Husband Gov. Joseph Ritner 1 2 3
Born: 25 Mar 1780 - Berks Co, PA 1 2
Christened:
Died: 19 Oct 1869
Buried:
Father: Michael Ritner ( - ) 2 4
Mother:
Marriage: 26 May 1801 2
• Biographical Sketch: William C. Armor, Lives of the Governors of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA: James K. Simon, 1873).
To read this brief biographical sketch of his life and career, click here.
Wife Susan Alter 1 2
AKA: Susanna Alter 3 5
Born: 30 Oct 1780 3
Christened:
Died: 1853 2
Buried:
Father: Jacob Alter ( - ) 2 6 7
Mother: Margaret Landis ( - ) 3 6
Children
1 M Joseph Ritner 8
Born:
Christened:
Died: 1833 8
Buried:
2 M Abraham Ritner 8
Born:
Christened:
Died: 1852 - Chambersburg, Franklin Co, PA 8
Buried:
3 M Henry Ritner 8
Born:
Christened:
Died: 1863 - Burlington, Des Moines Co, IA 8
Cause of Death: Railroad accident
Buried:
4 M Michael Ritner 8
Born:
Christened:
Died: 1872 - Bloomfield, Essex Co, NJ 8
Buried:
5 M Jacob Ritner 8
Born:
Christened:
Died: 1871 - South Middleton Twp, Cumberland Co, PA 8
Buried:
6 F Susan Ritner 8
Born:
Christened:
Died: 1854 8
Buried:
Spouse: [Unk] Kreichbaum ( - ) 8
7 F Emma Ritner 8
Born:
Christened:
Died: 1876 8
Buried:
8 F Margaret Ritner 8
Born:
Christened:
Died: Aft 1886
Buried:
Spouse: [Unk] Alter ( - ) 8
9 M Peter Ritner 8
Born: 13 Sep 1818 - Washington Co, PA 8
Christened:
Died: Aft 1886
Buried:
Spouse: Mary Jane Davidson ( -1845) 8
Marr: 16 Feb 1843 8
Spouse: Amelia Jane Davidson ( -1870) 8
Marr: 1848 8
Spouse: Jane Mary McKeehan ( - ) 8
Marr: Nov 1872 8
General Notes: Husband - Gov. Joseph Ritner
He was governor of Pennsylvania from 1835 to 1839.
He was born where the city of Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania, now stands. At twelve years of age, he was hired out by his father to Jacob Myers, a farmer near Churchtown, Cumberland County, but who afterward moved to near Newville, and there Joseph Ritner lived until his marriage. In 1803 they moved to Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, with her father, of whom Mr. Ritner bought a tract of land in Washington County (about six miles west of Washington and three north of Taylorstown), and there devoted himself to the development of his estate; he served under Gen. Harrison in the War of 1812; was nominated to the Legislature, without his knowledge, in 1821, on the Democratic ticket, and triumphantly elected. He was re-elected six consecutive terms, serving as speaker three terms, being unanimously elected the last time-the only instance on record in the State at that time. He was a candidate of the Democratic Anti-Masonic party for governor in 1829, 1832 and 1835, being elected the last time.
The acts of his administration were in the highest degree beneficial to the people of Pennsylvania. It was during this time (in 1836) that the present efficient school law was finally enacted and the State debts reduced over $100,000, a striking contrast to the administration immediately preceding and succeeding. He took a decided stand against the formation of monopolies in coal, land and railroads; opposed re-chartering State banks, then making application, and pointed out the evils that would result if they were successful. His veto was disregarded, and the evils he predicted speedily followed, causing general financial distress throughout the state. The great statesman, Thaddeus Stevens, was his intimate friend, and the plans marked out by Gov. Ritner were generally followed by Mr. Stevens. Of the circumstances of his last race, in 1838, it is sufficient to say that had there been a more fair and honest election the State might have been spared the unfortunate administration of Gov. Porter. At the close of his term Mr. Ritner purchased the bank farm, formerly owned by Gen. Foster, at Mount Rock, West Pennsborough Township, Cumberland County, where he resided the remainder of his life. He was an intimate friend of Gen. Harrison, who favored him whenever the opportunity offered. He devoted his attention to managing his estate until his retirement in 1848, continuing to take an active interest in public affairs. He lived a temperate and regular life, enjoying robust health. Personally he was of medium stature and portly build, weighing about 240 pounds during the latter half of his life. He passed away painlessly, through natural decay, ending his eventful and useful life in his ninetieth year.
He was opposed to the institution of slavery, a foe to secession, and at the decline of the Whig party became a Republican. [HCC 1886, 586]
When the War of 1812 began he was numbered with the earliest volunteers, serving six months with Harrison and Scott. Soon after his marriage, he came to Washington County, and purchasing 140 acres began, with characteristic energy, the task of clearing it. His early neighbors afterward loved to tell how the sound of his axe was heard far into the night, as his stout arms cleared the forest, while his faithful wife, no less persevering than her husband, stood by his side, burning brush, that he might see to work.
General Notes: Wife - Susan Alter
from Cumberland Co, PA