William Ryle (1834–1881) - A native of Macclesfield, Cheshire, England, William Ryle was the son of William Ryle, one of the most successful silk manufacturers in England.William Ryle later journeyed to the United States where in Paterson, New Jersey and in New York City, he owned and operated the largest silk importing firm in the United States. At the time of his death in 1881, his fortune was estimated to be close to $25,000,000.William Ryle was the nephew of John Ryle, who is widely regarded as the "Father of the U.S. Silk Industry" in Paterson, New Jersey. William Ryle later married Mary Danforth Ryle, daughter of Charles Danforth, a railroad tycoon.