Person
Martin A. Ryerson
American, lawyer, businessman, philanthropist and art collector
Martin A. Ryerson (1856-1932) is an American, lawyer, businessman, philanthropist and art collector.
Heir to a considerable fortune, he is a lumber manufacturer and corporate director.
He becomes the richest man in Chicago by the age of thirty-six.
A long-time trustee of the University of Chicago, he makes large charitable contributions for the construction of buildings on campus.
He bequeathes his extensive art collection to the Art Institute of Chicago.