lock tending demonstration with the LAOH is June 27th and we will proudly march in Lockport’s Independence Day parade on July 3rd as the community honors the 250th anniversary of America.

05/25/2026

Today, members of the William J. Ryan Division IV Ancient Order of Hibernians were honored to once again participate in the Lockport Memorial Day Parade.

We proudly marched alongside the ladies of the Lockport LAOH as we joined the community in remembering and honoring the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. We were also honored to have our Chaplain, Father Walt, come out and march with us today.

On this Memorial Day, we remember our fallen heroes and keep their families and loved ones in our prayers.

05/21/2026

All are welcome to join us for the William J. Ryan Division IV Ancient Order of Hibernians Golf Tournament

Come out enjoy a great day of golf and camaraderie with the Hibernians and Lady Hibernians. This year we’re proud to donate the proceeds to Kids Escaping Drugs.

Saturday June 13th, Sh***un start at 10:00AM.

$35 per golfer, includes golf, cart and lunch