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Norman “Red” Ryan
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Norman “Red” Ryan
Criminal
1895
Background
Norman Ryan, "Red," bandit at Toronto July 1895, d at Sarnia, Ont 25 May 1936). Nicknamed "Canada's Jesse James," Ryan committed numerous robberies in Ontario, Quebec and the US, deserted the Canadian Army in WWI, and once made a spectacular escape from Kingston Penitentiary.
1923
Defining Moments
In July, 1935, just three months before the federal election, Prime Minister R.B Bennett personally arranged for the Toronto native to get a rare early release from a sentence of life imprisonment at Kingston Penitentiary. This was supported by many leaders of the day, such as MP Agnes Macphail, a champion of prison reform, and the prison’s Catholic chaplain, Rev. W.T. Kingsley. also Called “Red” for his swath of coppery hair, Ryan was a bank robber serving a life sentence in the 1930s, who managed to convince a prime minister, MPs, several senators, church leaders and many in the media, including the Toronto Star, that despite 19 criminal convictions, he had “reformed” and should be given a second chance.
1935
Effects on Canada/History
He was called the Jesse James of Canada and he was known for armed robbery, safe cracking, and other major theft. He killed six people in his career. He was arrested in Minnesota on December 14, 1923 and given life imprisonment, which he served in Canada. He served his sentence at Kingston Penitentiary.
2018
History Questions
How would the course of history be different if Norman Ryan wasn't who he was today?
How does Norman Ryan's shadow hang over every prison yard today due to his actions? Would the prison laws be different? Would the parole system remain the same?