Sylvester C. Ritchey (1850 - 1923)

Born 29 Oct 1850 in Ohio Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States

Ancestors

Died 17 Oct 1923 at age 72 in Sewickley, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States

Biography

From Genealogical and Personal History of Western Pennsylvania:

Sylvester C. Ritchey, son of Andrew J. G. and Mahala (Holdsinger) Ritchey, was born in Ohio township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, October 25, 1850. After attending the public schools of Ohio township and Sewickley he entered Professor Anderson's private school, whence he was graduated in 1871, completing his studies by a course in the Iron City Business College. For twelve years after leaving this latter institution he was engaged as clerk by Chamberlain & Company, in 1883 becoming identified with the grocery business in Sewickley, his store being on the corner of Broad and Beaver avenues. His business operations have been eminently successful, and he has also conducted profitable dealings in real estate, in which he is still interested. He was one of the organizers in 1884 of the Sewickley Building and Loan Association, being made treasurer in 1886, an office of which he is the .present incumbent, having held it continuously since he first entered upon its duties. He is also a director of the First National Bank. Politics have ever claimed a large share of his attention and although he has adhered to independent action, his sympathies are Republican. He holds membership in the Knights of Pythias and the Knights of Honor, his religious views coinciding with those of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Ritchey's establishment is one of the leading stores of the city, and he caters to a generous patronage.

Mr. Ritchey married, in 1881, Elizabeth Douglas, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They have children: 1. Ethel, married B. Scott McFarland, of Sewickley, Pennsylvania. 2. Margaret, married Charles E. Martin, an attorney of Pittsburgh, and resides in Sewickley. 3. Douglas, a senior in the Sewickley High School.

Sources

• Jordan, John W. Genealogical and Personal History of Western Pennsylvania (Lewis Historical Pub. Co., New York, 1915, Vol. 1, p. 194-196)
• Find A Grave: Memorial #148772648

• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/148816198/ethel-c-mcfarland: accessed 02 March 2023), memorial page for Ethel C. Ritchey McFarland (6 Nov 1881–Jan 1977), Find a Grave Memorial ID 148816198, citing Sewickley Cemetery, Sewickley, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, USA; Maintained by Riann (contributor 47564075).