This edition was due to be published in February and was then almost ready; however, due to illness on my part, the zeal to finish just wasn’t there. I am still suffering with a ringing in my right ear, and there doesn’t seem to be much that can be done for this ailment. Hopefully the ringing will end soon and things will get back to normal. This letter has items from many sources, all of which we hope will be of interest to all of you.

     You will notice that most of what this letter contains is written about Ritters of Moore County, North Carolina. The reason for this is that those of you, who have information about our Ritter ancestors who migrated to other states, have not submitted anything for us to publish and share. Remember this letter is about all Ritter family members everywhere, but we can't’ publish what we don’t have.

     Editor's Note: All items submitted here will be published with the e-mail address of the person submitting the article. If you have comments or information regarding any article you see in this letter, send that information directly to the creator of the article or to this publication. If you choose to communicate with the person writing the original articles, please send a copy of your reply to the newsletter to share with all our readers.

     The following is a transcript of a newspaper article in THE PILOT, Southern Pines, NC. December, 1999.

     *Descendants of Capt. John Ritter Gather for Annual Reunion** By Jerry McDonald

     On November 6, a large group of Ritter family and friends gathered at Smyrna United Methodist Church near Robbins to celebrate the memory of Capt. John Ritter and the long history of the Ritter Family in Moore County. The occasion attracted nearly 100 people from North Carolina, with some traveling from as far away as Ohio.

     The Ritter name was the most common name on the register where folks signed in; however, there were many more names such as Garner, Maness, and Hussey. These family names are liberally associated with the Ritter family in the written and oral history over the years.

     The oldest celebrant present was Hobson Ritter, 97, of Moore County. Hobson is the only living grandson of Capt. John. There were also several great-great-great-great-grandchildren in attendance that day; however, Carrington Ritter of Apex, a great-great-great-great-grandson, was the youngest Ritter descendant present.

     The family has been blessed with a rich oral history of Capt. John Ritter. He is credited with having served as a Captain in the State Militia and Home Guard and was part of the force that guarded the Confederate arsenal at Fayetteville during the Civil War. He and Sarah Ann Myrick parented 14 children and took in another child born to John’s sister. John Ritter is revered as being one of the county’s more prominent citizens in history, leaving a rich legacy that is still talked about today.

     Likely few of the attendees of this reunion were aware that back in the 1880s there was a celebration held in the county once a year at John Ritter’s home place. There is some question about the time of year, but certainly the annual celebration was one of the biggest events during the year for folks in upper Moore County. Thurman Maness, noted county historian, relates a story about how his father used to tell of going to this yearly event and that nearly everyone in the upper county area went, taking dinner. Maness says that Capt. Ritter would wear his military uniform, and after dinner all the men would march four abreast in military fashion from the Ritter home place to the Moffit place and back, with Capt. Ritter playing a fife, a certain Mr. Williamson playing the drum. Maness further says that it was not only the biggest event of the year, but nearly the only thing that folks in those parts could go to each year.

     The celebration began as Eli "June" Ritter, great-great-grandson of Capt. John and his wife Carrie welcomed everyone to the celebration and blessed the day with a prayer. David Ritter and his sister Tarena Dunn and her husband Douglas staffed the kitchen while Doretha Ritter was in charge of the program.

     The festivities lasted from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Several inspiring presentations were given: Thurman Maness gave a talk on Capt. John’s military history, Lotte Ritter, widow of J.W.Medford Ritter, spoke about the history of German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania and subsequently migrated to the southern states, some settling in Moore County. Donna Ritter Riley, who has returned to North Carolina from Oklahoma [actually she is a native of Ok, presently living in NC], spoke about her Ritter ancestors who migrated west in the early 1800s.

     Jessie Ritter Bradley from Siler City, daughter of Hobson Ritter, and Melvina Garner of Robbins, great-granddaughter of Capt. John, spoke of the importance of keeping family traditions alive for future generations. Paul Horner of Robbins gave a presentation of his connection to "Big Foot" Bill [William] Ritter.

     A long table was made available for the many participants who brought displays of family pictures, genealogy charts, and other memorabilia to share.

     In the early afternoon Eli Ritter lead a large group of interested family members on a tour of a remote and very old Ritter cemetery where Ritter ancestors are buried.

     Many of us learned quite a bit of our family heritage, and all had an opportunity to meet family members they had not met before.

     Anyone interested in future Ritter reunions can contact Lotte Ritter, 727 Richmond Street, Raleigh, NC 27609.

     A Ritter history newsletter has begun and for information about receiving the letter free of charge via the Internet, contact Jerry McDonald, 10881 Johnstown Road, New Albany, Ohio 43054 or e-mail us

     I believe in order to honor Capt. John Ritter’s memory, we also have to honor his forefathers who immigrated to this country almost 250 years ago.

     Between 1727 and 1775 nearly 70 thousand Germans came to Pennsylvania. It was the promised land for the Germans and, of course, many other nationalities. Why did these brave men and women leave their homeland for a strange place? There were several reasons: poor crops, bad winters, heavy taxes, religious persecution and, most of all, the devastation caused by the Thirty Year War (1618-1648).

     As early as 1683 Germans settled Germantown in Pennsylvania. In 1745, a Daniel Dulany from Maryland wrote to Gov. Samuel Ogle: "You be surprised," he wrote," …the Germans are the best people that can be settled in the wilderness."

     After 1735, good farmland became scarce and expensive in the northern colonies, but more importantly, the French had supplied the Indians with guns; consequently, Indian attacks forced thousands of settlers to flee south.

     Long before the white settlers came south, Indians came south on the old Buffalo trail to make war or trade in the Carolinas. This old trail became known as THE GREAT PHILADELPHIA WAGON ROAD,which started at the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia.

     By mid-1700s, this road came through the Virginia Valley. Near present-day Roanoke, the Great Wagon Road turned eastward and followed the Staunton River through the Blue Ridge. It then turned southwards and entered North Carolina. By 1760 the road had passed through the Moravian Settlement in Forsyth County and extended as far as the town of Salisbury in Rowan County. From there it continued south.

     Jesse Ritter, Sr. was probably born between 1725-1735 in Pennsylvania and most likely a second or third generation German. One of the earliest Ritter references in the old Cumberland County (now Moore County) is an obscure mention of a Jonathan Ritter in a mortgage deed (James Muse to John Overton, dated April 23, 1765, Book B pg. 544). Whether this Jonathan was the father or brother to Jesse Ritter, who was enumerated in the 1790 Federal Census of Moore County, NC, is unknown to me at this time.

     Listed in Jesse’s household then were 2 males over 16, which included head of household; 2 males under 16; and 5 females. Since the 1790 census failed to put females in the appropriate age group, it is not clear whether one of these females was Jesse’s wife. Also enumerated in the 1790 census were John Ritter with 1 male over 16; 1 male under 16; and 2 females and Thomas Ritter with 1 male over 16; 1 male under 16; and 2 females. John and Thomas , sons of Jesse, had already established their own families.

     In his book ***Miscellaneous Ancient Records of Moore County, N.C.*** Rassie E. Wicker writes:

     Jesse Ritter seems to have lived on Cabin Creek, above Robbins. John Ritter lived on or near the old Salem Road, probably between Buffalo and Bear Creek. Thomas Ritter seems to have lived in that vicinity also – indeed, land grants indicate that this area was settled by the Richardsons and Ritters almost exclusively (pg.332). Jesse does not appear on the 1755 or 1767 Tax List but was listed as owner of 100 acres in Capt. John Cox’s District in old Cumberland County in 1779. According to Wicker, Jesse witnessed a land transaction in 1769 ( pg.79).

     In the history of ***THE WILLIAMSON FAMILY OF MOORE COUNTY, N.C.*** the author Isaac Williamson claims that John Williamson and several of his neighbors: Thomas Hunsucker, John Ritter, John Garner, Christopher Yow, and others abandoned their homes in the Wyoming Valley of then Virginia (now West Virginia near the Pa. line) about 1744 to avoid being murdered by the Indians. So it appears that the Ritters migrated south, traveling the Great Wagon Road into the Carolina Piedmont and settling in upper Moore County, sometimes in the mid 1700s.

     The exact date of birth or death of Jesse Ritter, Sr. and his final resting-place are still a mystery.

     I believe the Inventory and Amount of the Estate of Jesse Ritter would be of interest to the readers. Unfortunately, it was late in the day when my late husband and I came across this document at the Moore County Library; consequently, we forgot to document the source.

     Inventory and Amount of Sales of the Estate of Jesse Ritter (Thomas Ritter & Jesse Sowell Administrators)

     1 Iron Sledge, 1 Axe, 1 Mattock, 1 Axe, 2 Hoes, 1 Handsaw, 1 Drawing Knife, 1 Hoe, 1 Hoe, 1 Pair Sheep Shears, 1 Plow, 1 Plow, 1 Saddle, 2 Augers, 1 Handsaw, 1 Shovel, 1 Log Chain, 1 Fork and Long Hoe, 1 Cradle, 1 Trunk, 1 Trunk, 1 Chest, 1 Pad Lock, 1 Grind Stone, 1 Pot, 1 Skillet, 1 Kettle, 4 Chairs, 1 Frying Pan, 2 Chairs, 1 Pail & Tray, 2 Bridles, 1 Barrel, 2 Guns & 1 Tub, 1 Barrel, 1 Case of Bottles, 1 broke, 1 Tallow, 1 Cow & Calf, 1 Heifer, 1 Heifer.

     There were several other items, which were unreadable.

Jesse’s children who could be identified are the following:
1. Everitt (or Everid) born abt. 1759 in Moore County. He died after 1850 in Tippah County, Mississippi. He married (1) ……. (2) Charlotte Smith on Sept. 13, 1822 in Dandridge, Jefferson County, Tennessee. The 1860 census of Tippah Co, Ms, shows Charlotte living in the household of Robert and Susan Bottoms (Source: Donna R. Riley).
2. John Ritter born Aug. 06, 1760 in Moore County. He died July 13, 1828 in Moore County and is buried at the old Ritter Graveyard near Buffalo Creek. John married Elizabeth Richardson (b. Feb.14, 1760, d. March 1842), daughter of Druray & Sally Richardson.
3. Susan (Susie) Ritter born abt. 1764 in Moore County She married Daniel Muse.
4. Cloey Ritter born abt. 1767 in Moore County. She married Jesse Been.
5. Thomas Ritter born abt. 1768 in Moore County. He died 1848 in Moore County. He married Margaret Sowell, daughter of Isaac Sowell & Mary Quimby.
6. James Ritter born abt. 1769 (No further information).
7. Jesse B. Ritter, Jr. born abt. 1770 in Moore County. He died Dec. 05, 1838 in Marion County, Arkansas. He married Sarah Carthage Richardson, daughter of Druray & Sally Richardson.
8. Nancy Ritter born abt. 1775. She married Jesse Sowell. Nancy & Jesse and some of their children migrated to Tennessee

(Source: Church of Latter-Day Saints. Microfilm # 1206426 "Jesse Sowell married Nancy Ritter").

     Chris writes: My name is Chris Lassiter and I am the great,great,great grandson of Capt. John Ritter and I am a resident of Moore County. On March 18, I was working at the old homeplace and store of Thomas Ritter, in northern Moore county. Thomas Ritter as I understand was the son of John Ritter. When I got way back into the back of the store building into an area [where] no one had been in some time I almost by luck happened to notice some chalk writing on the wall. The writing was very faint but upon closer examination I realized that it clearly was the signature of Capt. John Ritter written in cursive and underneath his [signature] was the signature of Walter W. Ritter (although the second signature was faded I believe I am correct). The two signatures were clearly dated 1873. The old store building is located alongside Bear Creek in northern Moore county. I believe these signatures were written upon the building’s completion as it dates to about this time…. I wanted to provide my family tree back to Capt. John so that you could see what it was. It is as follows:

John Ritter 9 June 1816 – 2 Nov 1902
Sarah Myrick Ritter 4 April 1820 – 18 Mar 1905

Thomas Ritter (son of John Ritter) 13 June 1841 – 1 July 1915
Sarah (Manis) Ritter 7 April 1841 – 17 April 1823

James Garner 20 Sept. 1863 – 27 Sept. 1942
Annie Jane Garner (daughter of Thomas & Sarah) 17 Dec 1866 – 4 April 1937

Causey Garner (son of Annie Jane Garner) 27 Aug. 1900 – 25 Oct 1992
Marie Shields Garner 4 Sept 1909 – 25 Sept 1974

Glenn Lassiter 26 Jan 1935 Jimmie Ann Garner Lassiter (daughter of Causey Garner) 29 Aug 1938 –

Chris Lassiter (me) 30 April 1970 –

     There are some events in history that when viewed from a more recent vantage point tends to confuse us; for instance, I have in my possession a document called Teacher’s Second Grade Certificate. This certificate was issued to my Grandfather, Thomas Wesley Ritter of Moore County, NC. It was issued on October 30, 1897 when Thomas Ritter would have been 20 years old since he was born July 21, 1877. It was well known in my family that Tom did some teaching before he moved to Greensboro, and this document serves to substantiate that fact.

     What’s confusing is that the certificate was issued to T.W.Ritter Jr.; although, there was no Thomas Wesley Ritter, Sr.. Thomas was the son of John Spinks Ritter, who was a son of Capt. John Ritter. Father of the latter was Thomas Wesley Ritter and the only thing I can assume is that since Thomas’ great-grandfather was named Thomas Wesley (1786 – 1821) also, my Grandfather, Tom, differentiated himself by using the Jr.. What do you as the reader think? Is it possible that there was yet another Thomas Wesley who was living during the 1870 time period and belonged to another line of Ritters.

     To further confuse the issue, my grandfather’s wedding certificate was signed by TW Ritter Sr. in 1902. Does anyone know of a TW Ritter of Moore County living around 1900? That person may not have been a Thomas Wesley, but just who was that?

     It is possible that this Thomas Ritter was the one who was living in 1902 and witnessed my grandfather marry Molcie Ann Williamson, and caused my grandfather to call himself a junior. Any help would be appreciated.

     I was looking for information on Williamson of Moore County, NC when I found your news letter vol. 1. You asked about a Dolly Garner that was possible Dolly Williamson Garner. My great aunt Dolly Williamson married William Garner. Dolly was the daughter of Bailey Williamson and my grandfather Kendrick Williamson’s aunt. I have more information on her date of birth, date of marriage, and names of her brothers and sisters. If you are interested in this information, e-mail me and I will send it to you.

Best Regards,
Roy Williamson

June Bryson Ritter, Greensboro, NC. b.12/31/1911 d.01/20/2000 Buried at Guilford Memorial Cemetery, High Point Road, Greensboro, N.C.

Leon Ritter, 55, of Robbins died Thursday (Jan. 13, 2000) at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst ….Mr. Ritter was a native of Moore County. Surviving are his mother, Mattie Ritter of Robbins; a sister, Betty R. Garner of Robbins; three nieces, Ellen Garner of Lexington, Helen G. Maness of Robbins, and Patricia G. Mabe, also of Robbins, N.C.

Leon’s Mother Mattie is the daughter of William Lewis Ritter and Minnie Maness, a granddaughter of John Spinks Ritter, and a great-granddaughter of Capt. John Ritter.

Editor’s Note: Please keep us informed of births and deaths of Ritter family members.