WILLOUGHBY D. RITTER, a merchant and slate operator at Slatington, Pa., was born April 8, 1861, at Ballietsville. Pa. Here, at an early age, he accepted a position as clerk in a general store. In the year 1895 he came to Slatington, where he entered the employ of the Slatington Slate Company as a clerk, and was connected with this firm for about six years. In 1898, he became a member of Rice & Company, dealers in general merchandise and while a member of this firm he served as manager and purchasing agent. In 1909, Mr. Ritter and others organized the Blue Vein Slate Company, of which organization he was elected vice-president and is still serving this office.

Mr. Ritter and his family are members of St. John's Lutheran church at Slatington in which church he has served as a deacon. He was married to Rosa A. Deibert a daughter of Edwin and Salle (Frantz) Deibert of Ballietsville. Mr. and Mrs. Ritter have one son. Clarence E., who is a clerk in his father's store.