Columbus Ritchie1

b. October 1849, d. November 1908
Columbus Ritchie (cropped)
Photo courtesy Delores Ritchie
MotherElizabeth (?)1 b. abt 1822
BirthOct 1849 Columbus Ritchie was born in Oct 1849 in Virginia.2 
Cens-18501850  In 1850 Columbus' mother Elizabeth and brother James were enumerated in the Washington County, Virginia household of Baldwin Johnson. Baldwin's relationship to the Ritchies is not known at this time. A 1 year old Ritchie male was also present but was recorded as Isaac M. This would appear to be Columbus.3 
Cens-186021 Aug 1860  By 1860 Elizabeth was recorded as the head of her own household, which this time clearly included the 12 year old Columbus, along with James (19), Madison (4) and Mary (4/12) - all recorded with the surname Ritchie.1 
  I have not located Columbus in the 40 years between 1860 and 1900. He apparently married, but his wife died before 1900. At the turn of the century he was enumerated keeping a saloon on Front Street in Bristol, Washington County, Virginia.2 
DeathNov 1908 Columbus died on either the 25th or 26th of Nov 1908 at age 59.4,5 
Burial He was buried at Old Baptist Cemetery in Washington County, Virginia.4 
  Columbus was not married at the time of his death and it appears he did not leave children.6 

Related Links and Images:

Undated photo of Columbus
Columbus's headstone
Other interments in Old Baptist Cemetery
Last Edited23 Jul 2011

Citations

  1. [S234] Elizabeth Ritchie household, 1860 U.S. cens, Washington Co., VA, pop. sched., Western District, p. 205 original script, dwelling 1523, family 1468, viewed online at Ancestry.com, Feb. 2010. Household includes Elizabeth Ritchie, 38, housekeeper, owns property worth $50, b. TN; James, 19, D Laborer; Columbus, 12; Madison, 4; Mary 4/12; all b. VA.
  2. [S1540] Columbus Ritchie household, 1900 U.S. cens., Bristol, (Independent City) Virginia, pop. sched., ED 143, sheet 3A (p. 152 stamped), dwelling 27, family 27, viewed online at Ancestry.com, Feb. 2010. Enumeration includes: Columbus Ritchie, 50, wd, b. Oct. 1849, b. VA, parents b. VA, saloonist; resid 116 Front St.
  3. [S367] Baldwin Johnson household, 1850 U.S. Census, Washington Co., VA, pop. sched., District 67, p. after p. 148 stamped, dwelling 1174, family 1174, viewed online at Ancestry.com, Feb. 2010. Household includes Baldwin Johnson, 64, cooper, Catherine 28; Bushrod 35, laborer; Elizabeth Riche 29; Lafayette [Riche] 8; Isaac M. [Riche] 1; all b. VA.
  4. [S2] Catherine McConnell, High On A Windy Hill, p. 170. Columbus Ritchie, b. 1850, d. 25 Nov. 1908, age 58y.
  5. [S2593] Craig Ritchie, "Craig Ritchie," e-mail to Diana Powell, 1 Nov. 2011. Craig cites Washington Co. Chancery Proceeding: David G. Ritchie, executors vs M.M. Ritchie, et al; copy of case provided by the Library of Virginia. The complaint states that "C. Ritchie departed this life on the 26th day of November, 1908, intestate and unmarried."
  6. [S2593] Craig Ritchie, "Craig Ritchie," e-mail to Diana Powell, 1 Nov. 2011. Craig cites Washington Co. Chancery Proceeding: David G. Ritchie, executors vs M.M. Ritchie, et al; copy of case provided by the Library of Virginia.