William Henry Ryder was born in Provincetown, Massachusetts, on July 18, 1822. He studied at Pembroke Academy in New Hampshire and the Liberal Institute in Clinton, New York.

Ordained in 1843, Ryder served Universalist congregations in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Chicago. He became the minister of St. Paul’s Universalist Church in Chicago in 1860 and served the congregation until 1882.

Ryder was also an educator, abolitionist, and generous supporter of community institutions. His contributions benefited libraries, hospitals, universities, children, and organizations throughout Chicago.