Thomas P. Ritchie (1860-1903)

RITCHIE, MESSERER

Posted By: Dorothy Gosse (email)
Date: 11/3/2001 at 23:03:36

Mayor T. P. Ritchie died at his home Wednesday, April 22, 1903, after an illness of eight months. Funeral services at the Murphy chapel, sermon by Rev. Cunningham and the Evangelical M. E. minister and the M. W. A. He was a man that was held in high esteem by all who knew him, upright and honest in all his dealings and looked upon other in the same light. Between 75 and 100 teams followed the remains to the last resting place. The flowers that were brought by relatives and friends were many and beautiful, some coming from Minneapolis. A widow and four children are left to mourn, besides a large circle of relatives and friends who sympathize, only our heavenly father can relieve that aching heart.

Note: Thomas Ritchie was husband of Barbara M. Messerer, daughter of Peter and Margaretha Messerer. They were married in Fayette County, March 30, 1883. Children included Robert W. Ritchie, founder of Ritchie's Clothing in Oelwein, Iowa. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery, rural Westgate.

from Oelwein Register - Westgate News