Bio: Ritchie,
William C., 1855
Contact: Stan
----Source: Transcribed Sun, 11 Feb
2001 by the Clark Co., Wis. History Buffs, 1918 History of Clark
Co., WI, by Franklyn, Curtiss-Wedge
Surnames:
William C. Ritchie,
1855
WILLIAM C. RITCHIE, a prominent representative of the Agricultural
community in Hewett Township, having a farm in Section 11, was born at Lake
Mills, Jefferson County, Wis., Sept. 2, 1855, son of Stephen and Betsey
(Elliott) Ritchie. The parents, who were of Scotch nativity, Came to this
country when young, were married in New York State, subsequently settled in
Jefferson County, Wis., and later, in 1868, in Weston Township, Clark County
where, in course of time, they developed a farm from the wilderness and died,
each at an advanced age. William C. Ritchie obtained his schooling chiefly in
Jefferson County. He was 13 years old, or in his thirteenth year, when the
family settled in Clark County, and attended school here only one term, his
teacher being the wife of Judge James O'Neill. The rest of his time in youth
was fully occupied with hard work on his father's farm, which he helped to
clear. For thirty-five winters he worked in the woods as a lumberman, and was
concerned in the drives on Wedge's Creek for many springs. In time, he became
the owner of the parental homestead, remaining there until some sixteen years
ago (about 1901), when he sold the property and bought land in the Township of
Seif. Three years later he sold that and purchased a tract of one acre in
Section 11, Hewett Township, his son purchasing forty acres, and this tract is
now well cleared and improved. While residing in Weston Township, Mr. Ritchie
served on the township board and in Hewett Township he has been chairman of
the board for twelve years. He was instrumental in having the first concrete bridge constructed in the
township-over Hay Meadow Creek. Mr. Ritchie was first married to Agnes
Marshall, a native of New York State, who, while residing there, attended
school kept by Judge O'Neill, after whom Neillsville, Clark County, was named.
She died, leaving one child, Robert, who is now a traveling salesman, residing
in Iowa. Mr. Ritchie married for his second wife Flora E. Wood, who was born in
Michigan. Of this second union four children were born: Frank and Irvin, who
are both residing at homeland Mary and Stephen, who are deceased. © Every submission is protected by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act
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