George Ritchea Biographical Review

GEORGE RITCHEA, deceased, was one of the honored pioneers who braved all the dangers and privations of the frontier, and labored earnestly and indefatigably to prepare the way for the march of progress and the advancing steps of civilization. He was a native of Montgomery county, Ohio, born near Dayton, February 19, 1814, a son of James Ritchea; his father was born in the north of Ireland, but emigrated to the United States, and was an early settler of Montgomery county; there he passed the remainder of his life. His son, George Ritchea, came to Illinois at an early day, and located in Schuyler county; the journey was made overland, as there were then no rail-road; the products of the farm were shipped down the river, and all commerce was carried on in the most primitive style. Mr. Ritchea engaged in the lumber business, rafting his stock for market down the river; later he embarked in the mercantile trade at Rushville, being one of the earliest merchants in the county. After his marriage he settled on a farm four miles from Rushville, and engaged in agriculture until his death, March 5, 1887. He was united to Lucinda Walker, a native of Hardinsburgh, Kentucky, and a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Walker. To them were born five children, two of whom now survive: Francis P. and Anna Kate; Mary E. died January 10, 1888, aged forty-three years; George D. died in November, 1888, aged thirty-five years. Francis P. owns and occupies a farm joining the old homestead; Anna Kate, the surviving daughter, owns the homestead. She received a good education at Abingdon College, and also took a course at the Gem City Business College. At the age of sixteen years she began teaching, and has followed this profession in Illinois and Colorado, meeting with marked success and making an enviable reputation among the educators of the West. Mr. and Mrs. Ritchea were worthy and consistent members of the Christian Church. Politically he affiliated with the Republican party, and was a stanch supporter of its principles. He was a man of excellent business ability, and although he began the struggle of life single-handed and alone, having no capital excepting that with which nature had provided him, he amassed a considerable amount of property. He employed the highest and most correct business methods, and had an enviable reputation as a man of integrity and honor.