Will book 1, page 217, probated 2 Apr 1805. Signed, 3 Mar 1805 his mark.
Will identifies children Abraham, Samuel, Henry, Michael, John, Mrs. Christianna Stiffler & her daughter Mary Stiffler, Jacob, Philip, Isaac & Daniel.
Q8KV-OM
=======
From Schunk -- S-K Pubs:
1. Francis RITCHEY
b. ca 1733, Loudoun Co., VA
d. before 2 Apr 1805, Bedford Co., PA
m.
Catherine DIEHL ‎(DEAL)‎
2. Samuel RITCHEY
b. 11 Jul 1764
2. Henry RITCHEY ‎(81PB-556/82PB-83/83PB- 87/84PB-270)‎
b. 20 Jun 1766, VA
d. 27 Mar 1849, PA
m.
Catharine STRICKLER ‎(81PB-56/82PB-83/83PB-87/84PB- 270)‎
b. 1 Aug 1770
d. 13 Sep 1872?
2. Michael RITCHEY ‎(79PB-20/80PB-406/81PB-556/82PB- 84/83PB-118)‎
b. 6 Apr 1768
d. 12 Oct 1830
m.
Elizabeth DEAL ‎(79PB-20/80PB-406/81PB- 556/82PB-84)‎
b. 1755-1765
2. John RITCHEY
b. 15 Mar 1771
2. Christina RITCHEY
b. 11 May 1773
m.
--- STIFFLER
3. Mary STIFFLER
2. Jacob RITCHEY ‎(80PB-413/81PB-55/82PB-84/83PB-114/84PB- 255/85PB-100B)‎
b. 1 Aug 1774, PA
d. 8 Aug 1850
m.
Barbara STUDEBAKER/STRICKENBACKER ‎(80PB-413/81PB-55/82PB- 84/83B-114/
b. 24 May 1776 84PB- 255)‎
d. 25 Nov 1844
2. Philip RITCHEY ‎(80PB-413/81PB-556/82PB-84/83PB- 69/84PB-341)‎
b. 20 Apr 1776, Loudoun Co., VA
d. 20 Apr 1859, Bedford Co., PA
m. ‎(1)‎
Mary Ellen KOONTZ ‎(80PB-413/81PB-556/82P- 84/83PB-69)‎
b. 1776-1784
3. John RITCHEY ‎(81PB-556/82PB-84/83PB-69/84PB- 341/85PB-252B)‎
b. 16 Apr 1803, PA
d. 28 Feb 1865, Bedford Co., PA
m.
Mary BARLEY ‎(83PB-69/84PB-341/85PB-252B)‎
b. 1801, PA
3. Mary RITCHEY ‎(81PB-556/82PB-84/85PB-87)‎
b. 7 Apr 1807, PA
d. 16 Feb 1868, Blair Co., PA
m.
John DIEHL ‎(85PB-87)‎
b. ca 1798, PA
4. David DIEHL ‎(85PB-87)‎
b. ca 1825, PA
4. John DIEHL ‎(85PB-87)‎
b. ca 1827, PA
4. Elias DIEHL ‎(85PB-87)‎
b. ca 1834, PA
4. Ann M. DIEHL ‎(85PB-87)‎
b. ca 1836, PA
4. Reuben DIEHL ‎(85PB-87)‎
b. ca 1838, PA
4. Samuel DIEHL ‎(85PB-87)‎
b. ca 1840, PA
3. Julianna RITCHEY ‎(81PB-556/82PB-84/85PB-96)‎
b. 28 Feb 1808, PA
m.
Philip DIEHL ‎(85PB-96)‎
b. ca 1802, PA
4. Fanny DIEHL ‎(85PB-96)‎
b. ca 1827, PA
4. Noah DIEHL ‎(85PB-96)‎
b. ca 1829, PA
4. Job DIEHL ‎(85PB-96)‎
b. ca 1831, PA
4. Gideon DIEHL ‎(85PB-96)‎
b. ca 1833, PA
4. Caroline DIEHL ‎(85PB-96)‎
b. ca 1834, PA
4. Espy DIEHL ‎(85PB-96)‎
b. ca 1836, PA
4. Emanuel DIEHL ‎(85PB-96)‎
b. ca 1837, PA
4. Mary E. DIEHL ‎(85PB-96)‎
b. ca 1840, PA
4. Lavinia DIEHL ‎(85PB-96)‎
b. ca 1842, PA
4. Levi DIEHL ‎(85PB-96)‎
b. ca 1844, PA
4. Juliann DIEHL ‎(85PB-96)‎
b. ca 1846, PA
4. Philip A. DIEHL ‎(85PB-96)‎
b. ca 1848, PA
3. Jacob RITCHEY ‎(82PB-84)‎
b. 15 Dec 1810
d. 23 Jan 1871, Blair Co., PA
m.
Christina DIEHL
b. 1800
d. 1875
3. Rachel Elizabeth RITCHEY ‎(82PB-84/85PB-253B)‎
b. 5 Jul 1814, PA
d. 20 Mar 1879, Bedford Co., PA
m. 1834, Bedford Co., PA
Uriah GORDON ‎(85PB-253B)‎
b. 2 May 1809, Bedford Co., PA
d. 13 Jan 1874, Bedford Co., PA
3. George RITCHEY ‎(82PB-84/84PB-341)‎
b. 16 Mar 1818
d. 1860
m.
Sarah DIEHL ‎(84PB-341)‎
b. 1809
d. 1871
3. Isaac RITCHEY
d. 20 Oct 1891, Blair Co., PA
m.
Elizabeth BOWERS
3. Eve RITCHEY
m.
--- STOUDENOUR
3. Rose Ann RITCHEY?
m.
John DIEHL
3. Frederick RITCHEY
b. 1821
d. 1891
m.
Mary Elizabeth
b. 1823
d. 1905
3. Infant son?
2. m. ‎(2)‎
Catherine
b. 1801
d. 1853
2. Isaac RITCHEY ‎(81PB-555/82PB-83/83PB- 115/84PB-255)‎
b. 20 Jun 1779, VA
d. 14 Jan 1845, PA
m.
Mary WHETSTONE ‎(81PB-555/82PB-83/83PB-115/84PB- 255/85PB-98)‎
b. 1781, PA
d. 14 Jul 1856
2. Abraham RITCHEY ‎(81PB-556/82PB-84/83PB-119/84PB- 256/85PB-101B)‎
b. 22 Jun 1781, VA
d. before 19 Mar 1859, Bedford Co., PA
m.
Susanna ‎(82PB-84/83PB-119/84PB-256/85PB- 101B/86PB-525)‎
b. ca 1790, PA
d. after 1860
‎[Source: Lester Housel GEDCOM [Lhousel@aol.com]‎ Dec 2, 1998]
from Michael Todd Ritchey best estimate Email dated 8/24/1998
Shanholtzer history by Kerns
Dr. Kerns admits that 1733 birth date is not correct.
abt 1740 for both parents based on children's birthdates seems more correct.

‎[Source: Lester Housel GEDCOM [Lhousel@aol.com]‎ Dec 2, 1998]
Ft. Louden ? in Loudoun Co., Vir-Potomac River
Dulles Airport is in Loudoun Co today...
16 FEB 1801 Deed book-Land from Dr. Sam Duffield L325 pounds recorded 4 30 1806
1786 Land purchase fromPeter Phillips of Washington Co., Md- Book P. p. 69
1786 Overseer of the road from John George's Old Mill to Broad Run
BET. 1795 - 1799 344 acres, 60 cleared, 1 house, 1 horse, 4 horned cattle value $1100

‎[Source: Lester Housel GEDCOM [Lhousel@aol.com]‎ Dec 2, 1998]
The part of Providence Twp where Francis Ritchey lived is now Snake Spring Twp. This particular section is known as Snake Spring Valley- the lower End.
Part of his house still stands on the lower roadnear where it meets Route 30.
_________________________________________________
Francis Ritchey:
Revolutionary War aid to the American cause:

I hereby certify I have received for Public use of Francis Richey of Loudon Co., VA on live beef judged to two hundred and fifty pounds gross given under my hand this 29th day of October 1781.
/s/ Pierce Bayly, Com.
Loudon Co., VA
250 gross L 3.2.6

From: Public Service Claims, Certificates Loudon Co., VA 29 Oct 1781
Book III p. 320 VA State Library, Richmond, VA



Land Movement

Loudon Co., Virginia

Book P. page 69: shows purchase from Peter Phillips of Washington Co., MD in 1786 ‎( Fairfax land of 1765 deeded to John Norton)‎

Book V. page 199: Francis Ritchey of Bedford Co., PA to George Falley of Loudoun Co., VA

1782 list of Tithables: shows Francis Ritchey with one white male over 21 years, 6 horses, and 11 cattle.

1784 list of Tithables: names Francis Richy and sons Samuel and Henry in household.

1785 list of Tithables: names Francis Richey and sons Samuel, Henry, Jacob and Daniel Richey as independent taxpayers.

Feb. 02, 1786: Henry, son of Francis Ritchey, sponsored the baptism of Henry Ritchis. The other Sponsor was Appellonia, daughter of Conrad Heckman.

Order Book 1, page 347 - October 9, 1786: Francis Richey was appointed Overseer of the road from John George's Old Mill to Broad Run, also from the Mill to Smith's Ferry.

Loudoun County Deed Book V, page 199 - By 1794 Francis Ritchey had removed from Loudoun Co., VA to Bedford Co., PA. Deed of assignment released land which Francis had rented from Adam Vincel in 1783.

*Church records and land information researched by Katie Ritchey and William L. Kerns.

Tax Records Bedford County

1793 Providence Twp.: Francis Ritchey - regular tax resident

1795 Francis Richey - 344 acres, 60 cleared land, 1 house, 1 horse, creature 4 horned cattle value $1,100.00

1796 Providence Township: Francis Ritchey - 550 value

1799 Francis Richey - 344 acres, 2 horses, 3 cattle

Will Book 1, page 68 Bedford County, Pennsylvania:
Henry Countz of Colerain Township "Very sick and weak". wife: Catherine
children: Salamy ‎(eldest daughter)‎, Elizabeth, Susanna, Peter ‎(eldest son)‎, Cartrole ‎(daughter)‎, Samuel, Henry, Maria, Matabina ‎(also Matalina)‎.
Executors; son Peter and friend "Francis Ritchey" . Witnesses: James Mortimer Jr. and Adam Kuntz ‎(in old German)‎. Will dated February 1, 1795; proved March 1795.

From William "Bill" Roudabush: Will of Francis Ritchey; Will Book 1, page 217, Probated April 2, 1805:

In the name of God Amen. I, Francis Richey, of Bedford County, Providence Twp. being very sick and weak in body, but given to Almighty God calling into
mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men, once to die do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament. That is to say
principally and first of all I give and recommend my soul into the hands of the Almighty God, that gave it, and my body I, recommend to the earth to be buried
in a decent and Christian like manner nothing doubting, but at the general resurrection I shall receive the same again, by the almighty power of God, and as
touching such Worldly Estate, wherewith it has pleased God to bless me in this life. I give demise and dispose of the same in the following manner; First, my
desire and request is that first of all my just and lawful debts be paid. Second, I give and bequeath to Catherine my dearly beloved wife three hundred pounds,
four beads, spinning wheel, one mare, four sheep, five hogs, one windmill, and likewise all my kitchen furniture, and to have half an acre of flax yearly and every
year during her natural life. Thirdly, I give and bequeath my son Abraham, one cow, two sheep which is what I give to each of my children. Fourthly, I give and
bequeath to my Granddaughter Mary Stiffler, one cow, one bead, one spinning wheel, and likewise thirty pounds to be paid out of my estate which I was
indebted to her. Fifthly, my will and desire is that my children namely Samuel, Henry, Michael, John Christianna, Jacob, Philip, Isaac, and Abraham to have an
equal share of my estates, the one no more than the other. Sixthly, I give and bequeath unto Henry my son fifty pounds in the year of our Lord Eighteen
hundred and ten and the remainder of his legacy to be paid in the year Eighteen hundred and nineteen. The same to be paid to his heirs of assignes. Seventhly, I
give and bequeath John fifty pounds in the year of our Lord, Eighteen hundred and ten and the remainder of his legacy to be paid in the year Eighteen hundred
and nineteen, the same to be paid to his heirs or assignes. Eighthly, I give and bequeath unto Christianna my daughter fifty pounds, in the year of our Lord
Eighteen hundred and twenty. The same to be paid to her heirs or assignes. Ninthly, I give and bequeath unto my son Jacob fifty pounds, in the year of our
Lord Eighteen hundred and eleven and the residue of his legacy, in the year Eighteen hundred and twenty, to his heirs or assignes. Tenthly, I give and bequeath
unto my son Michael fifty pounds, in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred twelve and the residue of his legacy in the year Eighteen hundred and twenty-one,
to his heirs or assignes. Eleventhly, I give and bequeath unto my son Isaac fifty pounds, in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and twelve and the residue of
his legacy in the year, Eighteen and twenty-one, to his heirs and assignes. Twelfthly, I give and bequeath unto my son Samuel, fifty pound, in the year of our
Lord Eighteen hundred and thirteen and the residue of his legacy in the year Eighteen hundred twenty-two, to his heirs and assignes. Thirteenthly, I give and
bequeath unto my son Philip fifty pounds, in the year of our Lord, Eighteen hundred and thirteen and the residue of his legacy in the year Eighteen hundred and
twenty-two to his heirs or assignes. Fourteenthly, I give and bequeath unto my son Abraham, one hundred pounds in the year Eighteen hundred and fourteen
and the residue of his legacy when the estate is settled. Fifteenthly, and lastly, I hereby constitute my trusty friend Samuel Teal ‎(Deal)‎ and my son Samuel my
executors of this my last will and testament of all and singular.. And do hereby utterly disallow, revoke and disannul all and every other former Testaments,
Wills, legacies, bequeaths, and executors by me in any wise before named, willed and bequeaths, ratifying and confirming this, and no other, to be my last will
and testament.

In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this third day of March, in the year of our Lord, One thousand eight hundred and five.

Signed, sealed, pronounced and published and declared, by the said Francis Ritchey, as his last will and testament in the presence of us.

his

Witness: John Hershberger Francis X Ritchey

Jacob Snider mark

Philip Fishburn

Adam Bottomfield

Know all Men by these presents that I Samuel Teal ‎(Deal)‎ of Colrain Township, Bedford Co. and State of Pennsylvania, one of the Executors named in the
last Will and Testament of Francis Richey late of Bedford County, Yeoman; have renounced, released and quit claimed and by these presence do renounce,
release and quit claim, all my rights and credits, whatsoever which were of the said deceased, In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this
second day of April A. D. 1805. Sealed and delivered in the presence of us.

Jacob Bonnett Samuel Teal

John Hershberger

Bedford County - Personally appeared before me the Subscribed Registrate for the probate of Wills and granting letters of Administration in and for said
county, John Hershberger and Adam Bottomfield two of the Subscribing Witness to the within Instrument in writing, who being duly sworn and say that they
were personally present and heard and seen Francis Richey, the testator, sign, seal, publish, pronounce and declare, the said Instrument to be his last Will and
Testament and that at the time of doing there of Testator was of sound and disposing mind and memory to the best of those presents knowledge and belief and
they also saw Jacob Snider and Philip Fishburn, sign their names as Witnesses thereto at the instance of the Testator and at his request, Sworn and Subscribed
this 2nd day of April A. D. 1805.

John Hershberger

Adam Bottomfield

Jacob Bonnett

register

Be it remembered that the 2nd of April A.D. letter Testamentary were granted to Samuel Richey Executor of Francis Richey deceased.


Frantz Ritschy had a son 11 July 1764 and godparents were Samuel Diel and his wife, his name was Samuel, Henrich was born 20 June 1766, Michael, 6 April 1768, Johannes 15 March 1771, Christina 11 March 1773, Jacob 1 Aug. 1774, Philip 20 April 1776, Isaac 20 June 1779 and Abraham 22 June 1781.


from Ritchey family web page
­http­://­members­.­tripod­.­com­/~­ritchey­/­family­/­earlyrit­.­txt­
Some Early Ritchies, Richeys, Ritcheys, of Bedford County
Pioneer Library of Bedford County, Pennsylvania

Between 1784 and 1794, three separate families named Ritchie ‎(correct Scottish spelling)‎ migrated to Bedford County from Loudoun County, Virginia. Of the three family groups, two were closely related; all the families knew each other. The progenitors of two of the families, William and John, were brothers and had been born into a family of Scots who had settled in Lancaster County, PA and then migrated in 1743-4 to the south side of the James River in Amelia County, Virginia. Both William and John eventually married women of German background. The third family group had its American origins in Bucks County, PA where a Francis Ritchie had married into the German Community there before 1746.

In Virginia, in the 18th century, education most often was the mother's responsibility, so all these Ritchies were taught to read and write in German, and when they reached Bedford, their main language was German although all spoke English, undoubtedly with accents.

In spelling, the German ch becomes sch and the name Ritchie became Ritsche. The signature of Adam on his will of 1830 and son Michael and Jacob on wills of 1830 and 1850, and of Francis on deed for sale of land in 1793 in Loudoun County as well as records of German church registers show the name to be spelled so. It always it was ended with an e. It was the hurrying clerks of the courthouse who spelled names as they sounded to them and thus determined that in Bedford, the name Ritchie should become first Richey and then Ritchey.

Just as Bedford youth in the 19th and early 20th centuries who spurned farming went toward Pittsburgh seeking employment, so younger sons of 18th century settlers in the Virginia Piedmont were drawn to Richmond, for here were bustle and commerce. The wharves were crowded with ships, the taverns filled with sailors. Here heavy Indian trade was carried on and wares from the back territory; furs, hides, beeswax, butter,
ginseng, and dried rattlesnake for making broth for the consumptive patient were wagoned in.

Francis Ritchie, an Ulsterman, married a woman of German background and of the Reformed Faith in Bucks county, PA before 1746. He and his family migrated into Loudoun Co. where a number of Pennsylvania Germans of the Lutheran Faith had settled earlier. A Francis Richay is on the Loudoun tithe list in 1765. This Francis had a son, also Francis, who married about 1763, and the son is the Francis Richie who eventually migrated to Bedford Co.

It is probable that sometime prior to 1778, Francis became a widower and then married Catharine Smouse. Presumably they lived on land leased of and owned by Catharine's father for before 1783 no Ritchie is recorded as owning property in Loudoun.

When John Smouse ‎(Johannes Schmaus)‎ migrated to Bedford in 1783-4, Francis began buying land in Loudoun. He became an inspector of roads and in 1789, helped form and became Deacon of the Reformed Church of Lovettsville.

In 1794, John Smouse died and Francis and most of his sons moved to the Bedford area where he bought 444 1/2 acres of land in Snake Spring Valley. Of this, he sold 25 acres to Peter Carns and 100 acres to Michael Ritchey without benefit of survey.

Francis does not appear on the 1800 census although he is paying property taxes. There is some evidence that in that year the old stone house in Snake Spring Valley was being built for him, and he and his family must have been scattered among relatives.

Francis became ill in 1805 and took steps to transfer his property to his two youngest sons, who, by the terms of his will were to reimburse Francis' other 7 children over a period of years. He died a short time later.