ROSES FOR THE LIVING

   

                                                          John Ritchie

                                               (transcribed by: L. Johnson)

 

     Of all the pictures that have or may appear in this column of “The Messenger” there will

be none better known in this community or the surrounding counties than the gentleman

whose picture appears above.

     He was born in Walton, Ontario, in 1874 and came to Michigan six years later.  In 1910

he came to Weidman and for many years was conducting a partnership with George A.

Drallette, shipping livestock from Weidman and other shipping points, and this firm were

the largest livestock shippers in this section of the state.

     When the government established a star mail route from Weidman to Rosebush, John

was the first carrier appointed and continued in the mail service for several years.  In 1919

he was employed by the Isabella Sugar Company as field superintendent and is still in the

employ of this company.

     Aside from business activities John has found time for other things.  Always an ardent

baseball fan, he was for several years manager of the famous “Weidman Six” and put this

village on the map as a crack baseball town.  This baseball team was known all over central

Michigan.  Much could be written in a historical tale about the activities of this ball team.

     Always a “hail fellow well met,” taking an active interest in county, state and national

politics and in the welfare of this community has made John Ritchie a leader among men,

a friend to every one.  It is good to know him and count him as a friend and neighbor.