GEORGE B. RITTER, hair dresser, of the firm of George Ritter & Co., Springfield, was born in Germany, May 18, 1840; is the son of Konrad and Catharine Ritter, natives of Germany. Mr. Ritter came to America in January, 1852, with his parents, and landed at New Orleans, where they lived five years, during which time the family were afflicted with the yellow fever, in 1853, and but one died - a son. Mr. Ritter began his trade in New Orleans in 1854, and work there till 1857, then came with his parents to St. Louis, and after working one year, opened a shop of his own, which he sold out in 1859, from which time ti 1861, worked in New Orleans and Vicksburg. In 1861, he enlisted in the Southern army of the Potomac, and was taken prisoner by the Union army in 1863. Taking the oath of allegiance, he enlisted in the Union army, in which he remained to the close of the war, 1865; was mustered out of service, and returned to St. Louis, where he followed his trade for two years, after which he came to Springfield and formed a partnership with George Ritter, which continues under the title: George Ritter & Co. Mr. Ritter was married in St. Louis, Missouri, April 9, 1867, to Louisa E. Yehlen, and by this union have seven children - George F., Nettie, Fred W., Lena M., Ellen and Carrie E. Mrs. Ritter is a native of Switzerland. Her mother died in New Orleans in 1849, of yellow fever. Mr. Ritter is a member of the Masonic Order, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Teutonia Lodge, No. 166, Workingmen's Savings and Homestead Association, and Director of the same.