Third Generation

14. Franz RITTER Jr.^1,11 was born on 26 Aug 1741 in Exeter Township, Berks Co., PA. He died on 24 Jul 1825 in Exeter Township, Berks Co., PA. He was buried in Schwarzwald Reformed Church, Exeter Township, PA. Franz and Barbara also had an un-named son who died as an infant on Christmas 1768. Family members listed check with 1790 US Census. It is a matter of interest that the first printing press constructed in Berks County was designed and constructed by John and Jacob Schneider and Franz Ritter. The press was built in the Schneider blacksmith shop at Snyderville, now know as Limekiln, on the Oley and Exeter Township border. On this hand operated press, which required two men to operate, the first issue of Der Readinger Adler was printed on 25 November 1796. The paper was started by Jacob Schneider and George Gerrish. In 1797 Franz purchased a half interest in Der Reading Adler and thus began a long envolvement of the Ritter's in the publishing business.

Franz RITTER Jr. and Barbara SCHNEIDER were married about 1765. Barbara SCHNEIDER^1,11 (daughter of Peter SCHNEIDER and Eva Appolonia YOUNGMAN) was born on 9 Oct 1745 in Oley Township, Berks Co., PA. She died on 12 Jan 1816 in Exeter Township, Berks Co., PA. She was buried in Schwarzwald Reformed Church, Exeter Township, PA. Franz RITTER Jr. and Barbara SCHNEIDER had the following children:

+65	i.	Elizabeth RITTER.
66	ii.	Catharine RITTER was born on 8 Nov 1772 in Exeter Township, Berks Co., PA. She died on 15 Jan 1773 in Exeter Township, Berks Co., PA.
67	iii.	Daniel RITTER was born on 16 Nov 1773 in Exeter Township, Berks Co., PA. He died on 16 Mar 1775 in Exeter Township, Berks Co., PA.
+68	iv.	Daniel RITTER.
+69	v.	John RITTER.
70	vi.	Susanna RITTER1,19 was born on 23 Aug 1781 in Exeter Township, Berks Co., PA. She died on 7 Aug 1826. Maybe the Susanna who married Peter Guldin, per Rev Johann Wilhelm Boos records.. Not mentioned in Montgomery's History of Berks County, may have been an infant death.
+71	vii.	Jacob RITTER.
+72	viii.	Catharine RITTER.
73	ix.	Maria Barbara RITTER1,19 was born on 30 Jan 1788 in Exeter Township, Berks Co., PA. Married Samuel Christian.
+74	x.	Samuel RITTER.