Born St Helens, Lancashire to a weaving family, in 1819 he established a textile business with his father and two brothers. The business flourished with John becoming sole owner in 1839. Under his leadership, the business became the largest textile manufacturer in Britain by 1873.

Rylands was a devout Congregationalist and was responsible for many charitable projects. He died in Stretford, Lancashire.

See also: Enriqueta Augustina Rylands | John Rylands Library