In the summer of 1878, refugees from the Memphis yellow fever epidemic came to Chattanooga to escape the ravages of this deadly disease. Within two days, the first victims died. Nearly all the townspeople fled to the mountains surrounding Chattanooga, leaving behind those without means, the infirm and the elderly. A few brave citizens decided to stay behind to help the sick and dying. One of these was Father Patrick Ryan, Pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Fr. Ryan tirelessly made the rounds to the sick, suffering, and dying, regardless of race or religion, until he himself succumbed to the disease.

The Diocese of Knoxville, Tennessee, is currently petitioning Rome for Servant of God, Father Ryan’s Sainthood.