William McClellan Ritter

William McClellan Ritter (February 19, 1864 – May 21, 1952) was an American lumberman and businessman. He was the founder of W. M. Ritter Lumber Company. Ritter was a member of the War Industries Board during World War I.

Early life William McClellan Ritter was born on February 19, 1864, in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. Ritter learned the lumber business on his family's farm in Pennsylvania. Ritter attended local schools in Pennsylvania.

Ritter was the cousin of Charles L. Ritter of Huntington, West Virginia, a lumberman and namesake of Ritter Park.

Career Ritter bought and operated a thresher and then operated a small country hotel.

During World War I, Ritter served on the War Industries Board as an advisor to Bernard Baruch. Ritter wrote a book, The Lumber Business.

In 1924, Ritter received national coverage for gifting worth of personal stock to 124 of his employees. Following the news, he was commended by President Calvin Coolidge.

Personal life In 1905, Ritter lived and worked from Columbus, Ohio. He married Anita Owen Bell on July 20, 1926, in Richmond, Virginia. They had a foster son, Paul D. Ritter.

Death Ritter died on May 21, 1952, at his home in Washington, D.C.