John B. Ritchie, Calhoun County, AR

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SOURCE: Chicago: The Goodspeed Publishing Co., 1889.
Contributed by Carol Smith.
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Calhoun County, Arkansas - from Goodspeed's History of Arkansas

John B. Ritchie, an enterprising and prosperous farmer of Polk Township, was born in Mississippi in 1853, the eldest of a family of six children
born to Samuel H. and Mary Elizabeth (Donaldson) Ritchie. His father was a farmer by occupation and followed the calling in Mississippi until
1858, when he came to Arkansas and settled in Polk Township, this county. Here he bought 350 acres, somewhat improved, but he instituted
more extensive improving during the few years that he lived after coming here, dying in May of 1861. The mother is still living. Our subject
received his education at the common schools of this county, but during the war the schools in this section were closed, consequently his
educational advantages were limited. John B. Ritchie was reared on a farm, and it was but natural in choosing his occupation in life he should
select that of farming. In 1872, he bought is present farm of 120 acres, on which he made many improvements, erected a dwelling, cleared about
forty acres, and now has one of the best farms in the township. He as now 100 acres under cultivation and raises a variety of crops, making a
specialty, however of cotton. In 1872 Mr. Ritchie was married , choosing as his companion in life Miss Margaret J. Benson, daughter of W. C.
Benson, a pioneer in this section. This union was blessed with nine children, all living except one Emma Maud, who died in the year 1889 at the
age of four years. The surviving children are: William Henry, Zollercoffer, Charles Edward, Clara, Hattie Elizabeth, Norah, Ada and Lee. The
family are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Ritchie is an active and enterprising citizen, and takes an earnest interest in all
worthy enterprises. He has served as school director for the last seven years.