Last March I posted an article written by Clara Ritchey Adkisson about some of the pioneer families from Schuyler County, Illinois.  Ritchey’s ancestors were among those discussed.  In fact, Clara was a second cousin, twice removed.  

Clara Ann Ritchey Adkisson (1892-1967)

Clara’s articles:  Part 1 – Part 2

The following is another portion of Ritchey’s heritage from Rushville, Illinois, written by Evelyn Ritchey Neubaum, born in 1921, married Edgar John Neubaum.  She was Ritchey’s first cousin, one removed.  She and her family lived in Geneva, Nebraska, when they made their first visit back to Illinois in 1932.  During the 1977 visit, she, husband Edgar and children, lived in Oakdale, California.

Sunday, 9 December, 1990

I have just reread the account written by Clara Ritchey Adkisson about her McKee ancestors as published in the Schuyler newspaper.  It occurred to me that I am the only member of the my immediate family who would remember Clara; I want my children and grandchildren to know her, too.

When I was about eleven, Papa, Mamma, Beryl, Donald and I drove back to Illinois to visit the relatives there.  Clara and Papa were first cousins.  Clara had visited in Geneva [Nebraska] when she was younger and she, Papa and Mamma continued to correspond, so it was Clara whom we stayed with in Illinois.  We stayed with Clara, her husband, Arthur Adkisson, and her two sons, Ritchey and George.  George was perhaps two or three years older than I.  He was a real pest; I really didn’t like him.  He and brother Donald loved to play tricks on Beryl and her friend Lovina.

While there we visited Lincoln’s home in Springfield and also the Lincoln Memorial.  We visited some of the other relatives – Fred Ritchey and family, the Sands, etc.  I believe it was the Sands who had such a beautiful home and yard.  Clara was a wonderful writer (as attested to by the Schuyler newspaper article); she was also a very good cook and very friendly and hospitable.

in 1977, Donald, Beryl, Mildred, Donna, Ed and I drove back to Illinois to visit Clara’s son and grandchildren.  We stayed at Ritchey’s home.  Ritchey took us to see the McKee, Ritchey cemetery, Papa’s birthplace, the archives in Springfield, Lincoln’s home, etc.  We also met his son Arthur who is a science teacher.  I still have some geodes, archimedes screw and other fossils which he picked up for us near the Mississippi River.

We were given several family photographs of the McKees and Ritcheys by Ritchey Adkisson.  I assume that is why I now have pictures of great-great-grandfather William McKee, Sr., the Sands, the Jacob and Clara Ritchey family, etc.

Ritchey was as genial and hospitable as his mother, Clara.  We had such a good visit with him and his family.  I’m sure his children would welcome a visit with you.  Stay in touch with them.

Evelyn Ritchey Neubaum