David St. Clair Ritchie was the elder son of Eliza and Thomas Ritchie. He was born in Fergus, Ontario, in 1879. He was a member of the first graduating class of Valley City High School and, after graduation from Illinois Wesleyan College, returned to Valley City, where he practiced law.

Following in the steps of his father, he too served as a member of the school board, the library board, and the Masonic lodge, as well as the Elks, the Knights of Pythias and the American Legion. In later years, he was deeply interested in the work of the North Dakota Wild Life Association, and was serving his third term as president at the time of his death in 1951.

Another of Mr. Ritchie's lifetime interests was the North Dakota National Guard, which he joined in 1901 as a member of Company G. From 1923-28, he commanded the 64th Infantry (North Dakota Regiment) and from 1928-1940,

the 68th Brigade (Minnesota-North Dakota Regiments) and served as paymaster until his death. He was also Veteran's Service Officer for Barnes County.

In 1905 David and Katherine Hacket (1876-1967), a teacher in the public schools, were married in Saginaw, Michigan. Mrs. Ritchie was one of the founders of PEO, Chapter A, North Dakota, and was a member of Tuesday Club. During the 1920's she served as postmaster of the Valley City post office.

Their daughter, Mary Katherine Ritchie, lives in Seattle, Washington, and their son, Colonel Thomas N. Ritchie, USAR, married Lena Isabell Begnaud in 1942, and lives in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 206