WILLIAM M. RITTER son of Daniel, a resident of Allentown, and for several years recorder of deeds, is a native of Upper Milford Township, Lehigh County, and was born in 1852. He attended the public schools and assisted his father on his farm until the age of 19 years, at which time his father died (1871). He was a teacher in the public schools of his native place and at Vera Cruz until 1873, when he removed to Allentown, and took a course in the Allentown Business College. He then entered the employ of Shimer & Co., where he continued for three years as bookkeeper. He embarked in the clothing business in 1878 with Samuel Hoats and continued with him until 1886. In 1887 he was appointed deputy recorder of deeds and filled this position until 1892, when with John Yeager, he conducted a real estate business for a period. In 1899, Mr. Ritter was elected recorder of deeds and held this office until 1902, when he retired from all active pursuits. In 1894 he was badly injured by an accident, which left him permanently in a crippled condition. In politics Mr. Ritter is a Democrat, and he and family are members of St. John's Lutheran church, and he was for some time a deacon. He is a member of the 1. O. O. F.. connected with the Macungie Lodge; also Past Master of Barger Lodge, No. 333, F. & A. M.

William M. Ritter, son of Daniel and Annette (Romich) Ritter, born 1852, was married April 19, 1883, to Emma Rebecca Wagner, daughter of Charles and Henrietta (Seip) Wagner, of Allentown.