Will County ILGenWeb Biographies..... 
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File contributed for use by:
Dori Leekly & Margie Glenn

Author: History of Will County, Illinois; Chicago: Wm LeBaron Jr & Co, 186 Dearborn Street, 1878.

Benjamin D. RITCHEY, farmer; P. O. Wilmington; was born in Ross Co., Ohio, Oct. 24, 1815, and 
is the son of Matthew and Rachel (DAVIS) RITCHEY; father was a native of Scotland, having 
emigrated to America when he was very young; was a soldier during the Indian war, also a 
soldier of the war of 1812; died in 1822, at 65 years of age; mother died in June, 1862, at 
88 years of age. In 1855, Mr. RITCHEY came to Illinois and settled in Wesley Twp.; first 
purchased 560 acres of land at $15.50 and $8 per acre; has been engaged in farming and 
stock-raising ever since; owns today, 367 1/2 acres of fine improved land. Republican in 
politics.