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Note: Obituary
Judge David R. McRitchie died at his home in this city, Sunday, July 16, aged 85 years, five months and 12 days. The infirmities of old age caused his death. He passed away surronded by his family, prepared to meet his maker and render an account of his stewardship. A better man never lived than David R. McRitchie. He was a fine type of man, made an honest and courageous official and a citizen and father that was perfect. He was loved and respected by all. He was bourne February 4, 1836, near Dundee, Scotland. In June, 1836, his parents left Sctoland for America, accompanied by their two children, Mrs. Cole, (who resides with her daughter Mrs. F. W. Camper) and their infant son. They were 10 weeks on the ocean and landed in New York in September. They took passage for the west on a canal boat and when they arrived at Buffalo they took passage on a schooner that was bound for Chicago. The schooner put into Cleveland fro repairs. Here the family took passage on another vessel which was wrecked off Port Clinton and drifted on a reef opposite the old lighthouse. Men from shore rescued the paaengers and crew, and the residents of the town took care of the shipwrecked people. The McRitchie family rented a log cabin and spent the winter in this home. In the spring the father bought a farm on the bay shore in Bay Township and erected a cabin and moved his family there. For the first years the family suffered many hardships but they triumphed in the end. It was under these conditions that David R. McRitchie was reared and he learned to be frugal and industrious from necessity. He was given a common school education and in addition he was taught by his parents and the book most used was the bible, His talents were appreciated by his neighbors and he was elected Clerk of Courts in which office he served two terms, from 1866 to 1872. He served six years as Probate Judge, from 1887 to 1893, and in this office he rendered effcient service to many widows and orphans by his wise council. It was in this office that he rendered his greatest service and the people all over the county are grateful for the advice and kindness he gave. He served on the Board of Education for over 25 years and the trust reposed in him by the people was never misplaced. He was on the Board when the present site was purchased and when the older buildings were constructed. He made an ideal official and the people learned to respect his judgement. His parents passed away many years ago and he is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Elijah Lattimore and Mrs. Cole. A brother, George R., was killed at Atlanta, Georgia, during the war and another sister, Mrs. W. A. Wonnell, died several years ago. He was married to Miss Lucy Lattimore and they were blessed with ten children; John R., of Erie Township; George W., of Bay Township; Mrs. Nettie Love of Toledo; Mrs. Charles Quinn of Detroit; James Milton of Bay Township; Frank of Port Clinton, and Ralph who resides at Lima. Three children preceeded him to the grave. He was a good man, loyal to his family, his country and his fellow man. Bought up as a strict Presbyterian, he believed that all men should worship according to the dictates of his own conscience. The funeral was held on Tuesday afternoon from his late residence, Rev. Mr. Kennedy conducted the service and referred feelingly to the life of the deceased. The body was borne to the tomb by his five sons and son-in-law. The Odd Fellows, of which he was an honored member for so many years, escorted the remains to the grave.
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