Pennsylvania Governor. Born from German heritage, he was self-educated learning to read and write English. As a teenager, he worked as a farm hand-laborer until he purchased his own farm in Washington County, Pennsylvania. During the War of 1812, he served as Commander of a Washington County Rifle Rangers Militia Company. Entering politics, he was elected road supervisor of Washington County, in 1820 and was a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, (1820 to 1826). In 1835, he was elected as an Anti-Masonic the 8th Governor of Pennsylvania, serving until 1839. As Governor, he signed legislation giving a state charter to Nicholas Biddle's bank in exchange for a sizeable bank payment and loan to Pennsylvania. He was a supporter of public education, worked to prevent repeal of the Public School Law of 1834 and succeeded in securing passage of an improved law in 1836. He also was a strong opponent of slavery. After leaving office, he settled on a farm at Mountain Rock in Cumberland County. In 1938, the State of Pennsylvania, named Route 11 in Cumberland County, the Governor Ritner Highway.
Pennsylvania Governor. Born from German heritage, he was self-educated learning to read and write English. As a teenager, he worked as a farm hand-laborer until he purchased his own farm in Washington County, Pennsylvania. During the War of 1812, he served as Commander of a Washington County Rifle Rangers Militia Company. Entering politics, he was elected road supervisor of Washington County, in 1820 and was a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, (1820 to 1826). In 1835, he was elected as an Anti-Masonic the 8th Governor of Pennsylvania, serving until 1839. As Governor, he signed legislation giving a state charter to Nicholas Biddle's bank in exchange for a sizeable bank payment and loan to Pennsylvania. He was a supporter of public education, worked to prevent repeal of the Public School Law of 1834 and succeeded in securing passage of an improved law in 1836. He also was a strong opponent of slavery. After leaving office, he settled on a farm at Mountain Rock in Cumberland County. In 1938, the State of Pennsylvania, named Route 11 in Cumberland County, the Governor Ritner Highway.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Inscription
Joseph Ritner Died Oct. 16, A.D. 1969 in the 90th year of his age. Elected Governor of the State of Pennsylvania in 1835
Gravesite Details
His gravesite is a part of his large memorial on the grounds of the Mount Rock Methodist Churchyard.
Family Members
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