My Genealogy Hound

E. H. RITCHEY, the publisher of the Advocate of Du Quoin, who is recognized as one of the progressive young men of Perry County, is numbered among the native sons of Illinois, his birth having occurred in Abingdon, Knox County, on the 21st of November, 1861. His father, S. H. Ritchey, was a native of Kentucky, and was a lawyer by profession. In an early day he emigrated to this state, settling in Knox County, and became a prominent man in the early history of that community. He there practiced law and took quite a leading part in politics, being a stanch supporter of the principles of Democracy. He held the office of Postmaster of Abingdon, and was also Justice of the Peace. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Nancy Dodge, and is a native of Indiana. She went to Knox County, Ill., with her mother, her father having died during her early girlhood, and is still living in Abingdon.

The subject of this sketch was the youngest in a family of five children, but three of the number died in early life. Frank L., the only brother, is now a grocery merchant of Abingdon. The subject of this sketch was reared in Abingdon, and received his education in the public schools of that place. At the age of twelve years he entered a newspaper office to learn the business, thus taking up the pursuit which he has made his life work. Soon after he went into the office of the Knox County Democrat, of which his brother was foreman at the time, and there remained for two years, during which time he became thoroughly familiar with the business in all of its details. Later his brother established what was known as the Abingdon Express, and E. H. Ritchey continued in that office for eight years. Later he attended school for a time, and experience, observation and study have proved to him a faithful teacher, and made him a well-informed man. The next work of Mr. Ritchey was in the office of the Enterprise, where he continued for three years.

In 1890, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Ida Burridge, a native of New York. Their union has been blessed with one child, Cleta, now two years of age. The parents have already won many warm friends in this community and rank high in social circles. On leaving Abingdon, Mr. Ritchey went to Manito, Mason County, where he established and carried on the Manito Express for two years. On the expiration of that period he sold out, and in November, 1893, came to Du Quoin, where he established the Advocate. This paper, which is independent in politics, is devoted to general and local news and to the best interests of the community. It is already enjoying a good circulation, and a liberal patronage promises to be obtained. In his social relations, Mr. Ritchey is an Odd Fellow and a member of the Modern Woodmen. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias, and is a Past Chancellor of that lodge.