Served in the Cherokee territory

Journal History, August 31, 1860, LR 1562 2: In October, 1856, an order was issued by the chief of the Cherokees for all Mormon Elders to leave the nation forthwith. Thus all the missionaries united to labor among the Creeks with the exception of Elder Wm. Ritchie, who remained among the Cherokees unmolested by avoiding public speaking. Elder Ritchie was a faithful minister to the Cherokees, and although unsuccessful in baptizing any he bore a faithful testimony to these natives. Considering his age and bodily infirmities he certainly did more labors than many others would have done under the same circumstances.