Source
Source for: Austin James Rittenhouse, 1 Feb 1850 - 24 Apr 1909
Index
Birth source: S91Page: Vol. 4, page 1704
Text: During the past eighteen years no one name has been more conspicuous in the legal profession in Oklahoma than Rittenhouse. The late A. J. Rittenhouse was a lawyer of broad experience and many years of practice in various states, having moved to Oklahoma in 1897. He practiced at Chandler until death. One of his sons is Hon. George B. Rittenhouse, now one of the justices on the Supreme Court Commission of Oklahoma. Another son, F. A. Rittenhouse, was in practice with his brother as a member of the first of Rittenhouse & Rittenhouse at Chandler until Judge Rittenhouse went on the bench, and is now carrying on a large practice alone. Thus father and sons have contributed a great deal by their respective ability to the early associations of the Oklahoma bar.
The late A. J. Rittenhouse, a son of James and Rebecca (Wells marked out and Bell written by ERL) Rittenhouse, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania and of old Pennsylvania stock, was born in Harrison County, Ohio, in 1850 and was reared and educated in his native state. He was admitted to the Ohio bar, and after some practice there moved to Centerville, Iowa. At Seymour, Iowa, he married Louise Jane Brown. Mrs. A. J. Rittenhouse, who is still living at Chandler, was born in Huron County, Ohio, a daughter of E. J. and Maud (Sturgeon) Brown. Her father was born in Ohio, was a Presbyterian and prominent in the Masonic Order and is now deceased, which her mother died at the age of forty-five. Of the Brown family, one son, Montreville Brown, survives his parents, besides three daughters.
After their marriage A. J. Rittenhouse and wife removed to McCook, Nebraska, where he practiced law. For a time he was also identified with the Colorado bar and later was a resident of Bellingham, Washington. From there he returned to McCook, Nebraska, but in 1897 located in Chandler, Oklahoma. He practiced in all the courts, had many cases in the Federal courts, and his knowledge and attainments and skill as an advocate had few superiors among his contemporaries. In Chandler he practiced with his son, Goerge B. For a time he had as partner Charles Barnett of Shawnee.
A. J. Rittenhouse died at Hot Springs, Arkansas, April 24, 1909. During the twelve years of his residence in Oklahoma he identified himself closely with affairs where he could be influential and helpful outside of his own profession. He served as a member of the board of regents of the state university. He was an Odd Fellow and was a man of many social qualities as well as high professional attainments. A close student of the law, he was rated as an unusually able speaker whether before court and jury or on public occasions.
Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Rittenhouse had the following children: Olive Rebecca, who is docket clerk and bookkeeper for firm of Keeton, Wells & Johnson at Oklahoma City; George B., of the Supreme Court; May Maria, now deceased; F.A.; and Robert R., who was born May 23, 1896 and lives in Chandler.
Hon. George B. Rittenhouse was born at Aurora, Nebraska, December 25, 1879. He graduated from the McCook High School, and obtained admission to the bar in 1901. He was in practice from that year until 1909, associated with his father, and from 1909 to 1914 was senior member of the firm of Rittenhouse & Rittenhouse, his partner being his younger brother, F. A. Rittenhouse. Since 1914 he has been one of the justices of the Oklahoma Supreme Court Commission, and was one of the youngest men ever elevated to that high dignity. He is prominent in Masonry and in 1915 received the highest honors of the Scottish Rite when he was made a thirty-third degree Mason. In 1906 Judge Rittenhouse married Mignone (sic) A. Ashton, daughter of Francis Allen and Maggie Ashton. They have one daughter, Margaret May. Judge Rittenhouse and family now reside in Oklahoma City.
F. A. Rittenhouse was born in Aurora, Nebraska, January 8, 1885, being six years younger than Judge Rittenhouse. He received most of his education in Nebraska, in the public schools of McCook, and has lived in Oklahoma since he was nineteen years of age. His higher education was attained in the University of Missouri, where he graduated in the law course, receiving the degree LL.B. Beginning practice at Chandler with his father and brothers, this relationship was interrupted by the death of his father, and since his brother took his seat on the bench at Oklahoma Citiy (sic) he has been alone. He has a fine office in Chandler and one of the best law libraries in the state.
On June 22, 1910, at Cortez, Colorado, Mr. Rittenhouse married Miss Alma Hocking. She was educated in the states of Oklahoma and Kansas and is a daughter of Scott A. and Sarah Hocking. Mr. and Mrs. Rittenhouse have one son, Austin J. Mr. Rittenhouse has taken thirty-two degrees in Scottish Rite Masonry and is also a Knight Templar. He is a man of striking presence, stands over 6 feet 1 inch high, and has both the learning and talents requisite for a high position in the bar. He is a member of the executive council of the State Bar Association.
Birth source: S33Page: ERL Folder B143: Document 8a-8c.
Text: His father, A. J. Rittenhouse, moved to Chandler, Oklahoma, in 1897, and until his death in 1909, was regarded as one of the leading and influential men of the State. He was born in [Jefferson Co., Ohio, noted by Eliz. R. Lamb], February 1, 1850. He was admitted to practice law in Ohio, but later moved to Centerville, Iowa. At Seymour, Iowa, he married Louise Jane Brown. A. J. Rittenhouse died at Hot Springs, Arkansas, April 24, 1909. During his residence in Oklahoma, he identified himself closely with affairs where he could be influential and helpful outside of his own profession. He served as a member of the Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma. he was an Odd Fellow, and was a man of many social qualities as well as high professional attainments. There were born to Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Rittenhouse the following children: Olive R., who is a member of the law firm of Rittenhouse, Webster, Hanson & Rittenhouse; George B., now deceased, former member of the Supreme Court Commission; May M., now deceased; F.A., and Robert R.
Death source: S92Page: Microfilm 486-20 at Oklahoma Historical Society
Text: Austin James Rittenhouse was born in Ohio, February 1, 1850, died in Hot Springs, Arkansas, April 24, 1909. While a boy his parents moved to Caddiz, Ohio where he studied law and was admitted to the bar. He then removed to Centerville, Iowa, where he soon built up an extensive law practice. It was in Centerville he wooed and won the hand of Miss Louise J. Brown. Mr. and Mrs. Rittenhouse then removed to Vienna, Missouri, where their first child, Miss Olive R. was born.
Heeding the call of the Western States for professional men of ability, Mr. Rittenhouse moved to Aurora, Nebraska, where in a short time a large law practice was the result of his untiring labors. Here three children, Geo. B., F. Austin and May M. were born.
Disposing of his law practice in Aurora, the next move was to McCook, Nebraska, where he opened an office. Here Robert Rittenhouse, the youngest child, was born.
Whatcomb, Washington, was the next residence of the family, and by constant attention to business and unceasing labors, A. J. Rittenhouse was soon one of the leading attorneys of that city.
In 1897 Mr. Rittenhouse removed with his family to Chandler, Oklahoma, where he practiced his chosen profession and for several years was one of the most prominent attorneys of the state.
Austin James Rittenhouse had been sick for about 18 months and although he suffered greatly he was ever cheerful and took great interest in the affairs of the city and state.
About ten days before his death, Mr. and Mrs. Rittenhouse went to Hot Springs, Arkansas, hoping those health giving waters might restore the health and vigor of Mr. Rittenhouse. He died in that city on Saturday, April 24. The remains were brought to Chandler, arriving on the following day.
Mr. Rittenhouse was a devout member of the Christian Church, the I.O.F. Lodge and I. O. O. F. Grand Lodge.
The funeral was held at the Christian Church at 9:30 a.m. Monday, under the auspices of I. O. O. F. Lodge, Reverand J. Clarence Read delivering the sermon. Internment was in Oak Park cemetery.
Date: 30 Apr 1909
Death source: S93Page: Drawer B, File 123
Note: This agreement includes three pages of inventory which includes Law Library, Digests, Statutes, Text Books, Dictionaries, Cyclopedias, Forms and Office Furniture. Other Property lists Cash on Hand, $436.02; Bristow Lot, $700; One Diamond Ring,$150; One Sorrel Horse (Mare), $100; One Bay Horse Colt, $100; One Bay horse (Mare), $75; One gold watch, $25; One gold headed cane, $10; and one parasoll, $10.
Text: This agreement made and entered into this 23rd day of October, 1909, by and between the parties hereto, namely: Mrs. Louise J. Rittenhouse, widow of A. J. Rittenhouse, deceased, Olive R. Rittenhouse, George B. Rittenhouse, F. A. Rittenhouse and Robert R. Rittenhouse, all heirs at-law of A. J. Rittenhouse, deceased, WITNESSETH: That the parties hereto agree that the above and foregoing is a complete list of the property. both real and personal, of the estate of the said A. J. Rittenhouse, deceased, with the exception of the house hold goods and family library, which it is agreed shall be and belong to Mrs. Louise J. Rittenhouse, widow of the said A. J. Rittenhouse, deceased, and it is further agreed, by the said parties hereto, that if at any time there shall appear to be more property of the said A. J. Rittenhouse, deceased, then such property as discovered shall be the property of the said Mrs. Louise J. Rittenhouse, widow as aforesaid. It is further understood and agreed the the (sic) value of the entire estate of the said A. J. Rittenhouse, deceased, amounts to Four Thousand Fifty Five and 77/100 ($4055.77) Dollars, and that the said Mrs. Louise J. Rittenhouse, shall have one third of said amount, the same being One Thousand three Hundred and Fifty One and 92/100 ($1351.92), and the rest, residue, and remainder of said estate...shall be divided in equal shares among the said Olive R. Rittenhouse, George B. Rittenhouse, F. A. Rittenhouse, and Robert R. Rittenhouse, heirs at-law of the said A. J. Rittenhouse, deceased, and that each of their shares amounts to Six Hundred Seventy Five and 96/100 ($675.96). It is further understood and agreed that the law library of the estate of the said A. J. Rittenhouse, deceased, shall be bought in by the said Geo. B. Rittenhouse and the said F. A. Rittenhouse, and the said Geo. B. Rittenhouse, shall buy in two thirds thereof and the said F. A. Rittenhouse shall buy in one third thereof...It is further understood and agreed by and between the parties hereto, that the said Mrs. Louise J. Rittenhouse, shall have as hers (sic) share the amount above forth...as follows: Four Hundred and Thirty Six and 02/100 ($436.02) the amount of cash on hand, that she shall the Bay Mare, named Lady Fay, representing Seventh Five and no/100 ($75.00) Dollars, and the cart and harness representing Eight and no/100 ($8.00) Dollars, and that she shall have the notes of the said George B. Rittenhouse, in the sum of Eight Hundred Thirty Two and 90/100 ($832.90) Dollars. . . that the said Olive R. Rittenhouse, shall have as her share the amount above...as follows: That she shall have Lot number Six (6) in Block number Sixty Six (66) in the town of Bristow, Creek County, Oklahoma, and that the same shall be deeded to her by Mrs. Louise J. Rittenhouse, in whose name the lot now stands...George B. Rittenhouse, shall have as his share the amount above set forth...as follows, One Hundred and no/100 ($100.00) Dollars for the sorrel horse, and Ten and no/100 ($10.00) for the gold heared (sic) cane, and the rest, $565.96 shall be applied on the amount he is to pay for his share of the law library as aforesaid. . . F. A. Rittenhouse...Diamond ring, ...for our bay horse colt named Amby...mercham pipe...his share of the law library...Robert R. Rittenhouse $675.96...one gold watch $25 and our parasol $10.00...Signed by Louise J. Rittenhouse, Olive R. Rittenhouse, George B. Rittenhouse, F. A. Rittenhouse, Robert R. Rittenhouse, and Robert R. Rittenhouse by Louise J. Ritenhouse, His natural Guardian. 23 October 1909
Date: 23 Oct 1909
General Source: S5Text: He also appears as AFN 1796-9S.
General Source: S94Page: Folder for Austin James Rittenhouse
Text: From the Steubenville Daily Herald and News in an article titled “A Lively Trio” we learn that the following happened on March 5, 1875:
George and Austin Rittenhouse and William Luckenbaugh boarded the mail train on the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and St. Louis Railroad at Cadiz, Ohio, yesterday afternoon, being well under the influence of liquor. They managed to raise a disturbance with Conductor Morrill and Train Dispatcher Dean, drawing a revolver on the latter gentleman. When the train arrived in Pittsburgh last evening the worthies had a hearing before the Acting Mayer (sic), when it was stated that Austin Rittenhouse had said before entering the car that “he could clean out the train.” The brothers were fined $25 and costs each, and Luckenbaugh discharged, it being proven that he tried to keep the others quiet.”
This was sent to Judith Rittenhouse by David Ellison on September 28, 2005, in an e-mail with the added comments by David: “Interesting that this Austin would later declare this brother George dead, and then later that his daughter would deny any relationship to descendents, if that is really what happened. . . Also interesting that Austin James and Albert Paul would have been publishing the Vienna, Missouri the year before . . .
Date: 28 Sep 2005
General Source: S95Text: [PDF] CHAPTER FOURTEEN... present. J M Johnson having died, A J Rittenhouse acquired his interest, the last issue of The Banner of Liberty appearing March 6, 1874. ... It’a quite far down and wouldn’t let me copy it. Maybe I meant print it.
General Source: S1258Page: ERL B127
Note: February 10, 1970 - Oklahoma Historical Society - Newspaper Section - OK City, OK : Microfilm 486-20 (Sept. 18, 1908 thru June 30, 1911), The Chandler Tribune Vol. IX, Chandler, Oklahoma - Obituary of Austin James Rittenhouse - article dated 'Friday April 30, 1909' (#9) Front page, 2nd column, 2nd article from top of page. Obtained by Susan Lamb Griffith in June 1984.
Text: Austin James Rittenhouse Dies. Austin James Rittenhouse was born in Ohio February 1, 1850, died in Hot Springs, Arkansas, April 24, 1909.
While a boy his parents moved to Caddiz, Ohio, where he studied law and was admitted to the bar.
He then removed to Centerville, Iowa, where he soon built up an extensive law practice. It was in Centerville he wooed and won the hand of Miss Louise J. Brown.
Mr. and Mrs. Rittenhouse then removed to Vienna, Missouri, where their first child, Miss Olive R., was born.
Heeding the call of the Western states for professional men of ability, Mr. Rittenhouse moved to Aurora, Nebraska, where, in a short time a large law practice was the result of his untiring labors. Here three children, Geo. B., F. Austin and May M. were born.
Disposing of his law practice in Aurora, the next move was to McCook, Nebraska, where he opened an office. Here Robert R., the youngest child, was born.
Whatcomb, Washington, was the next residence of the family, and by constant attention to business and unceasing labors, A. J. Rittenhouse was soon one of the leading attorneys of that city.
In 1897 Mr. Rittenhouse removed with ihs family to Chandler, Oklahoma, where he practiced his chosen profession and for several years was one of the prominent attorneys of the state.
Austin James Rittenhouse had been sick for about 18 months and although he suffered greatly he was ever cheerful and took great interest in the affairs of the city and state.
About ten days before his death Mr. and Mrs. Rittenhouse went to Hot Springs, Arkansas, hoping those health giving waters might restore the health and vigor of Mr. Rittenhouse. He died in that city on Saturday, April 24. The remains were brough to Chandler, arriving on the following day.
Mr. Rittenhouse was a devout member of the Christian church, the I.O.F. Lodge and I.O.O.F. Grand Lodge.
The funeral was held at the Christian church, at 9:30 a.m. Monday, under the auspices of I.O.O.F. lodge, Reverend J. Clarence Read delivering the sermon. Interrment was in Oak Park cemetery.
General Source: S1259Page: ERL B127
Note: Read by Judith Lamb Rittenhouse Carpenter on 29 Mar 2007.
Text: Austin James/ Rittenhouse/ Feb. 1, 1850 - Apr. 24, 1909/
May M./ Rittenhouse/ 20 May 1881/ 24 May 1904
(Can't read the rest except for RITTENHOUSE on the stone holding the headstone.JRC)