John M. Ryder, a skilled young architect of Schenectady who is making rapid advancement in his chosen profession, maintains his office in the Lorraine building at No. 505 State street. He was born in Albany, New York, on the 20th of April, 1892, his parents being John D. and Rose (Melligan) Ryder, also natives of Albany. The father has been a boiler inspector in the service of the New York Central Railway for a number of years.
In the pursuit of an education John M. Ryder attended the public schools of Albany and Schenectady, completing a high school course in Albany as a member of the class of 1910. He then entered Syracuse University, from which institution he was graduated on finishing a course in architecture in 1915. His initial experience in the profession was gained in two years' association with Albany architects and in the office of the state architect, while from 1917 until 1921 he was employed as architect by the General Electric Company. In the latter year he opened an office in Schenectady, where he has continued and has been accorded a large clientage, manifesting a high degree of efficiency in his chosen field of labor.
In November, 1916, Mr. Ryder was united in marriage to Miss Helen S. Brown of Albany, daughter of William H. and Alida (Lansing) Brown. Her father has been in the employ of the New York Central Railway for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Ryder are the parents of two children: Helen Jane, who was born March 23, 1919; and John Kenneth, whose natal day was February 8, 1924. The family residence is at No. 137 Plymouth avenue, in Schenectady.
Mr. Ryder gives his political allegiance to the republican party, while his religious faith is that of the Reformed church. He is a worthy exemplar of the teachings and purposes of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to St. George's Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and also has membership in the American Society of Civil Engineers and Registered Architects.