Early Settlers

Rittman's history enriches its attraction; where industries come to flourish and families come to settle. Rittman is the only place in the United States named Rittman. The first settlers, in what now is Rittman, were William Doyle and John Coleman who took title to land on July 23, 1814. Records indicate that eight families purchased land in the northeastern part of newly formed Wayne County within a month of their neighbors. It is likely they traveled the same trails and arrived close together. These families sold portions of their land to others, and within a year other families were clearing trees, planting crops; thus begins the history of Rittman, Ohio.

William Doyle first settled the Rittman area in 1815, through a presidential land grant. Martin and Sarah Fritz and their infant son, Adam, were other early settlers. Sadly, Sarah Fritz and Adam were the first settlers to be buried in the Rittman Cemetery. Land for the cemetery had been donated by Doyle, and a school and non-denominational church were built nearby. Another church, built close to the cemetery, acquired the name of Knupp's Old Church (because the road to it ran across Jacob Knupp's farm). The restored church, located off DeCourcey Road, still stands today as a stately reminder of the area's history; it is maintained by the Rittman Historical

City of Rittman

Boards & Commissions

City of Rittman 2026

CITY CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION 2026- per Chapter 16.01 of Rittman Charter

BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS- 3 Year Term- Meeting as necessary

CEMETERY BOARD- 3 Year Term- Meeting Annually in the Spring and as necessary

PLANNING COMMISSION- 3 Year Term- Meetings as Necessary

CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION- 6 Year Term- Meetings as necessary

PUBLIC RECORDS COMMISSION- per ORDINANCE # 5353

UTILITIES & REFUSE BOARD OF REVIEW- 3 Year Term- Meetings as necessary

BOARD OF NUISANCE ABATEMENT- 3 Year Term- Meetings as necessary

WAYNE COUNTY HEALTH DISTRICT ADVISORY COUNCIL- 3 Year Term

SHADE TREE COMMISSION- 3 Year Term- Meetings as necessary

INCOME TAX BOARD OF REVIEW- No expiration date- Meetings as necessary

FIREMEN'S INDEMNITY BOARD- 1 Year Term- Meetings as necessary

COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT AREA COMMITEE- (CRA) No expiration date- Meetings as necessary

COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT CORPORATION- (CIC) No expiration date- Meetings as necessary

RITTMAN BOARD OF EDUCATION

RITTMAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE