William G. Ritch
William G. Ritch (May 4, 1830 – September 14, 1904) was acting governor of the New Mexico Territory and a member of the Wisconsin State Senate.
William G. Ritch | |
|---|---|
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| Acting Governor of New Mexico Territory | |
| In office June 3, 1875 – July 30, 1875 | |
| Preceded by | Marsh Giddings |
| Succeeded by | Samuel Beach Axtell |
| Member of the Wisconsin Senate from the 21st district | |
| In office January 8, 1868 – January 13, 1869 | |
| Preceded by | George Gary |
| Succeeded by | Ira W. Fisher |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 4, 1830 Ulster County, New York |
| Died | September 14, 1904 (aged 74) Paloma Springs, New Mexico |
| Resting place | Santa Fe National Cemetery |
| Political party | Republican |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Rank |  First Lieutenant, USV |
| Unit | 46th Reg. Wis. Vol. Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Biography
Ritch was born on May 4, 1830 in Ulster County, New York.[1] During the American Civil War, he was a first lieutenant with the 46th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment of the Union Army. He died on September 14, 1904 and was buried at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Ritch was a member of the Knights Templar.
Political career
Ritch was a member of the Wisconsin State Senate in 1868. Later, he became Secretary of the New Mexico Territory. During this time, he contributed to the design of what would later become the Seal of New Mexico. Following the death of Marsh Giddings on June 3, 1875, Ritch became acting Governor of the territory. He remained so until Samuel Beach Axtell was appointed. While acting governor, he encountered some controversy over his initial refusal to pay off the bounty hunter who shot down Billy the Kid, a decision that was eventually reversed. Ritch was a Republican.[2]
References
- "Ritch, William Gillett". Political Graveyard. Retrieved 2015-05-22.
- "Ritch, William G." Our Campaigns.com. Retrieved 2015-05-22.