Ole A Ritan

Ole A. Ritan, lumberman and merchant in Cumberland, Barron County, was born in Norway, February 16, 1849, a son of Andrew and Isabel Ritan. His early life was spent in Norway, where his education was obtained. He came to America in 1867, and located in Lansing, Iowa. He remained there six years, then came to Wisconsin, and in 1874 located on a homestead in Cumberland Township, Barron County. In 1878 Mr. Ritan established a general store in Cumberland, the first one built on the island. Andy, his oldest son, was born April 5, 1875, and was the first white child born in Cumberland Township, then known as Lakeland Township. Mr. Ritan is the oldest settler now in Cumberland, there being no one here now who was here when he came. He was a member of the first board of supervisors, which position he held for a number of years, and was also town treasurer one year. He was one of the first board of aldermen when the city was organized, and was previously president of the village council. Mr. Ritan has been more than ordinarily successful in his business career, commencing as he did, with nothing, while today he is one of the solid business men of the city. September 19, 1873, Mr. Ritan married, in Iowa, Miss Carrie, daughter of Elling Stone. Four children have been born to them, namely: Andy, Emily, Elling and Oscar. The family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran Society. Mr. Ritan is a member of Masonic Lodge No. 223, of Cumberland, and of K. of P. Lodge No. 62. Politically he is a prohibitionist.

— Information located by Adam Seam

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