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< the head would be incomplete were it not accompanied by a few words relating to that gentleman himself. At the outset it may be said that though no man in Belleville is better known, there is no man of whom less is known that may be gathered from himself. Modest and retiring to a degree, lie literally fulfills the injunction not to let the left hand know what the right hand is doing, and as a result many of his good deeds must forovor remain unchroniclod. ItM l t . TIIOS. RITCHIE. is Sknown, however, that ho is one of tho most public-spirited moii in the district, and to liim and his efforts aro duo a groat deal of the prosperity with which Belleville has boon blessed. To him was largely duo tho erection of tho groat bridge connecting (ho mainland with Prince Edward county, and indeed it has boon stated that hut for him tho project would never have boon completed, lie is president of tho bridge company, and has done much in othor ways to promote the wolf aro of tho city, notably in tho erection of tho fine now hotol which is destined lo do ,MO much in advertising tho advantages of Boilovillo as a place of resort for tourists. "Mr. Hifehio has fromiontl,y boon solicited to accept honors at tho minds of his fellow-citizen*, and were ho to offer for (ho highest oflieo in the gift of tho pooplo serious opposition would not bo thought of. Ho prefers, however, to load a peaceful private life, and seeks no 1*0ward sn vo thai: which como.s from a consciousness of duly well per- description of the mammoth establishA NY ment of which Mr. Thomas Ritchie is . formed. Mr. Ritchie lirsl- saw tho light of day h\ what \yua thon callod J5ytown (now Ottawa), in tho your 18U8, being tho son of the Into Robert Ritchie, who, having served with distinction as an artilleryman in tho historic campaigns of Sir John Moore, was sent to this country by tho imperial Government to lill tho position of ordnance store keener and barrack-m as tor at Ottawa, failing health rendering him desirous of leaving the nioro active dutios to youngor inon. leaving tho service in 1857, ho became a resident of BellevillOi whore his son George had established himself in business as a dry goods merchant. ^ That gentleman died in 1872, when tho subject of this notice, who had boon associated with him in tho business, became the head of the firm, but with his native modesty ho retains tho original firm name till this day. Mr. Ritchie has always been of a studious nature, and hi early life took tho carts course at Toronto University and the theological course at Knox College, after which ho became actively identified with tho work of the ministry in connection with tho Presbyterian Free Church. Circumstances, however, led Mr. Ritchie into mercantile life, but he has always maintained his interest in religious f and educational projects, and is one of the most constant and liberal subscribers to the circulating library of the city, and was the founder and has for years been the president of the Mechanics' Institute. He also took a loading part in the formation of tho Board of Trade and for half a decade lias held the position of president of that body. During the visit of Lord Aberdeen, the Governor-General, to this city during last summer, it fell to Mr. Ritchie to be his host, and the occasion has ever since been one of mutual satisfaction. In fact,' in a sketch of this kind it is out of the question to attempt to mention all the various ways in which Mr. Ritchie has worked towards the advancement of all laudable projects. It is, therefore, sufficient to say that no worthy object has ever found him unwilling to lend a hand, and all such have found in him a steadfast and staunch friend at all season's and under all circumstances. He is a citizen whom all delight to honor, and all know him as a thoroughly upright man and a lever of humanity. Nature has formed but few such men, and when they are found it is the privilege of all to honor them. I