William Rittase

"WILLIAM RITTASE, farmer, P.O. Littlestown, was born September 12, 1823, in Union Township, Adams Co., Penn., son of John and Catharine (Poe) Rittase, natives of Witkenstein, Ballenberg, Baden, South Germany, and who came here while young, settling near Hanover, Penn., where they farmed, but later moved to Union Township, this county, and here died. They had six children that attained maturity: Jacob (deceased), Christine, William, Maria, Ishmael (deceased) and Mary Ann. Our subject lived in Union Township till 1856, when he bought a farm in Germany Township, where he now resides. He has engaged in farming (has 120 acres of land), and operates a saw-mill. He was married in May, 1851, to Miss Margaret Bittle, born in Adams County, Penn., daughter of Thomas and Lydia (Wikert) Bittle. She died here February 9, 1881, the mother of nine children, all living: William F., Adolphus, Emma, E. Nelson, Elmer H., Ella E., Lilly, Harvey, Minnie. Our subject’s second marriage was with Clarissa Overder, nee Kitzmiller. Mr. and Mrs. Rittase are members of the German Reformed Church. Politically he is a Democrat. He has held nearly all the township offices such as assessor, supervisor, etc., which shows with what respect and esteem his fellow-men hold him. Few men have lived in the township who are so well known for honesty or integrity as is Mr. Rittase. He now does all his threshing by water-power on his farm. "