The History of Ritson Public School

Near Ritson Public School was the homestead and farm of John Ritson, who during the pioneer life of this community (circa 1840) taught school in the vacinity of Harmony Village.

John Ritson was born in England in 1790 and came to Oshawa in 1820. He was travelling through from Ottawa when his wagon broke down at Benjamin Stone's, on Kingston Road. He decided to stay in Oshawa when he heard of the need for teachers, and so became Oshawa's first school teacher.

John married Mary Catherine Stone on December 29, 1822. He purchased land in Concession One, where present day Ritson Road is located. John and Mary had seven children, six daughters and one son.  In addition to being an educator, John Ritson took an active part in the agriculture advancement of Canada by holding various offices in connection with township fairs. In 1853 the County of Ontario Agricultural Society gave him the hororary position of First Vice-President. 

John Ritson died on October 31, 1862, and is buried in the Pioneer Cemetery on Bond Street.