The Bemidji daily pioneer., 1915-07-23
RI 6 HE NAMED
POSTIMA S1ER ToDAY Y
Former Superintendent Of Schools to
Succeed Anton Erickson as Head Of
Bemidji Office, Says Washington.
APPOINTMENT APPROVED HERE
Generally Expected That He Would
Be Choice Of Department Officials
TO Take Charge Soon.

OAASASS
To Take Charge Soon.
A. P Ritchie, for eleven years
one of Bemidji's most prominent cit
|izens and for six years superintendent
of the city schools, was today ap-
pointed postmaster to succeed Anton
Erickson, who mas held that import
ant Office seven years and who is now
completing his second term.
The Pioneer was the first to inform
Mr.. Ritchie of his appointment. He
was at his farm in the town of Be-
midi, where he has resided since re-
signing as superintendent of schools
five years ago, when he received the
news.
a. Ritchie Will Accept.
II have been candidate for the
appointment said Mr.. Ritchie, for
some time and must admit that L
fully expected to be honored with the
postmastership. I will of course ac-
cept the appointment. have not as
yet been officially Informed of my
appointment
To Take Charge Soon.
It seems probable that Mr.: Ritchie
will assume charge Of the postof1ce
the first of next month, at which time
Mr.. Erickson, whose term expires
next spring, will step out.
Mr.. Ritchie has resided in Bemidji
since 1905, it being in that year that
he came to Bemidji to accept the po-
sition of school superintendent. He
! was born on a farm in the state Of
| North Carolina and at. an early age
was brought to Minnesota by his par
ents, who settled in Wright county.
Flooding along as farmer boy un-
til he had gained his majority, hav-
ing secured what education then pos
sible in the country schools, he con-
lscluded to hew out reputation in the
world of learning. Beginning as a
school teacher his ability as tutor
soon caused the school boards
within the vicinity to recoghize his
inteiiectuaI and executive ability,
fand he. was offered the position OF
superintendent of schools at Cokato.
post which he filled for four years.
Mr.. aRitehie was next called to
Milaca, where he laboredA in the same
capacity for two years, at the expira-
ton of which he was rendered the SUI
|perintendency of Bemidji's schools,
position which he filled with gen
eral favor and in which he remained
until he returned to the life of
farmer in 1910. - i +.
Made Excellent Official.
AS superintendent of schools he
not only inaugurated new and mod
ern methods of instruction, but he
improved and made more comfortable
the surroundings of the pupils. Chief
ly through his efforts was the $4O,-
900 high school building, of which
Bemidji is so proud, built. Since his
retirement to the farm he has taken
part in all matters which might aid
the development and advancement Of
the community and is highly esteem
ed as citizen by all who know him.
Information of his appointment as
postmaster circulated among the busi-
ness men this afternoon and there
was general approval. It had been
expected for some time that Mr.. Ritz
chic would be given the appoints
ment His appointmentswas strongly
endorsed by Fred Lynch, of st. Paul,
a member of the national democratic
committee. r
The Retiring Postmaster.
Mr.. Erickson, who will retire as
postmaster after nearly eight years
of service, comes from that sturdy
| and substantial Norwegian stock
| which has been instrumental to a
large degree in the development OF
| this section. He arrived from his
native land in 1882 and settled In
Crookston, where he remained until
1882. He then came to Bemidji. At
Crookston he was prominent mem
Der of the Commercial club and for
three years was deputy sheriff. He.
has always taken an active part in
matters of public welfare and In
politics is an influence. He is q
large land owner, both as relates to-
city and country property.
No Other Changes.
It. is not likely that the appoint
ment of Mr.. Ritchie will bring with
it any other changes in the staff Of
the postot11ce, considered one Of the
most efficient of any now in the en-
ploy of the governments postofice
department.