IAGenWeb Project - Clayton co.


Harley S. Rittenhouse

Harley S. Rittenhouse

Harley S. Rittenhouse, the genial and capable editor of the Monona Leader, a stirring and up-to-date Republican newspaper of Clayton county, is a native of the Badger State, having been born in Eastman, Wisconsin, May 24, 1874. His father, Harvey B. Rittenhouse is a native of Indiana, but in 1850 he removed to Crawford county, Wisconsin, and is still living at the advanced age of seventy-nine years. His mother, Regina (Kelly) Rittenhouse, who died May 9, 1908, was born in Illinois. The father was a painter by trade, but at the outbreak of the Civil war enlisted for the service of his country in Company C, Sixth Wisconsin Infantry, and served for a year and a half. Their home was blest with a family of eleven children, who, in the order of their birth, are: Lilly, wife of J. W. Kimball, of Prairie du Chien, Wis.; Warren, who died in infancy; Clara, wife of William Huston of Minnesota; Minnie, wife of Henry Baab, of the same state; Rufus, deceased; Harley, with whom this sketch is concerned; Robert, who died at the age of 7 years; Delia, wife of Fred Wicks, of Minnesota; John E., whose home is in North Dakota; Maud, of Saskatchewan, Canada; Grace, the wife of Roy Sutton, who are also residents of Saskatchewan.

Harley Rittenhouse is essentially a self-made man of the highest type. He attended the common schools until he reached the age of thirteen years, but at that time started out in a newspaper career, which is a liberal and thorough education in itself. Entering a printing office at Prairie du Chien, Wis., he remained for two years, seriously applying himself to learning his chosen trade. Always seeking advancement, he was later employed at Winona, Minn., and in McGregor, Iowa. On September 19, 1895, he came to Monona and began work on the Monona Leader, under the kind tutelage of Colonel George H. Otis. For thirteen years he continued his service under this generous and helpful employer, with never a single misunderstanding to mar the pleasantness of the closest business and social relations. In 1905 he bought a half interest in the Leader, and in 1908 assumed the full responsibility of the publication by buying the remaining interests. He has merited and retained the staunch support of a kindly public by intelligent and efficient service in the publication of that potent force in community life—a weekly newspaper.

Mr. Rittenhouse has always taken the most active interest in civic matters and is now serving as town clerk, in which capacity he has assisted in the administration of the affairs of his community for eight years and is now, in 1916, president of the school board. He is a consistent advocate of Republican principles in politics.

In 1908 Mr. Rittenhouse was united in marriage to Verna E. Parks of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and to them have been born four children: Parks W., Kelly S., Jane E., and Grace E. Mr. Rittenhouse is a member of Clayton Lodge No. 70, A. F. and A. M., and Monona Chapter No. 256, O. E. S.

source: History of Clayton County, Iowa; From The Earliest Historical Times Down to the Present; by Realto E. Price, Vol. II; pg. 351-352

-OCR scanned by S. Ferrall

 

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