County Map | Diamond | Fairview | Granby | Hornet | Joplin | Loma Linda | Monark Springs | Neosho | Newtonia | Racine
Redings Mill | Ritchey | Saginaw | Seneca | Stark City | Stella | Tipton Ford | Wentworth

Ritchey

The village of Ritchville was surveyed in 1870 by Matthew H. Ritchey and then platted for home and building sites along the new rail line that had been laid along Shoal Creek. Once a post office was established, the name of Ritchville was changed to Ritchey.

Matthew Ritchey first came to that spot in northeastern Newton County in the early 1830s. But before development, he moved away and founded the village of Newtonia, only to return to Shoal Creek when the railroad bypassed Newtonia. Wanting to utilize the railroad, Mr. Ritchey returned to found the town named in his honor.

The community grew quickly, thanks mostly to the presence of the railroad. Stores, shops, hotels and even a newspaper flourished in the town. One of the largest businesses was the Ritchey Milling Company.

Ritchey sits in a lovely spot along the creek and still has a grist mill which has been restored and is open to visitors on request.